Volkswagen ID. GTI concept revealed at Munich motor show
One of the most beloved hot hatches of the past 45 years has been given a thoroughly modern makeover – and there’s a big twist under the shiny sheet metal.
Volkswagen has confirmed the legendary GTI badge will live on in the electric era.
The German giant debuted the ID. GTI concept at the Munich motor show, based on the coming ID. 2 small electric hatchback.
It’ll have classic GTI features and will be front wheel drive only, which the brand says makes it cheaper and easier to build, while delivering excellent cabin space and a big boot.
The ID. 2 will be the brand’s cheapest EV, with prices starting at less than €25,000 ($42,000) but the GTI will cost a significant premium.
The GTI badge is expected to be used on other small electric cars in the future.
No word yet on what would power the ID. GTI but a similar-sized concept from sister brand Cupra claims to pump out 320kW.
Chief designer Andreas Mindt says the show car is “more than 90 per cent representative” of the production version.
The ID. GTI is shorter than the current Golf GTI but a longer wheelbase – the distance between the front and rear wheels – means inside it should be just as roomy.
VW has given the car a mean look with a wide stance, flared wheel arches, short front and rear overhangs, a big front splitter and rear spoiler and even tow hooks for track enthusiasts.
Mindt says he didn’t want to go over the top with the styling as it can look “too boy racer” when the design is too aggressive.
Details are still sparse but the vehicle is expected to enter production by 2027 as part of a massive electric onslaught by the company, which will see them invest billions over the next few years.
Fans of the GTI will be happy that the tartan interior upholstery will live on in the electric era and the cabin style pays homage to vehicles of the past, albeit with a thoroughly modern twist.
Some hi-tech features include a new augmented reality head-up display that projects information not just in front of the driver but also the front passenger.
A giant 12.9-inch central display is paired with a smaller digital driver screen.
The concept also shows physical buttons for the climate control, which moves away from the fully digital controls of some current models.
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