X

Volkswagen's next generation of combustion-engine cars will likely be its last

The days of gas-powered GTI's and Jettas are coming to an end, folks.

2019-vw-golf-gti-volkswagen
Enlarge Image
2019-vw-golf-gti-volkswagen

The times, they are a changin' and we may not get many more fast-gas Volkswagens.

Volkswagen

has had a rough few years as far as internal combustion engines go. It has been hard at work coming up with electric concepts and spending money like crazy to distance itself from the stink of Dieselgate, and now it's ready to take the most significant leap yet by eliminating all non-carbon-neutral vehicles after the next generation, according to a report by Bloomberg Tuesday.

If that sounds like a pretty radical step to take, it is, particularly when you consider that Volkswagen hasn't really had any serious production electric vehicles to date, with the e-Golf being the exception.

"Our colleagues are working on the last platform for vehicles that aren't CO2 neutral," said Michael Jost, strategy chief for Volkswagen, at an industry conference in Germany. "We're gradually fading out combustion engines to the absolute minimum."

The VW group is investing vast sums of money, north of $50 billion to revolutionize its entire product lineup. In fact, Audi just announced that it was spending $16 billion to launch 20 new electric models by 2023 and Porsche is on the verge of launching its Taycan electric grand touring car to the public.

So, if you've got to have a brand new GTI, you better start socking away your couch change. You're likely not going to get many more chances to buy one that's not lugging around a big battery pack.

Get to work with the VW I.D. Buzz Cargo

See all photos
Kyle Hyatt Former news and features editor
Kyle Hyatt (he/him/his) hails originally from the Pacific Northwest, but has long called Los Angeles home. He's had a lifelong obsession with cars and motorcycles (both old and new).
Kyle Hyatt
Kyle Hyatt (he/him/his) hails originally from the Pacific Northwest, but has long called Los Angeles home. He's had a lifelong obsession with cars and motorcycles (both old and new).

Article updated on December 4, 2018 at 8:59 PM PST

Our Experts

Written by 
Kyle Hyatt
CNET staff -- not advertisers, partners or business interests -- determine how we review the products and services we cover. If you buy through our links, we may get paid. Reviews ethics statement
Kyle Hyatt Former news and features editor
Kyle Hyatt (he/him/his) hails originally from the Pacific Northwest, but has long called Los Angeles home. He's had a lifelong obsession with cars and motorcycles (both old and new).
Why You Can Trust CNET
174175176177178179180+
Experts Interviewed
030405060708091011121314+
Companies Reviewed
108109110111112113+
Products Reviewed

We thoroughly evaluate each company and product we review and ensure our stories meet our high editorial standards.