volkswagen | End of manual transmissions for Golf GTI and R

Volkswagen has joined a long list of manufacturers that are significantly reducing their manual transmission offerings. The German manufacturer has announced that its last two Golf models offered in North America, the GTI and R, will no longer be offered with this transmission after the 2024 model year.

Thus, after the sale of the 2024 Golf GTI and R, the buyer will only be offered a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Earlier this year, Volkswagen’s director of technical development, Kai Grünitz, said in an interview with the magazine Coachthat such a decision was imminent due to CO emissions standards₂ more restrictive measures which would soon come into force in Europe.

To mark the end of an era, all 2024 Golf GTIs equipped with a manual transmission will receive the “380” nomenclature, designating the internal code of the manufacturer of this livery. Distinctive aesthetic elements will define this version: the mirrors, rims and roof will all be black to complement a wide choice of colors. Dynamic damping will also be integrated as standard. The 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder (241 hp) remains unchanged.

As for the Golf R, Volkswagen has not specified whether a variant will mark the end of the manual gearbox, which is marketed with this transmission only in North America.

Note that the standard Jetta will also no longer be entitled to the manual transmission after 2024, but the Jetta GLI will continue its journey with it. The 2024 Golf GTI 380 will arrive at Canadian retailers next fall with a starting price of $36,895, $2,100 more than the model’s standard dual-clutch livery.