5 Coolest Features Of The Volkswagen ID. GTI Concept

Sep. 03, 2023 3:09 PM ET byJarryd Neves Concept /10 Comments

With VW's electric hot hatch, the 'I' in GTI stands for "Intelligence".

As you might have heard, Volkswagen has revealed the all-electric ID. GTI Concept, which has already been green-lit for production. It's our first look into the电动future of the iconic performance hatch. Like the ICE-poweredGolf GTI, the ID. GTI channels its power to the front wheels. Volkswagen has also equipped the vehicle with an electronically controlled front-axle differential lock, much like the one used on the eight-generation GTI.

This is the first time an electric Volkswagen has been fitted with this system. With no need for fuel injection, the 'I' in GTI now stands for intelligence. The powertrain is now integrated into the Vehicle Dynamics Manager and offers various drive modes and settings.

Since it will be going into production, we decided to look at the five coolest features we hope make it to dealer floors.

1. Modern Technology Makes It Feel Old-School

The vehicle can be set up to provide a driving experience of a historic GTI model. This means the owner could adjust the running gear, steering feel, sound, and the simulated shift points to mimic the driving experience of the original '79 GTI, the '86 Golf 2 GTI 16v, or the '01 GTI 4 '25 Years of GTI'. We're sure more models will be added in the future, and you'll likely be able to buy them via over-the-air updates.

The synthetic exhaust note andsimulated transmissionwill almost certainly reach production, as Hyundai has already fitted both features to the new Ioniq 5 N. But, Hyundai has a limited history when it comes to performance machines.

VW has an impressive back catalog, and we hope to see all past GTIs and possibly even V6-powered R models as part of the simulated driving modes.

2. Augmented Reality For Racing

大众表示,低重心使the ID. GTI Concept ideal for track days, thanks to the floor-mounted battery. Coupled with a featherweight mass (for an electric vehicle), it should be a brilliant racing tool, especially with the useful onboard telematics.

If the driver tackles the Nurburgring in GTI mode, the course and vehicle position are projected onto the left side of the windshield. Not 'video game' enough for you? The driver can also view their field position and progress during a race.

Only the Nurburgring is mentioned, but if the augmented reality windshield makes it into production, we hope VW maps more tracks. Perhaps VW could rely on customers to provide the necessary information by going to track days. This could also be offered as downloadable content via the over-the-air connection. Once you can access lap times set by previous visitors, you can try and beat them.

Basically, we're talking about a real-life video game available only to ID. GTI owners.

3. Modern Design, Retro Styling Cues

The ID. 2all's exterior was reportedly designed with a GTI variant in mind. As such, the subtle changes have made a world of difference. Up front, the grille surround receives its iconic red lipstick. It's more fine-drawn than before, but we're glad it's there.

The full-width IQ. Light LED lights and an illuminated VW logo add an upmarket touch, while the GTI badge has been affixed to the front grille. The front bumper is unique and exclusive to the concept. While the motorsport-inspired black front splitter (a reference to the Mk1 GTI's front bumper) and air intake may be new, Volkswagen has given it a honeycomb structure as a nod to the GTI's past.

Elsewhere, the lower bits of the fascia have two vertical daytime running lights, red tow hooks, and air curtains. The air curtains aren't for show, as they improve the ID. GTI Concept's aerodynamic performance and helps cool the brakes.

Round back, the Mk1 GTI's influence is clear to see. In honor of the original's blacked-out trim, the ID. GTI Concept wears a black roof spoiler with black air guides. Sited just beneath the spoiler is a third brake light that spans the width of the rear windshield. VW says the spoiler is said to improve downforce and create minimal drag.

The funky lightbar has been tinted black, cultivating an athletic look. The 3D taillights and VW badge are the only components that shine red when illuminated. Lastly, the rear diffuser has also been painted black.

4. Spacious Interior Pays Tribute To Past GTIs

The interior also takes inspiration from the GTI models of old. A three-spoke steering wheel resembles the 'Spittoon' steering wheel in the Mk1 GTI. The airbag-equipped tiller has a 12 o'clock marker that should come in handy when pressing on.

With no need for a conventional stick shift, the iconic Golf ball lever has been repurposed for the modern era and now serves as the GTI Experience controller, used to navigate the different driving profiles. A Vintage mode transforms the 10.9-inch screen into a digital recreation of the Mark 2 GTI's gauges. The regular ID. 2all is also expectedto receive configurable retro dials. The beloved plaid pattern has been reimagined for the ID. GTI Concept.

5. Lightweight Design

Volkswagen failed to provide performance claims, but it stated something auspicious in the press release. It claims the battery pack will be lightweight. We don't know precisely what it means by that statement, but we do know that one of the main issues with regard to electric vehicles is weight.

The current MK8 GTI weighs roughly 3,200 pounds, while the similarly-sized ID.3 (not sold in America) weighs 1,000 lbs more. And that's all battery pack fat.

The good news is that battery packs are becoming lighter, and both Alpine and Caterham have proved that you can produce an electric sports car thatweighs less than their direct rivals. If VW can keep the weight within a few pounds of the current GTI, it would be a stellar achievement.