Will VW Introduce a Performance Diesel GTI?

While our diesels may pale in comparison to those available in Europe, promises from fuel companies to produce low-sulphur,

Insiders are suggesting that Volkswagen is preparing a high-performance turbodiesel for use in the upcoming three-door GTI hatchback. (Photo: Volkswagen Canada)

high-quality fuels mean that Europe's cutting edge technology might very well find its way onto our shores. Diesel is reshaping the landscape of traditional vehicles, especially in the world of sports cars. Firms like Jaguar and BMW, with their twin-turbocharged six-cylinder diesels, have shown that low-lag, high-torque engines can hang with the best gasoline engines, delivering better in-gear acceleration and less fuel consumption.

The biggest changes, however, are expected to come from Volkswagen. Currently, we've already been introduced to the high-torque, high-technology PD-TDI motors which deliver more power than ever before. Insiders are suggesting that Volkswagen is preparing a high-performance

VW hasn't added any performance diesel models to its car lineup, but insiders suggest that there's one just around the bend. (Photo: Volkswagen Canada)

turbodiesel for use in the upcoming three-door GTI hatchback. While our North American GTIs have always been equipped with either a base Golf engine, or the more powerful 1.8T or VR6 gasoline motors, we've never had the opportunity to sample a TDI-powered variant.

Volkswagen previously concocted a limited-run specialty performance version for the last-generation Golf. Sold as the TDI-150, it packed a walloping 150 horsepower out of 1.9 liters. It made our North American diesel models, which still only put out 100 hp, look rather weak-kneed. Currently, VW hasn't added any performance diesel models to its car lineup, but insiders suggest that there's one just around the bend.