This athletic EV can electronically simulate the sound and feel of previous GTIs.
The sportier versions of the ID.4 and ID.5 EVs have already featured GTX branding, but now Volkswagen is ready to move forward by developing a completely electric vehicle that will have the GTI moniker.
The ID.GTI, which was unveiled at the IAA in Munich, is a concept vehicle, but a production model is expected to be released in Europe and, according to our sources, may even be offered for sale in the United States.
The ID.GTI is essentially an upgraded version of the standard ID.2, which Volkswagen revealed earlier this year with the ID.2all idea. This will replace the ID.3 (which isn’t offered in the United States) as VW’s entry-level electric vehicle in Europe.
The ID.GTI is built on the company’s new MEB Entry platform, a scaled-down and simplified version of its current MEB design that uses front-wheel drive rather than rear-wheel drive. Its base bodywork is identical to that of the standard ID.2.
Exterior
The original Golf’s straightforward Giugiaro styling served as inspiration for the new design, which incorporates several iconic GTI design cues. A larger front bumper with prominent air curtains and vertically stacked LED daytime running lights on either side is one of the custom features.
A contrasting black air duct with honeycomb-shaped accents and red tow hooks is housed in the lower portion.
For a spectacular appearance at night, the VW logo is also illuminated in white, and the headlights themselves include the company’s IQ Light matrix technology.
While substantial sills have GTI insignia underneath the doors in all-black, plastic cladding bulks out the wheel arches to allow 20-inch wheels with a double eight-spoke design that have a throwback appearance.
For increased downforce and high-speed stability, the rear has a substantial new spoiler. There are also custom 3D light graphics, a red-illuminated logo, prominent GTI graphics, and a black valance within the lower portion of the bumper.
The most potent Volkswagen ID 2 model is 4,104mm long, 1,840mm wide, and 1,499mm tall, making it somewhat bigger than the current Polo GTI with a petrol engine.
Interior
Inside, the classic GTI design cues are carried out with a golfball-shaped rotary infotainment dial, a three-spoke steering wheel with a red 12-hour marker, and striped “Jack-e” seat material. It is also possible to set up the 10.9-inch digital display in “analogue” mode, which closely mimics the gauge cluster on the Mk1 Golf GTI.
Additionally, the larger 12.9-inch center touchscreen infotainment panel provides a variety of themes with historical references. One of the most innovative details is a red LED pulse sensor built into the driver’s seat backrest.
The ID GTI can accommodate up to five people, just like the ID 2 standard. The boot’s capacity is listed at 490 liters, however when the back seat is folded down, the space increases to 1,330 liters.
The charging wire and other goods are intended to be stored in a separate 50-litre lockable storage compartment located behind the back seat.
Performance
The ID GTI is built on the same MEB Entry platform, a condensed version of the current MEB platform that was used to create the standard ID 2. Volkswagen refers to it as having a “large” battery, which is probably the larger 56kWh pack that will be offered in the ID 2. It also has a front-mounted electric motor.
The conventional and hot ID 2 have the same body-in-white, just like the original Golf and its GTI sister.
Technical information is still being kept private. The range-topping version of the future Cupra Raval, which is rumored to have a maximum power output of 229 horsepower and a maximum driving range of 440 kilometers, has been linked with the development of the ID GTI.