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Volkswagen is working on a carbon fibre roof option for performance versions of the Volkswagen Golf. Although Volkswagen did not specify the specific models, it would be safe to assume that the GTI, GTD and 'R' variants would be receiving the carbon fibre treatment. According to Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Volkswagen's Research and Development Chief, the challenge at the moment is to develop a set of waterproof joints to seal the roof to the car's body sides and to its windshield. The carbon fibre roof will provide a weight saving benefit of about 18 to 20 pounds (eight to nine kilograms), improving performance and fuel economy. There are no details on the pricing or launch date for the option at the moment. In recent years, there has been a great interest in the use of carbon fibre material among car makers. BMW and Boeing announced last year that they were collaborating on carbon fibre materials while Volvo has been working on a carbon fibre flywheel technology that can provide up to 25 percent fuel savings when paired to a four-cylinder turbo engine over a six-cylinder unit.

Some time in the first half of 2011, the Mk6 Golf GTD was introduced in Singapore. Now, the new generation is about to make its debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. Like the Mk6 Golf GTD, the Mk7 version combines the styling details and chassis setup of the GTI with a diesel engine. The GTD will only be offered in three exterior colors, namely Tornado Red, Black and Pure White. Motivation is provided by a 2.0-litre common rail turbocharged inline-four producing 181bhp and 380Nm of peak torque from 1,750 rpm. The engine is coupled to a standard six-speed manual or an optional six-speed dual clutch DSG. Century sprint is completed in 7.5 seconds while the fastest speed that one can go is 229km/h. The Mk7 Golf GTD shaved off 0.6 seconds in the century sprint performance as compared to its 170bhp predecessor. On the inside, the GTD gets tartan sports seats, flat-bottom steering wheel, stainless steel pedals and a gear lever with 'GTD' engraving.