Volkswagen takes a monumental stride forward with its ID. GTI Concept, an electric car designed to bring the celebrated GTI legacy into a sustainable future. Scheduled for a world premiere at the IAA Mobility in Munich, this game-changing vehicle aims to marry classic GTI features with electric performance.
Built on Intelligence and Accessibility
Engineered atop the ID. 2all—a cost-effective electric compact—the ID. GTI Concept has performance and sustainability at its core. But it’s not just a concept; Volkswagen has plans to move it into production. Thomas Schäfer, Volkswagen's CEO, and Andreas Mindt, Head of Design, both highlight the model's equilibrium of driving pleasure, environmental sustainability, and accessibility. The vehicle's intelligent performance is signified by the new interpretation of the GTI acronym, where "I" also denotes "intelligence." This complements the car's state-of-the-art drivetrain and chassis, managed electronically via a front-axle differential lock and overseen by a Vehicle Dynamics Manager.
An Ode to Heritage with a Glimpse of the Future
The ID. GTI Concept pays respect to its lineage, retaining emblematic design elements like a red radiator grille and distinctive wheel architecture. Yet, it also leaps forward, sporting a compact and dynamic structure with 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels and a long wheelbase. The car’s interior is a blend of past and present; it features a three-spoke steering wheel and a cutting-edge GTI Experience Control system. This allows drivers to adjust various vehicle functionalities, mimicking shift points from historical GTI models.
For the modern driver, a digital cockpit and an augmented reality head-up display offer a customizable experience. Moreover, the car is track-ready, featuring a special driving mode fine-tuned for the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit. Nearly production-ready infotainment and air-conditioning systems showcase intuitive user interfaces, complemented by ergonomic seating arrangements.
From its balanced performance to its tributes to GTI history, the ID. GTI Concept manifests Volkswagen’s commitment to innovation without sacrificing the brand’s heritage.