Deep dive: the head of vehicle dynamics for the 2022 VW GTI aims to make the hot-hatch sharper

Among the many updates to the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, the new Vehicle Dynamics Manager aims to improve driving dynamics without compromising everyday usability, VW said in a press release describing the system.

The Vehicle Dynamics Manager oversees the settings for stability control, electronic limited-slip differential (LSD), and optional DCC adaptive dampers. It adjusts these systems based on driving conditions and selected drive modes to optimize the handling of the hot hatch.

The standard electronically controlled LSD was chosen over a conventional mechanical unit to avoid "steering damage," according to VW. The amount of lockup can also be varied in conjunction with stability control and other systems, with greater lockup in sport mode.

Similarly, stability control has several settings. Intervention thresholds can be increased in Sport mode, and VW also offers an option to turn off stability control altogether.

The optional DCC adaptive dampers can be adjusted in tenths of a second in four corners by the Vehicle Dynamics Manager, VW says. In addition to Comfort, Sport, and Eco modes, VW also offers a further adjustable Indivisual mode.

New software has been added to the standard variable-ratio steering. The system is set to provide more assistance at lower speeds for parking maneuvers and sharper response at higher speeds on winding roads; on 18-inch wheels, the steering wheel turns 2.1 turns lock-to-lock.

Updates have also been made to the hardware underlying the 2022 GTI's chassis. The strut-type front suspension has reconfigured wishbone bearings, revised damping hydraulics, and revised springs and buffer stops.

At the rear, the multi-link suspension received new wheel mounts, wishbone bearings, and springs, and the auxiliary springs were reconfigured. This allowed engineers to increase front and rear spring rates by 5% and 15% over the seventh-generation GTI.

The front-wheel-drive GTI is powered by an EA888 evo4 2.0-liter turbo4 that produces 242 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque (14 hp and 15 lb-ft more than the current engine). Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI is expected to go on sale in the US later this year. The Golf R will also return, but the standard Golf will be removed from VW's U.S. lineup, leaving only two hot hatches.