Volkswagen intends to perpetuate the GTI coat of arms even after the announced end of thermal engines in 2035. The manufacturer has just unveiled the ID. GTI Concept, a sportier version of its future ID.2 city car, which is expected in 2026.
Volkswagen’s ID family of electric vehicles continues to grow. The range will soon include eight models with the imminent arrival of the Volkswagen ID.7, which will join the Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4 and its GTX version, ID.5 and its GTX counterpart here too, without forgetting the recent ID . Buzz and its cargo version. He was still missing a more affordable electric city car (we are talking about less than 25,000 euros), a role which will be played by the future ID.2. Ultimately, Volkswagen is expected to launch eleven new electric models on the market by 2027.
The latter having been unveiled last March, it is the turn of its more sporty version to be put in the spotlight at the IAA exhibition which is currently being held in Munich. The presentation of the one who was baptized Volkswagen ID. GTI-Concept is nothing fortuitous when we know that the first Golf GTI was presented 48 years ago to the day at the IAA show in Frankfurt.
The GTI begins its transformation into the electric age
The electric compact therefore also sports the famous GTI coat of arms (with an “i” for intelligent in the injection place), which we thought was definitively doomed with the end of thermal engines which is announced for 2035 in Europe. This will therefore not be the case, like Porsche which did not hesitate to use the Turbo name for its most powerful Taycan electric models.
We were able to approach this Volkswagen ID. GTI Concept at the Volkswagen Group party, held the day before the opening of the Bavarian motor show. Necessarily, it is also based on the MEB platform (electric modular platform) like all the group’s electric models to date. That being said, this model is illustrated by its proportions and his muscular appearance. It is nevertheless a compact with a length of 4.104 m and a generous wheelbase of 2.60 m thanks to extremely short overhangs. Measuring 1.84 m wide and 1.499 m high, the Volkswagen ID. GTI Concept is placed on imposing alloy wheels of 20 inches shod with Performance 245/35 tires to enhance its appearance. Another nod to the first generation of Golf GTI, it adopts a painting in “Metallic Diamond Silver”.
All the attributes of a GTI
Obviously, Volkswagen did not hesitate to take all the attributes of its GTI range on the Volkswagen ID. GTI Concept. To start with the iconic grille with its red border. The latter extends over the entire width of the concept car, just below the Matrix LED “IQ.Light” projectors which give it a rather aggressive look.
On the other hand, the shield is new and inspired by the world of motorsport. It incorporates a black splitter, which extends upwards with an air intake which takes the characteristic honeycomb structure of the GTI since 5th generation. We also notice the two red towing eyes like those used in motor racing.
Modernity requires, the Volkswagen logo is lit in white and vertical LED daytime running lights take place at the level of the front “air curtains”. These direct the air flow towards the wheel arches and then targeted outwards. The interest is twofold beyond the aesthetic side which gives the impression that the Volkswagen ID. GTI Concept is glued to the road with vertical LED daytime running lights. On the one hand in improving the aerodynamic behavior of the electric carAnd on the other hand by cooling the brakes. Speaking of aerodynamics, the exterior mirrors have been worked on with their less imposing shell which adds to the modernity of the Volkswagen ID. GTI Concept.
We will spare you the long list of other characteristic elements of the GTI by simply citing wheel arch flares in matte black and the C-pillar on the profile, the black roof spoiler (under which is placed a narrow strip of LEDs which extends over the entire width of the vehicle also serving as a third brake light), without forgetting the lights and the rear diffuser.
A GTI interior in the Volkswagen ID. GTI-Concept
Launched in 1976, the first GTI also benefited from certain characteristic attributes in its cabin. We remember in particular the now famous sports seats with their Scottish patterns, the hollow three-spoke steering wheel and the golf ball-shaped gear lever knob. We find some of these elements in the Volkswagen ID. GTI-Conceptbut in a necessarily more modern way.
The steering wheel adopts a double flat and integrates buttons and control dials. The seats feature the tartan pattern at the seat level, while the backrest is equipped a heartbeat sensor called “GTI Heartbeat”. It is nothing more and nothing less than an LED element that emits red pulses when the vehicle is locked and the alarm is activated. Just as useless but cool, the aluminum crankset is still adorned with stop signs (a square on the brake pedal) and reading (two triangles pointing to the right on the accelerator pedal).
Between tradition and modernity
In the absence of a gear lever, the center console of the Volkswagen ID. GTI Concept accommodates a multifunction dial reminiscent of a golf ball. She allows to choose different driving profiles and personalized interfaces digital instrumentation.
The latter is ensured by a 10.9 inch screen which includes a vintage dial inspired by that of the Golf GTI I series 2. Of course, a second screen takes place in the center of the dashboard with a 12.9-inch touch screen.
Volkswagen offers illuminated climate controls that differ from current ID models, and appear more practical. To this is also added a rotary knob, which allows you to adjust the volume of the infotainment system.
Everything is completed by an augmented reality head-up display system which evolves compared to what we know today in the manufacturer’s electric cars. In fact, the display is no longer reserved for the driver alone but also visible to the front passenger. It allows you to consult information directly in the field of vision, and in particular the speed of the Volkswagen ID. GTI Concept and its battery life.
A model designed for the circuit… and the city
But the vehicle has a more sporty vocation, activating GTI mode goes further by directly displaying the layout of circuits from around the world on the windshield. The driver can also see his position on the grid if he is engaged in a race while the passenger will have access to the passage times.
However, Volkswagen does not forget the primary vocation of a city car, specifying that it has paid particular attention to practical aspects. As shown by the five seats and the trunk which has a volume of 490 liters as well as additional storage space under the floor. And by folding the rear seat 60/40, the trunk volume increases to 1,330 liters.
More original and as in the ID. 2, the Volkswagen ID. GTI Concept benefits from additional storage space which recalls the Magic Seats dear to Honda. This offers a volume of 50 liters by lifting the rear seat which is equipped with a handle. Enough to accommodate personal belongings, and even charging cables which are sometimes difficult to access when the trunk is full and they are stored in the compartment under the floor. Please note that this storage space is lockable for secure a laptop or tablet which can be recharged via a socket. Besides several USB type C ports are provided in the passenger compartmentwhich deliver a power of 45W each, while the other devices will benefit from the 230 V socket. Finally two induction charging stands take place on the central console like the Tesla Model 3.
The production model of the Volkswagen ID. GTI Concept is expected for 2027 at the latest. According to the manufacturer, it should include most of the elements of the version presented at the IAA in Munich. And next, other models in the ID family. should also be offered in a GTI version.
