So what do you do when you want a GTI, where stock is just not enough for you, but an R is a little too much for you? In the past you would have tuned it, thrown some after market parts on it, and prayed your warranty wouldn’t be voided. Well hold off on ordering a sway bar my friend, because Volkswagen has decided to now do a lot of that work for you, with the 2015 Volkswagen GTI with Performance Package.
What does the Performance Package entail you ask? To start things off, you get a bump up on horsepower. Instead of the standard 210 hp with 258 lb-ft of torque, the 2.0L TSI engine for the Performance Package is factory tuned to 220 hp with 258 lb-ft of torque. Performance Package GTIs also get larger, upgraded front and rear brakes, in addition to the VAQ limited-slip front differential lock. The VAQ limited-slip front differential lock works with the XDS+ Cross Differential system, utilizing the brakes to help transfer power to the outside wheel and improving cornering. This allows your GTI to grip the roads better, and helping you conquer those turns in any driving condition.
The GTI with Performance Package is available in both 2 door and 4 door in all trim levels, with a 6-speed Manual or 6-speed DSG Automatic transmission. The GTI’s Lighting and Driver Assistance packages are also available on all trim levels for the GTI with Performance Package. However, one thing you can’t find in a normal GTI is the Dynamic Chassis Control offered in the Golf R. The Dynamic Chassis Control adds a 4th driving mode component, uprated rear shock absorbers, and an enlarged rear stabilizer bar. In a normal GTI with Performance Package, the Steering, Engine, and the Front diff. lock can be adjusted. Adding the DCC can give you the ability to adjust the suspension as well. The DCC is only available to add for an additional $800 for SE with Performance Package and Autobahn with Performance Package models.
The GTI with Performance Package comes in the same 6 color options like a normal GTI, including the Carbon Steel Gray Metallic, exclusive to GTI models. The S trim models have your Titan Black with the heritage Clark Plaid seats, and Titan Black Leather seats in all other trim levels. The Performance Package models do have a subtle but distinguishing feature where the GTI emblem is red, instead of your normal chrome.
The long awaited and greatly anticipated GTIs with Performance Package are slowing finally rolling into dealerships all over the country, one by one. Stohlman however, has a bunch. So if you’re dying to test drive one, head down to Tysons soon. They definitely have some. And more.
Tweet us @StohlmanAuto. Until next time!
Esther Cho
VW Product Specialist
