On November 11, 2009, Volkswagen of America announced that its all-new sixth generation GTI has been named the 2010 Automobile Magazine Automobile of the Year, the second time the GTI has won and the only car to do so twice.
Introduced in the U.S. in 1983, the GTI drew admiration for its combination of sporty performance and practicality.
The 2010 GTI is a solid sports model that features Volkswagen's highly acclaimed 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC turbo-charged four-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower and 207 lbs.-ft. of torque.
It's available with an automated manual DSG transmission that utilizes direct shifting, which automatically depresses clutch-shift points more efficiently and quicker than even a professional driver can. For those driving enthusiasts who want the unique control of a clutch, the GTI comes with a standard six-speed manual transmission. The 2010 GTI starts at $23,490.
New for the 2010 GTI is a standard electronic limited slip system that electronically monitors input from various wheel sensors and, in the event of slippage, transfers extra torque to the wheels with the most traction.