ID. GTI Concept unveiled at IAA: That’s how cool VW’s first electric GTI will be

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So far VW’s ID models have not been a success story. Introduced as Volksstromer, the ID.3 and ID.4 exposed machining and technical weaknesses previously unknown to VW, and also failed to fully convince potential customers in terms of design. At least for this reason, CEO Herbert Diess (64) had to vacate his top spot in the summer of 2022. Things seem to be going well at Wolfsburg ever since: the Electric Bulli ID. Buzz received huge applause at its market launch last fall and its new electric flagship ID. 7 was greatly appreciated by the audience.

Recently, new VW CEO Thomas Schäfer (53) unveiled his all-electric small car identity. 2all, which will finally make e-mobility more affordable from 2025, possibly starting at around 25,000 francs. At the IAA mobility fair, currently held in Munich (D), Europe’s largest automaker introduced ID. Introducing the GTI Concept, which not only draws the famous design of the ID.2 from the pen of new chief designer Andreas Mindt (54), but also reflects other well-known VW attributes. The VW Group’s first truly electric sports car could be a real hit, and a fitting revival of the GTI label, which, incidentally, threatens to get under the wheels due to the ubiquitous electric trend.

Golf GTI I as a great role model

Sharp forms, successful proportions, wide wheel arches and thick wheels: the design of the 4.10 meter long ID. The GTI Concept is extremely successful. Many details, such as the two paint finishes in diamond silver and mars red, the red rim of the front grille or the specially designed wheels in Pirelli design, remind of the work’s big role model: the first Golf GTI in 1976 was also almost 50 years ago (in Frankfurt) Celebrated its world premiere at the IAA. Back then, the GTI shocked the sports car world with its affordable sportiness – that’s the ID. The GTI has now been transferred to the e-age.

The new electric athlete shares front-wheel drive and a relatively simple interior with its predecessor; this underlines the dynamic assertion with all kinds of sporty extras. These include bright red seat logos, illuminated play-pause pedals or the typical rectangular sports steering wheel with 12 o’clock markings. The innovative head-up display with augmented reality technology opens up completely new digital possibilities: If the driver is driving on a race track in GTI mode, the course of the route and the vehicle’s position are displayed on the far left of the windscreen.

300 hp looks realistic

The GTI Concept is ultimately able to do that, but VW still keeps a low profile. The technology is based on the identity of its brother. 2all, the electric motor already sends 226 hp (166 kW) to the front wheels, ID. GTI performance from 250 hp to 300 hp at least. In addition, the exciting GTI will feature an electrically controlled front-axle differential lock to bring dynamics to the road.

ID range. The GTI should be over 400 kilometers. But with our desire for cornering and speed, practicality should not be overlooked. The 2.60-metre wheelbase provides ample space: the 490 to 1330-litre cargo space offers more than 100-litre capacity than the current VW Golf GTI in the higher-end.

Sunday launch not before 2026

“The perfect combination of driving fun and everyday convenience – that’s the three letters the GTI has stood for for decades,” says Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer. “Technically progressive, accessible. But reinterpreted for tomorrow: exciting, fully networked, deeply emotional. Driving pleasure and sustainability go hand in hand. That’s how the GTI has a future for our brand and for the fans.”

But there’s one major problem: it’ll likely take at least until 2026 for VW fans to enjoy Volkswagen’s first electric GTI; In the fast-paced, ever-changing age of electricity, that’s half an eternity. It’s also still completely unclear how much the electric GTI will ultimately cost. Based on the 25,000 francs on the ID. But prices between 30,000 and 35,000 francs seem quite realistic.

Source: Blick