The Volkswagen ID. GTI Idea debuted on the IAA motor present in Munich, Germany. VW already confirms that the manufacturing model debuts in 2026 and goes on sale in early 2027. People from the corporate at the moment are dropping some particulars concerning the mannequin’s improvement.
VW R&D workforce chief Kai Grünitz says the corporate already has a drivable prototype, and the fifth-gen GTI is a benchmark for the mission. “We wish to make it agile, actually direct and so you possibly can really feel the highway with the damper settings. It’ll be quick however easy and it’ll want extra energy than the ID 2 All,” he informed Autocar. A faux engine sound impressed by earlier GTIs performs within the cabin, however drivers can flip this off.
The manufacturing model rides on the MEB Entry platform and shares a physique in white with the ID. 2. It’s a bit smaller than the idea, which measures 161.5 inches lengthy, 72.4 inches huge, 59 inches tall, and a 102.3-inch wheelbase. For comparability, the present Golf-based GTI is 168.8 inches lengthy, 70.4 inches huge, 57.6 inches tall, and a 103.6-inch wheelbase.
VW is retaining the GTX moniker that it at present makes use of for high-performance electrical fashions. “GTX goes into sure segments, and is four-wheel drive. This [concept] is front-wheel drive and GTI will likely be for front-wheel drive,” Volkswagen design boss Andreas Mindt informed Autocar.
Mindt stated the ID. GTI Idea got here collectively in simply three months. The ID. 2 design was already full, so this car solely required tweaks to match the GTI aesthetic, like a extra aggressive entrance fascia. The designer stated his favourite half was the wheels impressed by the unique GTI however now in aluminum quite than metal.
VW plans for the ID.2 to price across the equal of $26,756 (25,000 euros). The GTI variant can be a bit costlier. “Like with the Mk1 GTI, we are able to persuade folks with a less expensive automobile, extra approachable and extra for the folks,” Mindt stated.
For extra dialogue concerning the ID. GTI Idea take a look at the most recent episode of Rambling About Vehicles: