In 1970 VW set up the “Centre for Future Research” to design a “powertrain for the future”. The unit was lead by Adolf Kalberlah, an electro-chemist who specialised in battery research. Kalberlah was ideally suited to develop a system to power a VW T2 Camper. The project took Kalberlah just two years to get the Volkswagen camper on the road, a mighty achievement.
It wasn’t until 2014 that Volkswagen introduced the GTE brand in the form of the plug-in hybrid VW Golf GTE, released in 2014 at the Geneva Motor Show. The Golf GTE platform shared technology with Audi’s A3 Sportback e-tron powertrain with VW software. The first production Golf GTE was delivered during the fourth quarter of 2014 and was later joined by the Passat GTE in 2015. The mk1 Golf GTD came on to the market in 1982, featuring a 70bhp Garrett gtd system / KKK turbocharged 1.6-litre engine capable of delivering a 0-62mph time of 13.5 seconds and a top speed of 96mph. While these stats may seem mundane when compared with today’s advanced modern diesel engines, however, these were impressive stats in an era of plain non-turbo assisted diesels. So when a concept using the Scirocco base was declared “undriveable” by Volkswagen’s Chief of Research Ernst Fiala the GTI story could have ended there.
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Ultimately, Ford could have invested all of this time and effort into a potent powertrain, a trick suspension, and a wild aero package, and it could be handicapped by tires. Fortunately, the team at Ford wasn’t going to let rubber get in the way of maximum performance. This should also help your team of skilled engineers quickly make adjustments when you’re in the paddock. It also means you’re not going to have too much space for your groceries, as the rear suspension fills the trunk space. The automaker is keeping the GTD’s final weight under wraps for the time being.
- With the push of a button, the GTD’s body drops approximately 1.6 inches in order to make the most of its aerodynamic package.
- If you are an automotive enthusiast, you can’t but get excited by the simple three initials GTI.
- It is difficult to believe that Volkswagen had any doubts about the popularity of their GTI hot hatch.
- Volkswagen’s first GTD inherited many of the sporty markings seen in the GTI.
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That said, Ford didn’t mention what audio system or infotainment screen is heading to the cabin. Though we’re sure you probably won’t care when you’re ripping this around a track. That power travels through a carbon-fiber driveshaft that feeds an eight-speed transaxle.
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This helps better place the suspension’s weight, while also looking incredibly cool. A dry-sump oil system should allow the engine to keep all eight cylinders sufficiently lubricated on the track. Even with this addition, the engine maintains the same mounting position as the GT500. An available titanium exhaust made by Akrapovic blows hot air out of two large pipes that protrude from the rear fascia. From there, the rear of the Mustang shell undergoes surgery to fit the GTD’s transaxle, which contains a Tremec eight-speed dual-clutch transaxle. Ford tells us there’s still some trunk space under the transaxle-cooler’s ducting and radiator, but we didn’t get to see it.
The Mustang GTD sports carbon-fiber fenders, hood, trunk cover, roof, front splitter, and rear diffuser. The hood and fenders are also vented to help keep hot air out of the engine bay. The GTE is a sporting brand that will become increasingly more popular in the future for Volkswagen. While it is easy to think that electric cars are relatively new, Volkswagen has been working on electric automotive technology since the 1970s.
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We assume the GTD includes a launch-control system so it can make the most of the traction provided by the mammoth 345/30ZR-20 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R rear tires. Up front, Ford fits the GTD with 325/30ZR-20 rubber, among the widest tires we can recall seeing fit to the front end of a production car. Thanks to the enthusiasts, innovators and fans who have shared their creations with us, providing the inspiration for the Veedubs apparel collection. If you were waiting for the absurd, over-the-top performance version of Ford’s latest Mustang, you probably thought you’d see something in a year or two.
The individual VW red and grey checked tartan fabric, red piping, and golf ball gear lever have all become instantly identifiable within Volkswagen GTI range. The tinted glass of the prototype vehicle limited our view of the interior. Nevertheless, we caught sight of the latest Mustang’s large gauge cluster and infotainment screens, as well as a pair of racing-style Recaro front seats. Befitting its big wing, the GTD’s options menu includes a 3-D–printed rotary shifter and shift paddles made from the titanium parts of a Lockheed Martin F-22.
This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. Beyond the lightweight exhaust, the extensive use of carbon fiber helps squeeze performance out of the latest Mustang platform.
