VW developing carbon fiber roof for performance Golf models

According to Edmunds, Volkswagen is currently developing a carbon fiber roof option for performance versions of its Golf hatchback. This feature would not only save weight, but could slightly improve fuel economy as well.

Adding the carbon fiber roof could shed anywhere from 18 to 20 pounds off the porky little hatch's curb weight, Edmunds reports. At this point in development, Volkswagen is currently working out how to develop a set of waterproof joints to seal the roof to the car's body sides and windshield.

Pricing or specific launch timing for the carbon fiber roof has not been released, nor have any details about what specific models will receive the option. Of course, it stands to reason that the hottest Golf of the bunch, the R, will have this weight-saving feature, but the perennial favorite GTI, pictured, would also be a good match for something like this.

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VolksWagen readying hotter GTI for Wörthersee

Following the announcement that Audi will be using the Wörthersee Tour to unveil a lightweight version of the TT called the TT Ultra Quattro Concept, we're now hearing that Volkswagen also has plans to show off a special concept vehicle at the annual brand-centric performance festival. According to Car magazine, VW will bring a hotter version of the GTI to the show, although not quite as hot as the 2007 VW GTI W12 concept.

After speaking with VW R&D boss Ulrich Hackenberg, the article says that the concept could be a preview of a future version of the new GTI, and with the 2015 model year signifying the 40th anniversary of the hot hatch that started it all, we expect to see this new model sooner rather than later. The 2013 Wörthersee Tour runs from May 17 to 19, so we don't have much longer to wait before we see this new concept.

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