The ID. GTI Concept is based on the ID. 2all show car revealed back in the spring. It’s 4,104mm long, so just three centimetres longer than the Polo, but has a wheelbase of 2,600mm that’s closer to the current Golf’s.
“Production has already been decided as part of our electric offensive,” said Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer, in a clear statement of intent for the first-ever electric GTI model. “It remains sporty, technologically progressive and accessible but now has a new interpretation for tomorrow’s world: electric, fully connected and extremely emotive.”
Injection becomes Intelligence: the “I” in the magic GTI designation now stands more than ever for the most intelligent solutions in the sports car world. The GTI name is planned to be applied exclusively to front-driven performance cars. The two-year-old GTX name will continue to be seen on four-wheel-drive sporting models, with the R badge set to be reserved only for the most potent of these all-wheel drive EV's, according to Volkswagen.
Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, sums up the fascination of GTI cars: “The perfect combination of driving pleasure and everyday usability – that is what the three letters GTI have meant for decades. With the ID. GTI Concept, we are transporting the GTI DNA into the electric age. It remains sporty, iconic, technologically progressive and accessible, but now has a new interpretation for tomorrow’s world: electric, fully connected and extremely emotive. Here, driving pleasure and sustainability are a perfect match. This means GTI has a future – for our brand and for the fans. Production has already been decided as part of our electric offensive. A Volkswagen sports car for the electric age that is suitable for everyday driving: 100 per cent electric – 100 per cent emotion.”
Various GTI hallmarks have been retained: the red grille surround, the towing eyes, the flared wheelarches, the head-turning 20" alloys, the chequer seats... it’s all there. Other additions include LED daytime and matrix headlights lights, a motorsport-inspired front bumper, a front splitter, two-part rear diffuser and roof spoiler, all finished in matt black, of course.
