This little-known concept is the ultimate GTI tribute.
The Volkswagen Golf GTI has a huge following worldwide, and for good reason. Small, fast, and practical, the German hot hatch is all things to all men and women. But did you know that VW once created a GTI roadster with 500 horsepower? Few people do, and thanks to Germany's Autogefuhl, we can get a closer look at this one-of-a-kind concept.
Known as the GTI Roadster Vision Gran Turismo, this striking design was created for the Gran Turismo video game, but Volkswagen decided to make a real-life example to stun the crowds at the GTI Worthersee Show.
Even though it was revealed in 2014 - nearly a decade ago - the GTI Roadster still looks fresh and modern. The styling is dramatic and melds the familiar Golf GTI traits with a sports car body. Up front, a GTI badge can be found on the famous honeycomb grille, flanked by slim fang-like headlights that flow into the bumper.
A prominent air intake sits beneath the classic grille, while the rest of the fascia is uplifted with streaks of carbon fiber. The concept sits very close to the ground and measures just 40 inches tall. GTI Vision Gran Turismo measures just 164 inches from front to rear. The menacing appearance is helped by the duo-tone 20-inch wheels that fill the arches and hide red-painted brake calipers.
Some gorgeous detailing can be found on the front fender; a thin lighting strip with an illuminated GTI badge extends out of the bodywork. Along the side of the scissor doors, you'll find faux air intakes that lend the concept even more aggression. Even though the styling would lead you to believe it's mid-engined, the GTI Vision Gran Turismo sports a conventional front engine setup like its production siblings. It's no ordinary turbocharged four-pot, though.
The concept is powered by a 500-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 that can propel the roofless wonder to 62 mph in just 3.6 seconds. That's still impressive by today's standards, and so is the top speed of more than 190 mph. Power is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
On startup, the V6 emits a rich, baritone warble that reminds us of the Golf R32 models of years gone by.
At the rear, you'll discover a prominent rear wing and some familiar styling touches. It's clear to see that the rear fascia - and elements of the front - have been incorporated in the latest generation Golf, particularly the light cluster designs. A massive rear diffuser dominates the car's rear and works well with the centrally-mounted exhaust tips.
The interior is unlike anything Volkswagen currently produces. Alcantara and microfiber materials dominate the spartan cabin, which separates the driver and passenger with a full-length center console. Interestingly, the GTI Roadster Vision Gran Turismo has a controversial yoke-style steering wheel, which has been offered by Tesla in recent years.
Of course, there's no roof, so one must wear a helmet when behind the wheel. Other race-inspired details include a six-point harness.
Autogefuhl notes this concept was designed around the same time the Phaeton D2 concept was created. As we know, both vehicles never made it to production, with Volkswagen canning its second-generation luxury sedan while it was still in development.
Luckily, Volkswagen decided to preview the GTI concept at the famed Worthersee GTI festival, which has since been discontinued at the iconic destination. Thankfully, VW has come to the rescue with a new twist on the much-loved GTI celebration.
As Volkswagen moves away from traditional ICE vehicles, we may see something like this in the future. Sure, it won't be quite as dramatic - and will likely have a conventional roof and more practical cabin - but an electric sports car from Wolfsburg could be just what the doctor ordered.
Currently, the ID.4 is the only EV from Volkswagen offered in the USA. That's all set to change soon with the introduction of the ID.Buzz, and the ID.7 sedan at a later date. Recently, the brand revealed the ID. 2all concept, which is said to be a preview of the iconic Golf in the electric era.
We already know there are plans for a performance variant of this model, so hopefully, Volkswagen sees fit to produce something similar to the GTI Roadster Vision Gran Turismo. After all, it would be such a shame for this stunning design to go to waste.
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