New Mk8 VW Golf GTI shapes up - pictures

Sizzling new VW Golf GTI set to deliver up to 325bhp, and our exclusive images reveal how the new model could look.

A clever steel-polymer construction will reduce weight, making it the fastest Golf GTI ever.

The new GTI will take the Mk8 Golf's conservative silhouette and pump it up with a deeper front bumper housing C-shaped LED running lights, lower side sills and a rear diffuser with a pair of Coke can-sized tailpipes.

<strong><i>Mk1 (1977-1984)</i></strong> Where it all began. Only 34 left-hand-drive models sold in the UK in 1977, weighing 810kg each and using a 110bhp 1.6 engine.

<strong><i>Mk2 (1984-1992)</i></strong> Built on success of Mk1 with a 112bhp 1.8-litre. UK sales peaked at 17,193 in 1989 – nearly 50 per cent of all Golf sales at the time.

<strong><i>Mk3 (1992-1998)</i></strong> Started with an 8V 112bhp 2.0-litre engine, but 150bhp 16V version of the same engine in 1993 cut 0-60mph time to 8.3 seconds.

<strong><i>Mk4 (1998-2004)</i></strong> Made big strides on refinement and safety, but slated for its dull styling and stodgy handling. Peaked with 178bhp 25th anniversary.

<strong><i>Mk5 (2004-2008)</i></strong> A serious return to form, the Mk5 had a 197bhp 2.0-litre turbo, more distinctive styling and multi-link rear suspension.

<strong><i>Mk6 (2009-2013)</i></strong> Heavily revised version of the Mk5 was another hit. With 207bhp it was no powerhouse, but it continued to outhandle rivals.&nbsp;

<strong><i>Mk7 (2013 to date)</i></strong> New MQB platform opened up a world of tech, while 227bhp Performance Pack brought electronic front differential and bigger brakes.