So I just did a very un-scientific analysis on the power-to-weight ratio comparison between the old and new car. I'm assuming that today's mk6 is 3100lbs dry (this is a generalization - 4dr/2dr and 6mt/dsg) and the mk7 is 2900lbs based on the "less than 200" lbs shaved as quoted in the press release. I'm also using US-spec mk6 power figures and EU-spec mk7 power figures, which historically are severely under-quoted. Therefore, take the following figures as comparison only.
Current GTI: 200 hp, 207 lb-ft, 3100 lbs
That's pushing about 15.5 lbs for each horse and 15 lbs for each lb-ft of twist.
mk7 GTI (stage 1): 217 hp, 258 lb-ft, 2900 lbs
Using the unofficial weight, that's about 13.4 lbs per horsepower and 11.2 lbs for each lb-ft of torque.
mk7 GTI (stage 2): 227 hp, 258 lb-ft, 2900 lbs
The stage 2 mk7 now has only 12.8 lbs per horsepower and the same lbs/lb-ft.
Here's the interesting part. Using the mk7 power-to-weight ratios and the current car's weight, we get a general idea of what the car might feel like based on power gains to the mk6 car. Keep in mind that this does not account for fuel, driver weight, or configurations. It doesn't even account for real wheel power. It doesn't tell you much about transients, either, where tires and boost characteristics play a part.
The mk7's power to weight ratio would feel like a 231hp/277lb-ft engine in the mk6.
The mk7 stage 2 would feel like 242hp/277lb-ft in the mk6.
Indefinite Conclusions: The new GTI will feel very similar to a stage 1 GTI in a straight line, and is still underpowered compared to some of today's competition; it appears that VAG are still focused on playing the handling game when it comes to performance of GTI brand, which is at least a consistent message.
Current GTI: 200 hp, 207 lb-ft, 3100 lbs
That's pushing about 15.5 lbs for each horse and 15 lbs for each lb-ft of twist.
mk7 GTI (stage 1): 217 hp, 258 lb-ft, 2900 lbs
Using the unofficial weight, that's about 13.4 lbs per horsepower and 11.2 lbs for each lb-ft of torque.
mk7 GTI (stage 2): 227 hp, 258 lb-ft, 2900 lbs
The stage 2 mk7 now has only 12.8 lbs per horsepower and the same lbs/lb-ft.
Here's the interesting part. Using the mk7 power-to-weight ratios and the current car's weight, we get a general idea of what the car might feel like based on power gains to the mk6 car. Keep in mind that this does not account for fuel, driver weight, or configurations. It doesn't even account for real wheel power. It doesn't tell you much about transients, either, where tires and boost characteristics play a part.
The mk7's power to weight ratio would feel like a 231hp/277lb-ft engine in the mk6.
The mk7 stage 2 would feel like 242hp/277lb-ft in the mk6.
Indefinite Conclusions: The new GTI will feel very similar to a stage 1 GTI in a straight line, and is still underpowered compared to some of today's competition; it appears that VAG are still focused on playing the handling game when it comes to performance of GTI brand, which is at least a consistent message.