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Image credits: Volkswagen

The Concept

28 years ago Volkswagen presented at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt the first GTI - and the legend began.

The world premiere of the first Golf GTI was in 1975 at the same position and also as a concept vehicle. In June 1976, series production began. What happened thereafter is the making of a legend. At the start, the vehicles were finished in either silver or red and were originally intended as just a limited edition of 5000 GTIs. But it turned out very differently. With a powerful 81 kW / 110 hp output and top speed of 182 km/h, the Golf GTI won a new clientele and established the GTI class as a compact sports car. From the original 5000 vehicles, more than four generations and more than 1.5 million Golf GTIs have evolved to date.

The concept emulates consciously the stylistic characteristics of the first GTI generation; which means, of course, that it is finished in red with black contrasting features.

With the Golf GTI concept, as shown in Frankfurt, Volkswagen is now demonstrating how GTI history will develop. The concept consciously emulates the GTI of the first generation. Therefore it has to be red, it has to have a black radiator grille, and it has to rise above the other models of the series with substantial modifications. After all, the first GTI also distinguished itself with a markedly independent appearance: The black bumpers and flared wings, the black side bump strips, the black rear window frame and the characteristic red trim around the black radiator grille of the original GTI are so clear today as if the vehicle had just yesterday been presented in Frankfurt.

As with all leading examples, the Golf GTI was copied by many. The models came in many shapes and forms, such as GSI, GTE, XRi, GTX, and disappeared from the market long ago. Not one of them came even close to the comparable status of a Golf GTI.

From this unmistakable GTI tradition evolved the new concept vehicle. Based on the majestic dynamics of the new model generation, the engineers and designers developed a GTI that accentuates the original version, whilst paving the way to the future with an extremely sporty, extremely independent and extremely well proven presence.

Exterior

The exterior design - The Golf GTI concept, like the roadster concept R, shows dominant V-shaped flowing lines at the front end

The concept combines traditional GTI features with the front end design of a future generation. Inline with the concept R roadster, presented on 1st September, the GTI also has a striking V motive in the design of the front end. The bonnet features an arrow shaped modulation, which continues the flowing lines in the area of the front skirt to form a frame for the shield-like, highly polished, black radiator grille. The radiator grille features a honeycomb mesh and is surrounded, characteristically for a GTI, by a red trim strip.

Beneath this are three large air inlets in the bumper that supply the new FSI turbo engine with fresh air. As in the radiator grille, each of the inlets have mesh panels with a honeycomb structure.

Furthermore, in best GTI style, the underside area of the vehicle features deep black body parts in the way of sill panels and end elements in the front and rear skirts. The sill panels are drawn high into the wheelarches to act as protection against stone chips.

In contrast to the Trendline, Comfortline and Sportline versions, the rear end makes its mark characteristically for a GTI with an even more striking roof spoiler and chrome twin tail pipes.

Interior

The interior design - cult status? This came about thanks to the exterior, the drive technology and the interior. The GTI concept of 2003 takes this history further.

The original GTI did not just become a great hit with the fans due to its performance, its agile handling properties and exterior design, even its individually designed interior set new standards thanks to an ergonomic and sporty style. Details such as the sports seats, with legendary criss-cross design on black background, the three-spoked sports steering wheel or the gearstick knob shaped like a golf ball were the counterpoints that attracted a new sporty clientele.

Time flies: More noble than ever and catapulted almost three decades into the future, the GTI concept carries on this dynamic style further. With anthracite headliner and anthracite coloured pillar trim panels, the interior is characterised by markedly high attention to detail. As the doors are opened, the journey therefore starts in a new but familiar GTI world.

The sports seating features black matt and anthracite coloured suede and, in addition, the interior is refined with brushed aluminium

The entry step trim, pedals and floor panels of the concept are all finished in brushed aluminium. As an anti-slip measure, the aluminium is enhanced with rubber strips. The completely new leather sports seats (contoured single seats are also installed in the rear) have an ergonomically perfect and inviting appeal just by looking at them. Take a seat and the appeal is confirmed. The very high backrests, in particular, and adjustable head restraints, integrated here optically, create an ambience of extraordinary sporty functionality. Detailed perfection is a bonus: GTI logos are embroidered into the head restraints. The upholstery trim of the seats has also been newly designed: The main material used is black, fine suede. Running across this are narrow strips of perforated suede; the front surface of the head restraints is covered with this on the inner area.

As with the first GTI generation of 1976, this GTI concept of 2003 is also distinguished by a three spoke steering wheel with metal elements. The leather steering wheel features a brushed aluminium element in each of the spokes. A further GTI logo is embroidered in the vertical spoke. The moulded grips of the steering wheel, that is on the left and right of the cross spoke extensions, are covered in suede, similar to that used in the world of racing.

The instruments in the vehicle were also revamped. Their graphic layout and design give an image of technical precision in its highest form. Each of the round main instruments is surrounded by a ring of machined aluminium. The rev counter mounted on the left has an ample range up to 8000 rpm, hitting the red line area from 7000 rpm. This clear overview is continued with the scaling of the speedometer.

Technology

The constructive basis of the compact sports car is the fifth generation, 22 million bestseller Golf. The two door version, though, is more striking than ever in terms of the design compared to the four door, with a much higher waistline at the rear.

Technically, the GTI concept features all of the advantages of the Golf series that are generally set as the standard in its class. Included here are the extremely high quality bodywork, the new safety running gear designed for driving dynamics (including ESP and dual brake assist system), the new electro-mechanical steering, the efficient technology of fuel stratified injection (FSI) - enhanced in the case of the GTI with a turbocharger, and the spectacular direct selection gearbox (DSG).

In contrast to the standard production model, the concept vehicle naturally has numerous differences. With the high output and GTI philosophy in mind, the car features a substantially stiffer, but still comfortable, sporty running gear. Newly designed 18 inch alloy wheels, sporting wide tyres, provide the majestic contact with the road and ensure that the larger sized braking system, with red finished brake calipers, is well accommodated. The exhaust system is completely new and features twin tail pipes.

The question is now will the concept make it to series GTI production? The signs are extremely good. Relevant tests and preparations are underway. And the product launch date? Let's just say: If it's high-tech and outstanding performance, with the GTI philosophy in mind, that people are looking for, they will find it all at the 2004 Motor Show in Paris. The stage will then be set to make what we can expect of the GTI in the future, a GTI that we can have now.

Source - Volkswagen

The New Golf Is Now Also Available With A 1.9 TDI With 90 BHP

WOLFSBURG, Germany - Volkswagen has once again improved the Golf's engine range with an important addition: the 1.9 TDI with 66 kW / 90 bhp.

A new TDI entry-level vehicle which will round off the bottom end of the TDI range. For the Trendline option, with its comprehensive equipment level and Climatic, the new Golf 1.9 TDI costs 17 950 euros and can be ordered immediately.

Like the TDI Models with 77 kW / 105 hp and 103 kW / 140 hp, the 66 kW / 90 hp version also has plenty of low-end acceleration. Even at 1,800 rpm, this 'small' TDI develops a torque of 240 Nm. Whether as a two or four-door, with the 1.9 TDI, the new Golf reaches a top speed of 176 km/h.

As can be expected, the new model is very economic. An average of 5.0 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres flow through the innovative direct injection unit injectors. The Golf 1.9 TDI also has tax benefits in Germany, as it, like all fifth generation Golfs, fulfils the stringent Euro 4 standards.

The equipment level is no different to the more powerful TDI engines. The Golf Trendline has the following features as standard: electro-mechanical power steering, easy-entry (2-door vehicles), remote control central locking, six airbags, active head restraints in the front, three head restraints plus centre three-point seatbelt in the rear as well as ESP with integrated ABS, EDL, TCS and brake assistant (Dual Brake Assist). For the Golf's 30th birthday, the semi-automatic air conditioner Climatic is also being included at no extra cost.

Source - Volkswagen

Manufactured by Volkswagon in 1974, the Golf compact car that has become their best-selling vehicle with over 24 million built. In 1975 it was featured as Wheels magazine's Car of the Year.

Several versions and variations have been produced over the years, most famously, the 3-door hatchback style, the 5-door hatchback, as a sedan, convertible and as a station wagon. The Golf is an example of a hot hatch vehicle.

The success of the Golf was paramount to Volkswagon, as it aided the struggling company in the early 1970's (after terminal sales of the Beetle had plunged the company into decline) and turned sales around. Volkswagon has always had the reputation for solid built-quality and reliable engineering, the design and record breaking sales reinforced this. The public was repeatedly turning away from the Type 3 and Type 4 at this time, and showed no interest in Volkswagen's air cooled, rear-engined models.

The Auto Union GmbH, which owned Audi became the saving grace for the struggling German car giant. Aquiring the Ingolstad company in the autumn of 1964 from Daimley-Benz in 1964 a huge turn-around occurred in Volkswagen production as they gained access to Audi's expertse in water-colled engines and front wheel drive which where crucial in producing the new generation of Volkswagens.

The Golf was marketed in the U.S. and Canada as the Rabbit, and in Mexico as the Caribe. In South Africa, a Volkswagon CitiGolf, an entry level still produced, is a version of the original Golf model.

The Volkswagon Golf was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, Italian automoble architect of ItalDesign design studio.

Deciding to lower costs by producing locally, Volkswagon chose James McLernon, a former Chevrolet executive, to run a factory in Westmoreland County, PA. It was 1978, and Volkswagon became the first European car manufacturer to produce a vehicle in the U.S.

Over the years, McLernon tried to soften the suspension, and used cheaper materials for the interior to 'Americanize' the car. Company executives in Germany weren't happy with the changes made and reverted back to stiffer shocks, suspensions and higher quality interior trim.

The PA plant continued producing Volkswagons through 1984, GTI for the North American market, and also the first Caddy pick-up, based on the MK1 Golf.
Considered to be the third best car during the 1980's, the GTI Mk I, also known as the Rabbit GTI.

Launched in Europe in 1976, and in the US in 1983, the GTI version
With a more advanced power output, due to the newly adopted fuel injection, the hot hatch came with a 1588 cc engine with 100 PS (81 kW/108 hp). Eventually the car became updated with larger bumpers, new dashboard, square headlights and larger rear lamp clusters.

In 1985 the GTI became the Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year. As well as being considered to be the 'Best Golf of all time' by VWVortex's
The Cabriolet, the convertible was sold from 1980 for 13 years and had a transverse roll bar and reinforced body.

It wasn't until 1983 that the second-generation Golf was introduced. This vehicle wasn't available in the U.S. until 1985.The main modifications being a larger bodyshell, more engine options, and a supercharged 8v 'G60' with both 2wd and 4wd options.
The second-generation Golfs were produced at the Westmoreland plant before it closed in July of 1988 due to unsatisfactory sales production. The Pennsylvania plant was also were the North American Rabbit was produced until this setback moved all production to Germany and Mexico.

A special edition G60 Limited was released in a very limited capacity with only 72 available, all featuring a unique number and plaque. The Volkswagen Motorsport division designed these all-black models in 1989 produced 212 bhp and were the most powerful VW Golfs to have ever been released.

The G60 Supercharger had a unique blue grille detail, had a two-headlight grille rather than the standard four headlight found on standard GTI's and came with a 16-valve engine. These limited edititions were unrivaed as the ost powerful VW's until the release of the MKIV Golf R32 in 2003.

Popular in the mountainous regions of central Europe, an off roading vehicle that came with four wheel drive, bullbars, a spare wheel mounted on the rear, the added capacity for more suspension travel, was the Golf Country. Several of these off-roading vehicles came with the 75 hp 1.6 GTD turbo diesel engine, and 114 bhp 1.8 8v petrol engine.

In November of 1991, Volkswagon released a third-generation Golf. It wasn't until 1993 when the MK III was released in North America. By 1992, Golf was elected Car of the Year.

As the diesel craze swept through Europe in the late 1900s and eaerly 2000s, Volkswagen released the Golf MK III with a direct-injection system, and the ability to achieve over 50 hp/L it aided in power without loss of fuel efficiency while still retaining massive amounts of low –end torque.

Volkswagen was the sponsor of three very high profile rock bands' European tours and even issues special edition Golf's for each band. Pink Floyd edition in 1994, Rolling Stones 1995 and Bon Jovi edition in 1996 all carried distinctive exterior markings making these exclusive collectibles during the 1990s.
The very limited ‘20th Anniversary' 1000 special-edition GTI was released in 1996. Sold in only 6 colour schemes, this exclusive model was only produced for the European market and not available in the UK. Today it is seen as the rarest MK III model available.

The Golf IV, launched in 1997, eventually became the biggest selling car in Europe at one point. More expensive than other models in its class at the time, the newest Golf came with much more exlusive interior and sophisticated styling.

This newest model held true to the standard Golf concept, but it did include the new ‘arched' styling themes first found on the MK IV Pasasat making it a more appealing model. With an average chassis, the handling and the ride was considered to be inferior compared to the MK IV Vauxhall and the MK II Astra and eventually the Ford Focus (released the following year),

Produced in Germany, Brazil, Mexico, Belgium, South Africa, Slovakia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Golf IV also released a model in Bosnia for the local market only.
A saloon version of the MK IV was created, as the Volkswagen Bora. In North America it was released as the Jetta. The Bora/Jetta featured front wing and bonnet as well as unique rear doors. The new model came in either three or five-door hatchbacks, or as a five-door station wagon.

Introduced to the U.S. in 1999, the Golf IV came with a 2.0 L gasoline engine and a 1.9 L turbocharged diesel TGI engine. In 2000 Volkswagen updated the base engine to the fairly new 1.8 L turbocharged gasoline engine. In 2003, a 24-valve version of its VR6 engine was introduced by Volkswagen and the ability to achieve an extra 26 hp. Featuring the first 6-speed manual available to theMK IV, the 1.8T and VR6 models

It was during the Frankfurt Motor Show in October of 2005 that the fifth generation Gold was revealed to the public. In Europe sales were opened a month later, though it wasn't released to the U.S. for three more years. In January of 2006, GTI form was the only release until the Spring of 2006.

Volkswagen announced on April 12, 2006 that they will change the name of Golf back to Rabbit for the new lineup introduced to the U.S. and Canadian markets, though the name will remain Golf in the rest of the world.

Elizabeth Johnson

1975 – 2008: THE HISTORY OF THE GOLF GTI

The Volkswagen Golf GTI was unveiled in 1975 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The UK market had to wait a further two years for vehicles to arrive – 1977 saw 34 examples, all of them left hand drive, sold in the GTI's first tentative year.

The GTI was powered by a 1,588 cc four cylinder engine with K-Jetronic fuel injection it developed 110 PS at 6,100 rpm and 103 lbs ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. This allowed the GTI, which weighed 810 kg unladen, to hit 60 mph from standstill in nine-seconds before reaching a top speed of 110 mph.

The now familiar mix of a high-revving, responsive four-cylinder engine installed in a hatchback body with the emphasis on driving fun was linked to a pared down interior came as a revelation at the time. Especially when combined with tartan trim and the now iconic golf ball gearshift.

The car was an instant hit. By the time right-hand drive cars arrived in the UK in 1979 a total of 1,573 cars were sold in that year, a number that would triple within two years.

In 1984 the Mk II GTI was launched and picked up where the Mk I left off. A new chassis structure, a 1,781 cc engine developing 112 PS and 114 lbs ft of torque and new styling evolved the GTI and saw it appeal to a new generation of fans. Sales of the Mk II GTI surpassed those of the Mk I, peaking at 17,193 vehicles in 1989. In Germany a supercharged G60 version developing 160 PS was sold, an output that wouldn't be bettered in a GTI until 2002.

Three years later the Mk III GTI was launched, bringing with it a new 2.0-litre eight-valve engine and improved aerodynamics over the previous Mk I and Mk II models. In 1993 the GTI fitted was with a 2.0-litre 16-valve engine, raising the power output from 115 PS in the eight-valve model up to a more substantial 150 PS and 133 lbs ft of torque to drop the 0-60 mph time to 8.3 seconds and raise the top speed to 133 mph.

The introduction of the Mk IV GTI in 1998 saw significant changes to the line-up with the first diesel-engined GTI introduced along with two petrol engines in a total of four different states of tune. The Mk IV GTI made significant gains in refinement and safety – in 2002 the fastest accelerating and most powerful GTI produced up until that point was released in the form of the 180 PS GTI 25th Anniversary Edition. It was the success of this more powerful vehicle that inspired the introduction of the Mk V GTI.

Launched in September 2004 at the Paris Motor Show the Mk V GTI equipped with a 200 PS engine was not only the most powerful but also the most focused GTI yet produced. A new 2.0-litre T-FSI engine linked to a six-speed gearbox and standard Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) were linked to a new chassis equipped with MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link configuration at the rear. The vehicle was 15 mm lower than the standard Golf on new springs, dampers and anti-roll bars.

Visual cues were taken from the original GTI with the return of the tartan interior and the red surround to the grille element – even the GTI typeface used on the badge echoed that of the original.

The Mk V GTI served as a basis for two special editions – the Pirelli and Edition 30. Both models were powered by an evolution of the 2.0-litre T-FSI engine fitted to the conventional GTI, albeit both producing 230 PS.

The wildest GTI ever created – the GTI W12-650 – was also based on the Mk V. Powered by a mid-mounted 6.0-litre W12 engine producing 650 PS the vehicle could accelerate to 62 mph in 3.7-seconds and could theoretically achieve a maximum speed of 201 mph.

Production of the Mk V Golf ceased in August 2008 with a total of 17,630 examples sold in the UK alone. In total over 1,700,000 examples of the GTI have been sold worldwide since the vehicle went on sale in 1976.

Source - Volkswagen

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