New Volkswagen Golf GTI Reportedly Gets 296 HP - Mk8 GTI Specs

Volkswagen recently unveiled its all-new Mk 8 Golf hatchback, so you know what that means, right? Yep, a new high-performance GTI is on the way. According to a presentation slide published by Autocar, it'll pack up to 296 horsepower.

Shown above, a leaked image of what looks to be the new GTI published by Instagram user wilcoblok.

Judging by the presentation slide published by Autocar, the new GTI will come in two trims, a base car with 241 horsepower and a TCR-branded model with 296 horsepower. We've reached out to a Volkswagen representative to confirm the slide's legitimacy, and will update this article if we hear back.

This strategy is similar to the Mk 7's base and performance package trims, which made 210 and 220 horsepower, respectively. Autocar says 0-60 for the new car will drop below six seconds, and top speed will be 155 mph. It's expected to be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

The 296-horsepower number would place the Mk 8 Golf GTI neatly between the 275-horsepower Hyundai Veloster N and the 306-horsepower Honda Civic Type R, two of the car's main competitors.

The new car, Autocar reports, will use a revamped version of the current 2.0-liter turbocharged engine found in the current GTI, but contrary to previous plans, won't be paired to a mild-hybrid system. It'll reportedly only be available in five-door hatchback form, and receive a MacPherson strut suspension setup up front, with a multilink system in the rear. Much focus has been put into improving steering feel from the car's electrically assisted setup.

Also listed in the presentation slide is output for the next-gen Golf R, at 328 horsepower. That's 36 more horsepower than the current version. It's likely to retain its all-wheel drive layout to differentiate itself enough from the rest of the performance Golf range.

Volkswagen told us last year that while the regular Golf's U.S. availability has yet to be decided, the Mk 8 GTI and Golf R will be making it stateside. We can't wait.

More GTI goodness:

• How the VW GTI Changed The Automotive World
• How Much the Golf GTI Has Evolved in 40 Years
• Archive Dive: 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit GTI

This article, originally published January 16th, 2020, has been updated with new information on GTI and Golf R power outputs.

Brian SilvestroFormer Lead Deputy Editor, Rankings Content

Brian Silvestro was Hearst Autos' former lead deputy editor for rankings content. He spent over seven years as a staff writer for Road & Track Magazine where he contributed car reviews, industry interviews, and more. He has a taste for high-mileage, rusted-out projects and amateur endurance racing.