The MK7 generation Volkswagen GTI is celebrated for its blend of daily usability and engaging performance. For enthusiasts seeking an extra edge, Volkswagen offered the optional Performance Package. This upgrade aimed to sharpen the GTI’s dynamics, bringing it closer to its more focused sibling, the Golf R. Let’s delve into the specifics of the Mk7 Gti Performance Package to determine if it’s a worthwhile addition for driving enthusiasts.
Upgraded Braking System: Enhanced Stopping Power
One of the most tangible benefits of the Performance Package is the significant upgrade to the braking system. Drawing components from higher-performance models within the Volkswagen Group, specifically the Golf R and Audi S3, the GTI Performance Package boasts larger brake rotors.
Standard MK7 GTI brakes feature 12.4-inch (315mm) vented front rotors and 10.7-inch (272mm) solid rear rotors. In contrast, the Performance Package elevates this to 13.4-inch (340mm) vented front rotors and 12.4-inch (310mm) vented rear rotors.
Alt text: Upgraded brake rotors and calipers of the MK7 GTI Performance Package, showcasing the larger size compared to standard GTI brakes.
The increase in rotor diameter directly translates to improved braking leverage and heat dissipation. Vented rotors, utilized on both axles in the Performance Package, are designed with internal channels that promote airflow, effectively cooling the rotor surface. This enhanced cooling capacity is crucial in reducing brake fade, especially during spirited driving or track sessions where brakes are subjected to repeated and intense use.
While both the standard and Performance Package brake setups utilize single-piston calipers, the larger rotors of the Performance Package provide a noticeable improvement in braking feel and performance, offering greater confidence and shorter stopping distances.
Marginal Horsepower Increase: A Nudge in Power
The Performance Package also claims a modest increase in horsepower, advertised as a 10 horsepower bump. This brings the GTI’s output from 210 hp to 220 hp. However, it’s important to note that this increase is achieved purely through software adjustments to the engine control unit (ECU). There are no mechanical hardware changes associated with this power bump.
Alt text: Engine bay of a MK7 GTI, highlighting the 2.0-liter TSI turbocharged engine, relevant to the discussion of the Performance Package’s horsepower increase.
In real-world driving scenarios, a 10 horsepower difference is often barely perceptible. Moreover, the significance of this factory tune diminishes considerably for owners who plan to install aftermarket performance software. Most aftermarket tunes will overwrite the factory ECU settings, including the Performance Package’s slight horsepower increase, in favor of more aggressive and substantial power gains. Therefore, the horsepower increase is generally not considered a primary selling point of the Performance Package.
The Highlight: Electronically Controlled Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
The true star of the MK7 GTI Performance Package, and the feature most valued by driving enthusiasts, is the inclusion of an electronically controlled Limited Slip Differential (LSD). Technically referred to by Volkswagen as a VAQ differential (electronically controlled locking differential), this system significantly enhances the GTI’s handling and traction, particularly in cornering.
Alt text: Diagram illustrating how the electronic limited slip differential (LSD) in the MK7 GTI Performance Package distributes torque between the front wheels for improved cornering.
A traditional open differential, standard on most vehicles, allows wheels to rotate independently. While beneficial for straight-line driving, in corners, the inner wheel (traveling a shorter distance) can spin excessively, especially under power, leading to wheel spin and understeer. An LSD mitigates this by actively distributing torque to the wheel with more grip.
The VAQ differential in the GTI Performance Package uses electronic sensors and actuators to monitor wheel speed, steering angle, and other parameters. Based on this data, it can proactively transfer torque to the outer wheel during cornering, maximizing traction and reducing wheel spin. This results in:
- Improved Cornering Grip: The GTI can carry more speed through corners with increased stability and reduced understeer.
- Enhanced Handling Balance: The car feels more agile and responsive, with a greater sense of control.
- Smoother Power Delivery: Power is applied more effectively to the road, especially when accelerating out of corners.
- Reduced ESC Intervention: By proactively managing torque distribution, the LSD reduces the need for the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system to intervene by braking individual wheels, leading to a more natural and engaging driving experience.
While mechanical LSDs are common, the GTI’s electronically controlled system offers a sophisticated and responsive approach to traction management. For a visual explanation of the system, Volkswagen provides a helpful video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQqh2Tv5Puc
Performance Package: Need vs. Want?
The question then becomes: is the MK7 GTI Performance Package necessary? For most daily driving scenarios, the answer is likely no. The standard GTI brakes are already competent, the horsepower increase is minimal, and the standard open differential is adequate for typical road use.
However, for driving enthusiasts who appreciate enhanced performance, particularly those who frequent track days or enjoy spirited driving on winding roads, the Performance Package transforms the GTI’s capabilities. The upgraded brakes offer improved stopping power and fade resistance, while the LSD is a game-changer for handling and cornering prowess.
While the +10hp is negligible, and the brake upgrade is beneficial but perhaps not essential for everyone, the LSD alone makes the Performance Package highly desirable. It elevates the MK7 GTI from a sporty hatchback to a genuinely engaging and capable performance machine.
Ultimately, while you may not need the Performance Package for everyday driving, you will almost certainly want it if you value driving dynamics and seek to unlock the full potential of the MK7 GTI chassis. It’s an investment that significantly enhances the GTI’s fun-to-drive factor and track day readiness.
