First Images of Volkswagen Golf GTI MkVI Leak Online Ahead of Paris Debut

Today the first images of the Volkswagen Golf GTI MkVI have found their way to the net ahead of the model's planned unveiling at the Paris Motor Show next week. The model isn't due to be released on the market until Spring 2009, so we expect the show car to carry a concept label, but little will change once the model hits the production line.

Strong styling inspiration comes from the GTI W12 650 Concept starting with its wide reaching center grille. The front bumper features a one piece air intake and a set of fog lights that are so wide on the bumper they are almost on the fender panels, but do a great job of inducing a widebody appearance. The rear gets a twin exhaust set up housed around the diffuser whilst the popular GTI wheels from the MkV are retained for the new generation.

Technically the new GTI hasn't changed much, possibly to stop the model from stepping on the toes of the new Scirocco, the engine gets a power boost of 10bhp taking total output to 207bhp whilst emissions are down by 11g/km. The improved figures were achieved with a new induction system and for the first time on a GTI, Volkswagen have introduced its new electronic limited-slip differential which they call XDS.