RE: VW Golf GTI: UK Drive
Discussion
While I know nothing about the car itself, I have to say that this:
Anyone remember those speaker kits you used to be able to get that produced fake dump-valve sounds?
Article said:
"VW has developed what it calls a ‘sound generator’, which is a device situated on the engine side of the bulkhead that receives signals from the engine management system to produce an ‘authentic’ sound track during spirited driving"
Is beyond sad Anyone remember those speaker kits you used to be able to get that produced fake dump-valve sounds?
Symbolica said:
While I know nothing about the car itself, I have to say that this:
Why?Article said:
"VW has developed what it calls a ‘sound generator’, which is a device situated on the engine side of the bulkhead that receives signals from the engine management system to produce an ‘authentic’ sound track during spirited driving"
Is beyond sad I dunno, maybe many modern efficient engines don't lend themselves to producing a good 'soundtrack'. Would you tell the VW engineers to redesign their masterpiece because it doesn't "sound right"?!
paultownsend said:
my step dad has a mk5 ed30 dsg. and i can tell you its every bit as fun to drive as my mk2 golf. nimble and feels light on its feet. good linear power too. the 2.0 abf 16v im building in garage may tip the scales again though 
ABF Mk2s are a hell of a lot of fun. Trend right now is to bang a 1.8T with a garrett upgrade in but I'd go ABF every time (well, I'd go supercharged VR6 every time but you know what I mean) 
As an owner of MK2 16v I thought the MK5 was the first GTI in years to get the balance right of grin-ability and practicality to use as a daily/only driver, but I wish that VW had some balls and release a 'RS' style GTI, like the Focus RS is to the ST, GT3 is to a 'normal' 911 or R26 to the 'normal' Megane. 300 bhp or more, a little bit lighter and maybe a bit more raw. VW is (and probably always has been) a bit sensible nowaday.
swamp said:
Symbolica said:
While I know nothing about the car itself, I have to say that this:
Why?Article said:
"VW has developed what it calls a ‘sound generator’, which is a device situated on the engine side of the bulkhead that receives signals from the engine management system to produce an ‘authentic’ sound track during spirited driving"
Is beyond sad I dunno, maybe many modern efficient engines don't lend themselves to producing a good 'soundtrack'. Would you tell the VW engineers to redesign their masterpiece because it doesn't "sound right"?!
I drove the GTi about 10 days ago when on a trip in south Wales, only a fairly short but sprited drive and i loved it..
its not FRS /R26.R fast at all BUT its comfy, quick, handles well and cocks a wheel on roundabouts when pushing..
not sure how PH didnt see the benefit of the adaptive drive as this helped.. steering feels fairly composed and direct, SPORT mode helps stiffen the lot up and handle better when throwing around B roads at a fair pace.
also even at 12 leptons the car felt tight, safe and had a fair more bit of go..
end of rant.
its not FRS /R26.R fast at all BUT its comfy, quick, handles well and cocks a wheel on roundabouts when pushing..
not sure how PH didnt see the benefit of the adaptive drive as this helped.. steering feels fairly composed and direct, SPORT mode helps stiffen the lot up and handle better when throwing around B roads at a fair pace.
also even at 12 leptons the car felt tight, safe and had a fair more bit of go..
end of rant.
NiceCupOfTea said:
One word: boring.
Yep, that or a second hand RS4 for a bit more practicality... (which is what I'm looking for and should have bought instead of the Golf..)slowDC5 said:
Lets see, 208hp GTi or 265hp WRX for the same price....
996 turbo for me thanks.I know we are (once again) comparing used with new, but if you had £26-28k to spend, a used car would be a realistic option (depending on your mileage...)
paultownsend said:
my step dad has a mk5 ed30 dsg. and i can tell you its every bit as fun to drive as my mk2 golf. nimble and feels light on its feet. good linear power too. the 2.0 abf 16v im building in garage may tip the scales again though
Not quite as adjustable as the mk2 though is it - my mk 2 didn't stop me heel and toeing, trail braking or have a stability control system that can't be swtiched off properly. And don't forget you're comparing old and worn mk2 with fresh mk5.By all accounts the mk6's stability system is more intrusive and overbearing than that fitted to the mk5. Another good to drive on the road but sadly all too blunted VAG tool. Not one for the enthusiast.
Matt_ said:
I doubt people looking at hot hatches and the like are going to be able to afford to run a V8 saloon or a supercar though.
What a ridiculous comment with no basis in fact whatsoever. Have you ever actualy driven around the multi-million pound homes in places like St Johns Wood and Hamstead and seen what many seriously rich people drive? And how practical is a V8 or supercar when 95% of your driving is in inner-city London?Spiritual_Beggar said:
swamp said:
Symbolica said:
While I know nothing about the car itself, I have to say that this:
Why?Article said:
"VW has developed what it calls a ‘sound generator’, which is a device situated on the engine side of the bulkhead that receives signals from the engine management system to produce an ‘authentic’ sound track during spirited driving"
Is beyond sad I dunno, maybe many modern efficient engines don't lend themselves to producing a good 'soundtrack'. Would you tell the VW engineers to redesign their masterpiece because it doesn't "sound right"?!
Viz:
In the top image you can see the factory-fit the sound pipe, running up the left of the engine cover.
In the lower image it has been removed, presumably to take out the separation losses the original pipe would have introduced to the intake.
Edited by dxg on Sunday 7th June 14:18
alex789 said:
Surely the idea of the GTI is that its a fairly understated comfortable hot hatch that you can use every day and thats the market its aiming at. However good the Focus RS it would be just a little bit too thirsty and chavved up dare I say for the majority of people in everyday driving.
Thats exactly it..you won't see any @ trackdays and the majority wont be driven hard.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff