![A sign of times, new 2024 VW Golf GTI Mk8.5 previewed not with its engine, but a ChatGPT-powered AI voice assistant 01]()
The current generation VW Golf GTI Mk8 is due for a mid-model lifecycle update. The Mk8 Golf GTI made its global debut in February 2020. Nearly four years later, a nip-and-tuck is necessary to keep the German hot hatch fresh.
Ahead of today's opening of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, USA, VW hosted a preview of the new 2024 Golf GTI, colloquially referred to as the Mk 8.5 generation model.
Wrapped in camouflage material, the new Mk 8.5 Golf GTI features a new front bumper while the rear taillight now sports a slightly different light signature.
![A sign of times, new 2024 VW Golf GTI Mk8.5 previewed not with its engine, but a ChatGPT-powered AI voice assistant 01]()
However, the biggest change is in its infotainment system, which now features ChatGPT integrated into its IDA voice assistant.
VW says “IDA voice assistant can be used to control the infotainment, navigation, and air conditioning, or to answer general knowledge questions. In the future, AI will provide additional information in response to questions that go beyond this as part of its continuously expanding capabilities. This can be helpful on many levels during a car journey: Enriching conversations, clearing up questions, interacting in intuitive language, receiving vehicle-specific information, and much more – purely hands-free.”
![A sign of times, new 2024 VW Golf GTI Mk8.5 previewed not with its engine, but a ChatGPT-powered AI voice assistant 02]()
This ChatGPT however, is not the same as the one you use on your phone or PC. Instead, it’s an automotive-grade ChatGPT integrated into VW’s technology partner Cerence Inc.’s Cerence Chat Pro, which works in the vehicle’s infotainment system’s back-end.
The ChatGPT integration will start in the second quarter of 2024. Apart from the new Golf GTI, other models in the queue to benefit from this include VW’s all-electric ID range - ID.7, ID.4, ID.5, ID.3, as well as regular combustion engine models like the new generation Tiguan and Passat.
![A sign of times, new 2024 VW Golf GTI Mk8.5 previewed not with its engine, but a ChatGPT-powered AI voice assistant 03]()
Closer to home, the VW Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) sells the VW Golf GTI from RM 241,012, without extended warranty. With the VW Assurance Package (VAP) 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, 5-year free maintenance, and 5-year roadside assistance, the price will be RM 254,012.
The model is locally assembled (CKD) in Pekan. Malaysia is the first country to assemble a Golf GTI outside of Germany.
