Volkswagen Unveils ID.GTI Concept
Volkswagen recently unveiled its latest concept EV, the ID.GTI. The VW concept debuted at the IAA auto show in Munich. The sporty electric vehicle will launch in Europe, with rumors circulating that the German automaker may sell the car in the United States—the ID.GTI concept demonstrates the automaker’s dedication to producing EVs and capturing the sustainable market in North America and Europe with its GTI branding.
An Entry Level ID. for the European Market
According to recent reports, Volkswagen designed the ID.GTI is an electric vehicle exclusively for the European market. Additionally, the concept will serve as the automaker’s entry-level EV in Europe, or a sportier variation of the ID.2. Earlier this year (2023), the German automaker unveiled the ID.2all concept, the ID.GTI shares a similar base bodywork as the vanilla ID.2 and may be assembled on the automaker’s new MEB Entry platform. The entry platform is a simpler and smaller version of its existing MEB architecture, using front-wheel drive instead of rear-wheel drive—however, the idea of the ID.GTI is not yet available in the US.
The German automaker still needs to release power figures for the ID.GTI yet. However, based on the promised 223 horsepower for the top-spec ID.2, we can assume that the ID.GTI will have at least as much power. To aid with traction and dynamic modes, the ID.GTI will feature an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, much like the current gasoline-fired GTI. Furthermore, the simulated sound system can replicate the sounds of historic GTIs, including the 1976 Mk 1 and the 1986 Mk 2 16-valve version.
What About the Size and Interior?
The new ID.GTI by VW may be smaller than the current Golf GTI, with a length of 161.6 inches and sitting on a 102.4-inch wheelbase. The length of the concept GTI is closer in size to the European Polo rather than the current-generation Golf. However, Volkswagen has promised that the shorter overhangs and lack of a combustion motor up front will still offer comparable passenger space to the gasoline-fired Golf GTI.
Another neat feature of the VW ID.GTI is the ability to transform the 10.9-inch digital instrument display to a rendered version of the Mk 2 Golf GTI’s instrument pack. The dashboard also features a larger 12.9-inch display in the center, and Volkswagen has brought back separate temperature and volume controls rather than integrating them into the bottom of the touchscreen. The concept also has a head-up display that projects performance data high onto the full height of the screen for both the driver and front-seat passenger. However, it is unlikely that the distraction of lap times completed by the passenger will make it to a road-legal version.
There’s still a long road ahead before the Volkswagen ID.2 sells in Europe in 2026—afterward, the ID.GTI will hit the dealerships the year after (2027). The ID.2 and GTI will come to life in Spain alongside models from Skoda and Seat, and all will come to life on the MEB Entry platform. We’re hoping the US will receive the GTI EV as well.
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Photo Source/Copyright: Volkswagen Newsroom