Volkswagen GTI In Line For More Power

We just saw Volkswagen unveil a new engine in New York last week. Sure enough, the EA888 Evo 5, which will make 268 horsepower in the Tiguan Turbo when it arrives later this year, is already earmarked for other VW models, including the brand’s long-running hot hatch, the GTI.

“I would be somewhat gobsmacked if we don’t have an Evo 5 in the next evolution of GTI,” said Mark Gillies, PR director for Volkswagen USA, at the first drive event for the 2025 GTI and Golf R. “I don’t know if it will be 268 horsepower, but um, put it this way: the next Atlas gets Evo 5.”

We already suspected as much for the Atlas: its Chinese-market sibling, the Teramont Pro, gives us a clear idea of what to expect for the big three-row’s next generation. It arrives with the Evo 5 engine as well.

While this isn’t an outright confirmation—note “evolution of GTI”—it’s nonetheless good to know the idea of the GTI will remain roughly the same for the next generation. The 2025 model is still an outright blast (stay tuned), and who wouldn’t say no to some more power?

Volkswagen first introduced the EA888 turbocharged I4 nearly 20 years ago, in 2006.

For you engine nerds out there, key changes to the Evo 5 engine include a new turbocharger, intercooler, fuel injection system, and camshaft design. Compression ratios have been raised, and reinforced internals include a larger crankpin and shorter connecting rods to allow for stronger pistons.

The turbo is now variable-geometry, and fuel pressure has been increased to 500 bar. The engine runs on the Miller cycle and aims for λ=1 running at all loads, similar to the 2025 Porsche 911 GTS Hybrid.

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