In 1976 the Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk I was launched as a low volume addition to the Golf range. Thirty two years, five generations and 1.7 million sales after that car established the breed, the sixth generation of the Volkswagen Golf GTI has been unveiled in concept form ahead of its public debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.
The core attributes of the original VW Golf GTI - sharp dynamics, style and practicality - remain in the new Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept. Yet the new car uses the latest advances in drivetrain and chassis technology designed to enhance rather than detract from the purity of the driving experience.
The strut-type front and multi-link rear suspension architecture from the conventional Golf are adopted in modified form on the GTI. Specially tuned springs, dampers and anti-roll bars are joined, for the first time on the GTI, by the option of Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) which comprises adjustable pneumatic dampers. With three settings ranging from 'comfort' to 'normal' and 'sport' the ACC system also remaps the steering and throttle response to give a vehicle that can strike a balance between sharp dynamics and body control and comfort while driving in urban areas or on motorways.
For the first time the new Volkswagen Golf GTI features an electronic limited slip differential (XDS) linked to a sophisticated ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) system in order to maximise traction and improve responses.
Powering the Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept is a 2.0-litre four cylinder TSI engine developing 210 PS - a gain of 10 PS over the Mk V GTI. Despite this gain the new engine is both more efficient, returning 37.6 mpg on the combined cycle while emitting 178 g/km of CO2 compared to 189 g/km for the outgoing car. Installed in the new Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept the 2.0-litre TSI engine allows the vehicle to accelerate from standstill to 62 mph in 7.2 seconds before reaching a top speed of 148 mph making it the fastest standard production GTI yet produced.
A team of three designers are responsible for the new Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept: Walter de Silva (Director, Group Design), Klaus Bischoff (Director, Brand Design) and Marc Lichte (Director, Exterior Design). The new car bears clear visual links with the original. 'We wanted a consistently clear GTI design, a car that has power, but style as well,' commented Walter de Silva.
This is apparent in the red grille surround that echoes the original, along with the horizontal grille fins and elegant yet purposeful new headlights featuring individual lamp pods behind a translucent cover. In profile the side skirts of the VW Golf Mk V that extended the length of the sill are replaced by subtle wraparound versions that extend only partially along the lower edge of the vehicle. At the rear a set of GTI smoked rear light lenses are joined by a rear diffuser channelling air from beneath the vehicle that's in turn framed by a pair of chrome tailpipes.
The distinctive 18-inch 'telephone dial' wheels from the VW Golf GTI Mk V make a reappearance, albeit in subtly evolved form on the Mk VI Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept. Finished in milled silver with gloss black inserts, the new wheels are reminiscent of those first fitted to the Volkswagen Golf GTI W12 650 Concept.
Continuing the unique modifications to the GTI over the conventional Golf is a new interior. Drawing on the all-new interior of the Mk VI Golf the GTI features a flat-bottomed steering wheel finished in black leather with contrasting red stitching. A set of contoured sports seats finished in grey tartan cloth reminiscent of the Mk I and Mk V models are joined by unique instruments and gloss black dashboard and door trim inserts framed by silver highlights.
As with all Golf models the new Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept is fitted with a high level of standard equipment including seven airbags, a CD stereo, climate control and ESP.
Source - Volkswagen
The core attributes of the original VW Golf GTI - sharp dynamics, style and practicality - remain in the new Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept. Yet the new car uses the latest advances in drivetrain and chassis technology designed to enhance rather than detract from the purity of the driving experience.
The strut-type front and multi-link rear suspension architecture from the conventional Golf are adopted in modified form on the GTI. Specially tuned springs, dampers and anti-roll bars are joined, for the first time on the GTI, by the option of Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) which comprises adjustable pneumatic dampers. With three settings ranging from 'comfort' to 'normal' and 'sport' the ACC system also remaps the steering and throttle response to give a vehicle that can strike a balance between sharp dynamics and body control and comfort while driving in urban areas or on motorways.
For the first time the new Volkswagen Golf GTI features an electronic limited slip differential (XDS) linked to a sophisticated ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) system in order to maximise traction and improve responses.Powering the Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept is a 2.0-litre four cylinder TSI engine developing 210 PS - a gain of 10 PS over the Mk V GTI. Despite this gain the new engine is both more efficient, returning 37.6 mpg on the combined cycle while emitting 178 g/km of CO2 compared to 189 g/km for the outgoing car. Installed in the new Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept the 2.0-litre TSI engine allows the vehicle to accelerate from standstill to 62 mph in 7.2 seconds before reaching a top speed of 148 mph making it the fastest standard production GTI yet produced.
A team of three designers are responsible for the new Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept: Walter de Silva (Director, Group Design), Klaus Bischoff (Director, Brand Design) and Marc Lichte (Director, Exterior Design). The new car bears clear visual links with the original. 'We wanted a consistently clear GTI design, a car that has power, but style as well,' commented Walter de Silva.
This is apparent in the red grille surround that echoes the original, along with the horizontal grille fins and elegant yet purposeful new headlights featuring individual lamp pods behind a translucent cover. In profile the side skirts of the VW Golf Mk V that extended the length of the sill are replaced by subtle wraparound versions that extend only partially along the lower edge of the vehicle. At the rear a set of GTI smoked rear light lenses are joined by a rear diffuser channelling air from beneath the vehicle that's in turn framed by a pair of chrome tailpipes.
The distinctive 18-inch 'telephone dial' wheels from the VW Golf GTI Mk V make a reappearance, albeit in subtly evolved form on the Mk VI Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept. Finished in milled silver with gloss black inserts, the new wheels are reminiscent of those first fitted to the Volkswagen Golf GTI W12 650 Concept.
Continuing the unique modifications to the GTI over the conventional Golf is a new interior. Drawing on the all-new interior of the Mk VI Golf the GTI features a flat-bottomed steering wheel finished in black leather with contrasting red stitching. A set of contoured sports seats finished in grey tartan cloth reminiscent of the Mk I and Mk V models are joined by unique instruments and gloss black dashboard and door trim inserts framed by silver highlights.
As with all Golf models the new Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept is fitted with a high level of standard equipment including seven airbags, a CD stereo, climate control and ESP.
The Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept is intended as a first step towards the VW Golf GTI which will start production in spring 2009.
Similarly Sized Vehicles
from 2009
Volkswagen Monthly Sales Volume
March 2023
67,853
Recent Vehicle Additions
Performance and Specification Comparison
Related Automotive News
INFINITI VC-TURBO ENGINE TECHNOLOGY PRESENTED IN PARIS
Global debut for VC-Turbo engine – the worlds first production-ready variable compression ratio engine
Design evolution for 2016 QX Sport Inspiration concept
World debut for upgraded 2017 Q50 sports saloon
Full media information available from w...
Third-generation Kia Sorento set for European premiere at Paris Motor Show 2014
European premiere on 2 October at Paris Motor Show
Sophisticated new design for third-generation Kia Sorento SUV
All-new bodyshell improves ride, handling and crash safety
Improvements to NVH and a step-change in interior quality and design
Rang...
NEW VOLKSWAGEN GOLF R MAKES ITS U.S. DEBUT AT THE 2014 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
Most powerful production Golf ever for the North American market
New car has an estimated 290 horsepower, but is more fuel efficient than previous Golf R
EA888 TSI® 2.0-liter engine propels DSG® equipped Golf R from 0 to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds
...
NEW VOLKSWAGEN GOLF R MAKES ITS U.S. DEBUT AT THE 2014 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
Most powerful production Golf ever for the North American market
New car has an estimated 290 horsepower, but is more fuel efficient than previous Golf R
EA888 TSI® 2.0-liter engine propels DSG® equipped Golf R from 0 to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds
Car...
Land Rover Celebrates 65 Years Of Technology And Innovation
SIXTY-FIVE YEARS OF LAND ROVER
From our earliest days, the desire to create a vehicle that will tackle any terrain has made Land Rover famous around the world. Over the past 65 years, the Land Rover family has grown into the highly respected...