2010 Volkswagen GTI
September 29, 2008 – 9:28 am by Dan Volkens
Filed under Featured, Photo Galleries, Volkswagen GTI
Volkswagen recently threw down official photos of the upcoming 2010 GTI on the revised MkVI platform. Talk about quick turn around on model generations. Sounds like there was some dissention in the Volkswagen bighead ranks over the current model generation’s design direction… and cooler heads prevailed.
Both the subtle and not-so-subtle design changes are supposed to hearken back to the O.G. GTI with straighter, cleaner, no-bull lines and flow. I like the revised front grill far better than the current “waterfall grill” generation, although that look has grown on me. Photos of the beastly hatch below. Tell us what you think!

























All I’m interested in is this – what is the replacement going to be for the R32? When is it going to be released, and crucially is it finally going to do 0-60 in under 6 secs with a DSG gearbox?
Hey Bemused, I have recently heard of an R42 pushing 350hp in the works referenced here on Autoblog.com. Don’t know yet whether it will carry a DSG transmission only (prolly 7 speed), or have a manual option as well. Regardless, it sounds AWESOME! lol
Thanks Dan – hadn’t seen that reference before. R42 sounds like the business alright. I currently have a 2008 GTi DSG – love everything about it bar (a) the fairly constant front wheelspin in any remotely damp conditions and (b) the lack of real firepower on the acceleration front. I test drove the R32 but hated the front grille and rear exhaust cluster – much too ‘boy racer’ for my tastes. The R42 seems like the perfect choice for me (presumably that engine will get it sub-6 secs without any difficulty) – pity I’m going to have to wait until 2010 though…..
True that Bemused. It’s too bad my wife and I are trying to save up to pay off our cars. Maybe by that time I can throw down for one? :D We’ll see.
The new GTI definetly looks better, with good gas mileage and still sporty.
Hopefully they’ll add some proper (individual) options to it. That was missing on the current one (in the usa).
All-wheel drive is on the top of my list.
I like the new design, both inside and out. I’m also fine with power only increasing to 211hp as long as they shave a few pounds and improve efficiency. I hear it may have a new electronic diff and selective damping suspension. Now let’s just pray for improved reliability.
I’m a 53 year old who was unable to afford the original GTI when I was a struggling student back in the early 80’s. I made up for that 2 years ago when I bought a MkV. For me it possesses the “soul” of that original model- fast, fun and a hauling friend when you need it. When I drive it hard it makes me feel some of that personal “juice” that I felt 20+ years ago. The new MkVI just makes me say: “Yes, more please”. There is a reason why the original GTI was named one of the 20 greatest automobiles of all time by Automobile Magazine. Maybe in 2010 I’ll get the plaid seats over the leather!
Plaid seats all the way! I bought my 2008 GTI in January. I don’t think I could have waited until now, so I’m still a happy customer.
I own a 2003 GTI and could not justify buying the slower MKV, about a 0.9 second loss from 0-60. I love the new styling and the added performance of the MKVI. VW finally wised up with the MKVI; I don’t know what they were thinking with the MKV. I think I’ll wait for the “Plus” version to come out. I live in Denver and I think the all wheel drive will help with the cold snowy nights that I have come to dread.
I love the 2010 look of the front grill! It makes it look way more sleek and even more ready for speed. I have an 07′ and I LOVE IT. I can’t wait to see the new R32 style, that would be the only thing worth trading for!
just send me a convertible 2010 GTI santa….
Just send me a convertible GTI or Beetle. I hear the newer beetles are going to really be nuts.
Aside from the fun-to-drive aspect, I like a car that looks aggressive and stands out from the crowd. After seeing pictures of the 2010 GTI I opted to not wait and bought a 2009. To my eyes, the new front end results in the GTI no longer standing out as unique amongst the crowd.