German car giant Volkswagen will soon launch its first electric vehicle (EV) with GTI branding, a nameplate which has become synonymous with fun and fast models since the 1970s.
At last year’s Munich motor show, Volkswagen unveiled the ID. GTI Concept, previewing an upcoming electric hot hatch which will be smaller than the petrol-powered Golf GTI, but still offer the performance traits expected from a car wearing a GTI badge.
Speaking to Motor1 Italia at the recent GTI Fan Fast in Wolfsburg, Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer said electric GTI models would deliver an even better driving experience than the current petrol lineup.
“GTI owners are very attached to their car and its sporty character. This acronym is a real treasure for us and for the entire automotive world and our goal is to make it even stronger in the near future,” Mr Schäfer told Motor1 Italia.
ID. GTI Concept
“Soon, we will transfer the DNA spirit into the electric age, while still maintaining the characteristics of recognisability, iconicity and ability to arouse emotions. The ID. GTI Concept best represents what awaits us and the feedback we have had so far has been very positive.”
“First of all, high performance and iconic design [will define electric Volkswagen GTIs].
“As for the driving experience, I can say that the chassis and suspension will be at an even higher level. In addition, owners will be able to enjoy a specific sound (the “GTI e-sound”) and a dedicated user experience from a technological point of view.
“In essence, GTIs will be even more exciting to experience and drive. In short, we aim to produce a car that is not just performance.”
Golf GTI
The Golf isn’t the only Volkswagen model the GTI badge has been fitted to, though it is the most iconic, having been in continuous use for 48 years.
Volkswagen’s smaller Polo has been available in GTI guise overseas since 1995 and across four generations, and is still sold in Australian showrooms.
The now-discontinued Up! Was also available in GTI guise, however this was only for facelifted models which never made it to Australia, though local YouTube channel Mighty Car Mods recently converted a base model to the performance spec using parts from the UK.
While the production version of the Volkswagen ID. GTI concept is expected to debut in 2027 – based on the Polo-sized ID.2 – the carmaker has confirmed its plans to also carry the GTI nameplate into the Golf’s electric future.
In February, Volkswagen technical development head Kai Grünitz said the electric Golf, now due in 2029, would have to include a GTI in the lineup.
“It has to look like a Golf. It has to be affordable like a Golf. It has to be [capable] like a Golf. And there has to be a GTI.”
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