The Watercooled VW History & Specs - Golf Xtreme
Mkl 1600 '77-81
The original 1600 Golf GTI was the result of some after hour's development fun by a bunch of Wolfsburg engineers. A prototype was first exhibited at the 1975 Frankfurt Motor Show. Approval was given by VW top brass to produce just 5000 to qualify it for competition purposes. At the heart of the high-performance Golf was an engine first used in an Audi 80 GT. The original 1471cc unit was bored out from 76.5 to 79.5 mm, resulting in an increase in capacity to 1588cc. There were larger diameter inlet valves, as well as revised inlet and exhaust manifolds. From the VW parts bin came a Bosch K-Jetronic fuel-injection system used on American-spec Audi 80s. Other modifications included an oil cooler, oil temperature gauge and rev counter. Power -- all 110 bhp of it -- was delivered through a larger clutch to a standard Golf gearbox; although the final drive ratio was changed from 3.9:1 to 3.7:1. Specially rated Bilstein shock absorbers, backed up by anti-roll bars all round, kept it on the tarmac. The suspension remained at the original ride height, but was soon lowered by 20 mm. Providing the grip were 175/70HR tyres attached to 5.5 in wheel rims. Ventilated discs at the front, backed up by a larger servo, brought the Golf to a sort of halt. Introduced in October 1976, it was available to special order only in the UK, in left-hand drive. Specialist companies like GTI offered conversions, but the official imports arrived in July 1979, complete with wrap-around bumpers. January 1980 saw the introduction of the fivespeed gearbox, with closer ratios, dropping the 0-G0 mph time from 9.1 to 8.5 seconds, and increasing top speed from 112 to 113 mph. Alloys were standardised. September 1980, and along came a new dash with warning lights, digital clock, extra fresh-air vents and striped, rather than checked, trim. September 1981 saw the arrival of windscreen pillar air deflectors, larger rear light clusters, angled door pulls and bigger door bins.
Mkl 1800 '82-84
In September 1982, the GTI got a major upgrade when the 1600 was bored out from 79.5 mm to 81 mm. The stroke went up to 86.4 mm and the 1781cc unit was born. Also the pistons and connecting rods were lightened. The valve size was increased and cylinder head modified. With a compression ratio of 10:1, mid-range torque improved. Its peak 109 Ibf.ft was delivered at 3500 rpm, whilst all 112 bhp arrived at 5800 rpm. The 0-60 mph dropped to a startling 8.2 seconds, and top speed climbed to 114 mph. Inside there was a temperature and economy gauge, showing mpg, and the legendary windscreen wiper stalk-operated MFA on board computer. August 1983 saw the Campaign model, designed to shift the remaining GTIs. This had a four-headlamp grille, Pirelli 6Jx14 in P slot alloys with 185/60HR-14 tyres. Standard equipment included sunroof, tinted glass, metallic paint and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.
MKl Cabriolet '79-93
Karmann took the MKl bodyshell, strengthened it to increase its weight to 136 kg, and created the best convertible money could buy in 1979. Modifications were pretty much as with the hatchback Golf. The GLi had the 1588cc GTI engine and suspension, while the GLS had uprated trim -- but only a 70 bhp, 1457cc engine. In 1982, the 1.8 GTI engine was installed into the GLi, and the GLS got a 1595cc unit. For 1981, the dash was upgraded. Sports seats and a lockable glovebox became part of the specification by 1983. The GTI designation was finally adopted in 1985. In 1988, VW modernised the bodywork with rounded bumpers, integrated front spoiler, rear apron and more prominent wheelarches. Also, a 1.8 carburettor-fed Clipper replaced the old 1.6 GL. For 1990, a power hood was added to the spec. There have been plenty of special editions, from the 'All White' and 'All Black' in 1986. Sportline and Rivage, 1991-92, with BBS and Recaros, are the best.
MK2 8v '84-91
The Golf grew up in February 1984. The wheelbase was lengthened by 75 mm, the track by 23 mm {front) and 50 mm (rear), while the overall length increased by 170 mm and the width by 55 mm. The car's weight increased from 840 kg to 920 kg, yet it wasn't any the more sluggish for it. Indeed, thanks to its new rounded edges, drag was dramatically reduced from 0.42 to 0.34 cd. The GTI was pretty much as the standard car, except for disc brakes fitted all round. The 1.8 engine still produced 112 bhp at 5800 rpm, reached 60 mph in just over eight seconds and had a new top speed of 119 mph. The spec for UK cars was generous at first, including P slot alloys and sunroof -- although these were deleted from the three-door and transferred to the five-door version, which arrived in February 1985. From February 1987, ABS brakes became optional. In August, in came a new-shape grille, left-hand parking wipers and central rear VW badge, while out went the front quarterlight. The 8-valve now had Digifant engine management and new trim, and the five-doors got steelies as standard. Special equipment models in the summer of 1988 celebrated production of 10 million Golfs. The spec included seven-spoke alloys, central locking, multi-stripe trim and tinted rear lights. Available in Helios Blue, metallic black and Oak Green, they proved a big success. In August 1989, the so-called big bumpers arrived; whilst on the mechanical front, a cat became optional -- but 12-hole steel wheels were now standard. October 1990 and power-steering, tinted glass and central locking were fitted to the 8-valve. 1991 was the run-out year for the model, so in October the equipment package was uprated to include BBS alloy wheels, partiallysmoked rear light lenses, electric front windows and 16-valve-style rainbow upholstery. Metallic paint finish was now a no-cost option. The MK2 model range was officially discontinued in February 1992.
MK2 16v '87-91
September 1986 was an important date -- that's when Wolfsburg gave us the 16-valve Golf. The only clue that this had eight valves more than the standard GTI was a bright red badge below the logo -- and if you took a tape measure to it, you'd find it 10 mm closer to the ground. Under the arches sat stiffer springs -- 10 per cent more (front), 20 per cent more (rear) -with modified shocks and anti-roll bars. Even the ventilated front discs were larger, at 265 mm, helped out by beefier brake pistons all round. The 6 in rims wore 185/60VR-14 tyres, and the standard spec included central locking, electric windows and sunroof. The really important component though, lay beneath the bonnet. A cast-alloy, thermally-hardened 16-valve cylinder head, operated by two counter-rotating, chain-driven camshafts. Both shifted competition-spec inlet and exhaust valves and were mated to hydraulic tappets. The set-up needed an oil pump from a diesel engine to stay lubricated. A 10:1 compression ratio and Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system helped increase power by more than 24 per cent over the 8-valve. A bhp of 139 at 6300 rpm and peak torque of 121.5 Ibf.ft at 4600 rpm, translated into a 129 mph top speed and 60 mph in just over seven seconds. Developments were pretty much as the 8-valve, although in February 1987, 16-valves were offered with nasty digital dashs -- but few were actually ordered. Everyone wanted the special equipment versions in summer 1988, though. In August 1989, big bumpers arrived, with front fog-lamps and larger side rubbing strips. Although smoked rear lamp clusters and BBS alloys were fitted, out went electric windows. Power steering was now part of the spec. January 1990 welcomed the five-door 16-valve. In November, electric windows reappeared on the spec sheet. October 1991, and a Panasonic RDS pull-out radio/cassette became standard. Like the 8-valve, the model was discontinued in February 1992.
Rallye/G60 '89-90
In 1989, Volkswagen took the Synchro four-wheel-drive system and attached it to a heavily revised and supercharged 1.8, to create the Rallye. With an 80.6 mm bore and 86.4 mm stroke, the displacement was 1763cc. A compression ratio of 8:1 and maximum supercharged boost pressure of 0.65 bar, meant that the engine produced 160 bhp at 5600 rpm. It was controlled by a Digifant electronic injection and the transmission was the five-speed 'box previously used in the Passat. Suspension was similar to the 16-valve, except that the springs and shock absorbers had higher damping rates and stronger anti-roll bars. The Rallye sat on 6Jx15 in multi-spoke alloy wheels, wearing 205/50VR-15 tyres. It took just 7.6 seconds to reach 60 mph, and top speed was 130 mph. The bodywork was different, with front and rear bumpers remoulded to include aprons. There were extended steel wheelarches, rectangular headlamps and a three-bar grille. Less than 70 were officially imported into the UK, and most had half-leather, electric windows and sunroof 'Lux' specification - although many on the Continent were as basic as the GTI. The Rallye was a limited production model, with no more than 5000 being built. So VW used the knowledge and technology gained in the Rallye project to come up with the G60. Mechanically, it was slightly different from the Railye, with 5 mm extra ride height -- although it was still 20 mm lower at the front and 10 mm lower at the rear than a standard GTI. Most were frontwheel drive with a 1781cc 8-valve GTI unit and G-Lader supercharger. It still produced 150 bhp. Hitched up to a new HQ gearbox, with a decent set of Iow and closely-spaced ratios, top speed was 134 mph, and 60 mph was arrived at in just 7.1 seconds. It was available as a three or five-door, with just a subtle G60 badge for ID. Edition One special equipment packs added electric Recaros and leather steering wheel and gearstick gaiter.
Mk3 Golf 8V '91-98
The all new Golf arrived in 1992, and was promptly christened 'Car of the Year' -- but not 'Hot Hatch of the Year'. That's because it was bigger, safer and heavier. Despite that blobby body being very slippery, with a drag factor between 0.30 and 0.33, it was seriously heavy. The original GTI weighed 844 kg, and the MK3 was up to 1032 kg. The power-to weight ratio had slipped from 133 bhp per ton to 113. That translated into a top speed of 124 mph and a sluggish 0-60 mph time of 8.7 seconds -surprising, as the new GTI had a larger 2.0-Jitre engine with Digifant multipoint electronic fuel injection system and regulated catalytic converter. With an enlarged bore and stroke at 82.5 mm and 92.8 mm respectively, the output rose to 115 bhp at 5400 rpm. At least it looked the part, with its colour-coded two-bar grille, black wheelarches and bumper extension, rear spoiler, tinted rear light clusters, 6.5Jxl 5 in Long Beach alloys and twin exhaust pipes. Inside came sports seats, electric windows, on board computer and height-adjustable sports steering wheel. Handling-wise it was a lot softer and more refined. Basically, it was a modified Mk2 set-up with standard power steering. From September 1992 came split rear seats and, a year later, passenger seat height adjustment formed part of the package. October 1994 was safety month, as ABS brakes, driver's airbag and immobiliser were included -- but a sunroof became a cost option. July 1995 saw the arrival of rounded side indicators and a beesting aerial. May 1996 marked the 20th anniversary of the GTI, hence the 600 unit limited-edition Anniversary, with red alloys and traditional golf ball gearknob. King of the limited editions though was the Colour Concept, in April 1995, available in yellow, red, blue or green, with matching leather Recaros, silver-faced instruments and 6.5 in Solitude alloys. Eight-valve deleted in November 1997.
MK3 16v '93-98
Two years after the 2.0-litre 8-valve GTI failed to impress anyone greatly, Volkswagen decided that what the world needed was another 16-valve version, which was launched in January 1993. Beneath the familiar 16valve head was the 2.O-litre unit, which produced 150 bhp at 6000 rpm and was quite different from the units fitted to the Corrado and Passat. New valves and revised breathing were intended to provide extra power and Iow-down torque. Acceleration improved, which meant that 60 mph arrived in around eight seconds. Top speed was a useful 134 mph. The five-speed gearbox was a carry over from the GTI, as was the suspension -- unfortunately. So it was secure, safe, but a bit roly-poly, and still not enough fun. Interestingly, it came with the traction control system, as used on the VR6, which meant that it worked with the ABS system to eliminate torque steer (weaving as you bury the throttle) by monitoring the speed of the driving wheels. Standard specification was pretty much as the 8-valve, plus 6.53x15 in Monte Carlo alloy wheels with 205/50R-15V tyres, but still a space saver in the boot, bee-sting aerial with amplifier, plus a brake lining wear indicator. September 1993 heralded the arrival of passenger seat height adjustment, as the five-door model got rear electric windows. For October 1994, a driver's airbag and engine immobiliser were fired. July 1995 saw the arrival of those neat rounded wing-mounted indicators. May 1996 -- the GTI's 20th anniversary year -- saw the launch of the limited-edition Anniversary. Just 150 were imported in three- and fivedoor body styles, at a cost of £16,995 and £11,425, respectively. They had alloy wheels, which were painted red, plus the traditional and longmissed golf ball gearknob. When it came to the interior trim, that was 'Sportsline' -- slightly chequered flag in design -- with red bumper stripes and GTI badging. Discontinued in November 1997.
MK3 Cabriolet '94-98
New generation A3, or MK3 Karmann convertibles, were launched in January 1994. Badged as a Cabriolet, there was a choice of two models: the entry level 1.8 with standard 90 bhp engine or, for those wanting something sportier, the 2.0 Avantgarde. Well, if you could call it sportier: the 115 bhp had to deal with even more weight, meaning 60 mph took at least 11 seconds, while top speed was just 118 mph. Specifications matched the hatches pretty much, with side impact beams, driver and passenger airbags, sports seats, electric windows, colour-keyed bumpers and mirrors and a folding rear seat. The Avantgarde added alloys, sports suspension and a handy power hood. From August 1994 you could even order a 75 bhp version if you were in no hurry. Otherwise, the Cabriolet has been turned into several special editions: 120 Rolling Stones (a fossilised pop group) and just 30 Pink Floyds (geriatric, psychedelic rockers). The MK3 is still going strong with MK4 body panels.
MK3 VR6 '92-98
February 1992, a good month and year as it turned out because Volkswagen decided to plumb the VR6 unit into a Golf. The result was a VR6. Unfortunately the little Golf got the 2.8 174 bhp unit from the Passat rather than the 2.9 190 bhp version as seen in the Corrado, but never mind. The narrow 15-degree engine sat snugly and transversely between the front wheels. It was managed by the five-speed gearbox from the GTI, but suitably modified and strengthened to cope with the power. The traction control unit was also there to do the same job working with the ABS to keep wheelspin to a minimum and working exclusively at speeds below 25 mph. It was a potent package, 60 mph came up in around 7 seconds and the top speed was just short of 140 mph. The suspension was uprated, but arguably still as soft, meaning that the handling could have been better, but at least it was refined, which always was VW's intention. The specification comprised, front foglamps, leather steering wheel, rear headrests, electric glass tilt/slide sunroof and Isola cloth upholstery. It ran on 6.5 BBS cross spokes with 205/50R 15V tyres. For September '92 there was height adjustment for the passenger seat and a fully electronic ignition. February '93 saw a four-speed auto become an option, not as bad as it sounds as it suits the VR6. By September driver and passenger airbags were standard. In October 1994 an engine immobiliser was finally fitted. In July 1995 body coloured bumpers and wheelarch mouldings were added. More important though was the Highline from April 1995. Manual air conditioning, leather trim, walnut topped gearlever, heated seats and either Black Pearl, or Purple Violet Pearl metallic paintwork which the hide would match. Both the standard and Highline VR6 were discontinued in November 1997.
Polo '76-94
The Polo isn't the most exciting VW. Back in March '75 it was nothing more than a Iow spec 40 bhp Audi 50 which came to the UK in Oct '76. From Feb '77 the booted Derby version was launched. Still not too hot. From '81 the Polo got a revised body and that included a slightly funky three-door coupe, although really it was just a hatch. Launched in Jan '83 it might have had some red paint on the grille like a GTI, plus front and rear spoilers, a centre console and plastic trims on wheelarches and sills, but underneath the bonnet was a 1093cc, 50 bhp, four-speed slug. VW tried to sex it up a bit with a 1272cc, 55 bhp lump in Sep '83, but even calling it Coupe S, sticking four lights on grille, a rev counter, sports seats and steering wheel, couldn't hide the fact that this was another slow old slug. But the spec improvements kept coming, as a steel sliding roof was standardised in Sep '86 along with the economy rather than performance minded Four+E gearbox. Aug '87 saw alloys and twin-jet washer nozzles. VW nicked the steel sunroof back in Sep '88 and the Polo looked dark and dingy again. Despite a naff Parade special edition it was a good job the GT came along in Nov '90. Multi-point fuel injection was connected to the 1272cc lump and it pumped out a mighty 72 bhp. 60 mph came up in 14.5 seconds and top speed was 95 mph. Fitted with a catalyser and rectangular headlamps, wraparound indicators, red inserts in the bumpers and a three-spoke steering wheel, things were starting to look more serious. In fact, the really serious Polo was the intercooled and supercharged G4O which produced 113 bhp. Top speed was 122 mph and 0-60 mph was 8.1 secs. The suspension was stiffened and lowered by 1 in, the alloys were 5.5x13 in BBS, and there were wheelarch extensions and side rubbing strips. Inside, cloth had a sporty check design, plus a four speaker HO5 Panasonic pull out radio/cassette. In its short life all that changed in Nov of '91 was the fitting of white front indicators and partially smoked rear light clusters. It was replaced in Aug '94 by all the all-new Polo.
Scirocco '75-'92
Launched at the '74 Geneva Motor Show, the Scirocco looked good but the powerplants were dull. In autumn '75 the 1.5 unit was replaced by a 75 bhp, 1588cc engine, with Iow (8.2:1) and high (9.7:1) compression versions. A year later the fuel injected 1.6 from the Golf GTI was fitted to a GTI and more highly trimmed GLi, and in came mono-wipers. In '77 the front and rear ends were tidied up, with heavy-duty bumpers and four headlamps. The GTI was imported in '79 with a standard five-speed 'box. There was also an SE Storm with metallic colours, silver green, or black with either black or fawn leather upholstery. Re-introduced in '81 to help sell the last of the old shape Sciroccos. Available in silver, blue, or brown, with blue, or tan leather upholstery with Passat alloys. The larger Mkll Scirocco arrived in '81. GTIs mirrored the spec of its hatchbacked cousin with a 110 bhp fuel injected 1.6, close ratio 'box with uprated suspension and rear anti-roll bar. From Sep '82 in came the new 1.8 engine, producing 112 hhp. In '84 the Storm was back with a Zender bodykit, 6Jx14 in alloys and 185/60VR14 tyres. Choice of metallic blue, or brown with blue or beige interior plus leather covered steering wheel rim, gaiter and gearknob. GTX models also had the Zender kit plus similar interior. Alloys, sunroof, central locking, trip computer and tinted glass completed the spec. The launch of the 16-valve in June '85 meant 130 mph and 0-60 mph in 7.6 secs. Other upgrades included a larger exhaust, stronger driveshafts and a 12.1 gallon fuel tank. There were rear discs for the first time and at the front discs were ventilated. Suspension had an extra brace on the front wishbones, stiffer springs, anti-roll bars and revised settings for the shock absorbers. In '88 the range was revamped for the UK and rationalised to 1.6 GT, 1.8 GTX and a 1.8 carb-fed Scala. On the 16v front there were two versions already fitted to the Golf and Jetta models: the standard 139 bhp version and a catalyst equipped 16-valve, 129 bhp unit. The Scirocco died in July '92 with the last examples badged as Scalas and GT Ils.
Corrado '89-95
The Corrado arrived in May '89. Golf-based, it weighed 400 lb more. Top speed improved due to superior aerodynamics. The five-speed 'box was connected to a supercharged 160 bhp 1.8 engine, badged G60. It was LHD only until April '91. The 16v was specially made for the UK. Power steering was standard but there were variations when it came to brakes. ABS was standard on the G60 with 280-mm front discs. 16vs had 256 mm ones. 6.5x15 in BBS cross-spokes with 195/50VR15s were on the G60.16vs had 6Js and 185/55VR15s. Within a year electric windows, central locking, height adjustable steering column and a radio/cassette were included, along with leather bits and pieces. For '92 an exterior facelift was a four-bar grille. The 16v got the MK3 Golf's 1984cc engine, catalyst equipped with K-Motronic fuel injection. ABS was standard with 6Jxl 5 in Estoril alloys. In '92 the 2861cc, V6 arrived with 190 bhp, top speed: 145 mph. There were more interior changes in '93. In '94 a high-spec Corrado powered by the 8v 2-litre model was launched. Last ones were the 1995 VR6 Storms.