Volkswagen is gearing as much as introduce a variety of performance-oriented electrical automobiles beneath the GTI badge. CEO Thomas Schäfer has referred to those upcoming fashions as “mind-blowing” and “monsters.” The primary electrical VW GTI is anticipated to hit the market in 2026.
Volkswagen has plans not just for spirited electrical GTI sizzling hatches but additionally for extra variants past the ID.2—a mannequin similar to the Polo—and the next-generation electrical Golf. Most of those fashions are anticipated to take care of a front-wheel-drive structure.
Identical to Alpine’s A290, which is an enhanced model of the Renault 5, it is clear that satisfying front-wheel-drive electrical automobiles are achievable. We’re curious to see what Volkswagen has in retailer.
Schäfer not too long ago shared with Autocar that the corporate is making ready a wide range of GTI fashions that promise to be thrilling. He has already examined a prototype electrical GTI, which he described as a “monster automobile.” This aligns with one other Volkswagen govt’s description of a prototype as “an actual go-kart.”
Whereas the upcoming electrical GTIs are unlikely to exceed 300 horsepower—more than likely hovering round 250 horsepower—this should not detract from their driving enjoyment. For example, the first-generation electrical Mini Cooper, with solely 180 horsepower, is well known for its enjoyable driving dynamics. Equally, the brand new Alpina A290 demonstrates how a lot will be achieved with simply 220 horsepower.
Equipping a front-wheel-drive automobile with extreme energy can result in challenges, reminiscent of torque steer. Volkswagen, identified for its practicality, is anticipated to keep away from going overboard with energy in these fashions.
Curiously, Volkswagen isn’t limiting itself to simply two electrical GTI fashions. Though the GTI model has historically been related to hatchbacks, there’s potential for the title for use on totally different physique kinds.
Historically, all GTIs have been front-wheel drive, however it will likely be intriguing to see if Volkswagen introduces rear-wheel-drive variants. The manufacturing model of the ID.2 and its GTI model will probably be constructed on a lite model of the MEB platform, which is completely front-wheel drive. The forthcoming electrical Golf, set to debut on the finish of the last decade, will make the most of the SSP structure, anticipated to function rear-wheel drive.
The SSP platform, like MEB, is modular and able to being tailored for varied automobile varieties, providing price efficiencies for Volkswagen. It’s designed to succeed the bigger PPE structure used for automobiles just like the Porsche Macan EV and Audi Q6 E-Tron.
Subsequent yr, Volkswagen plans to unveil the manufacturing model of the ID.2 idea, though it will not carry the “ID” designation. Whereas it’s unsure if the GTI model will probably be revealed concurrently, such timing can be becoming as 2026 marks the fiftieth anniversary of the unique Golf GTI.
The electrical Golf is projected to debut round 2029, at which level it should exchange the ID.3, which can be anticipated to bear vital updates to align extra intently with conventional Volkswagen design components and is prone to stay in manufacturing till 2028.
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