The Next Volkswagen Jetta GLI Coming With GTI Upgrades

大众汽车是准备mid-cycle refresh for its compact Jettasedan, including the sporty GLI variant. Aside from the awesomeBlue Lagoon Conceptrevealed earlier this year, the seventh-generation Jetta hasn't received any major updates since it debuted in the 2019 model year. VW will reportedly give the base Jetta a power upgrade, courtesy of the larger 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder from the Taos. This engine produces 158 horsepower compared to the current 1.4-liter's 147 hp.

The base Jetta may not be the only one to receive a power bump. Our spy photographers recently spotted the2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLIundergoing testing, leading us to believe it could get a boost as well. The current GLI uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder sourced from the seventh-generation Golf GTI, but this facelifted model could receive the newer engine from the eighth-generation GTI.

If our prediction is correct, the GLI will jump from 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque to 241 hp and 273 lb-ft. It's unclear if VW could easily drop the Mk8 GTI's engine into the older Mk7 Jetta platform, and an even bigger mystery if the GLI will receive other GTI upgrades like the revised suspension, aluminum subframe, and Vehicle Dynamics Manager with the more advanced limited-slip differential.

Even if the GLI doesn't receive any performance upgrades, it will certainly gain some visual changes. The barely camouflaged test mule features color-coded plastic to disguise the exterior updates. These changes are subtle but noticeable to the trained eye.