New Volkswagen ID. GTI concept breaks cover

Gajanan Kashikar Updated: October 09, 2023, 06:07 PM IST

German automotive giant Volkswagen has unveiled the new ID. GTI concept at the IAA Mobility event in Munich, Germany. This ID. GTI concept is based on the ID. 2all, which was showcased in March 2023. Notably, the debut of this all-electric concept was timed to coincide with the unveiling date of the first Golf GTI, which took place at the IAA in Frankfurt exactly 48 years ago.

Volkswagen claims to have reimagined the iconic GTI DNA for the electric era with the ID. GTI concept. The GTI badge has been associated with a range of compact sports cars, including the Golf GTI, Polo GTI, Up! GTI, and Scirocco GTI. The automaker has also stated that the "I" in the GTI model designation has evolved from "injection" to "intelligent." Significantly, the series development of the ID. GTI has already been confirmed, with its European debut scheduled for 2026, followed by releases in other international markets.

The ID. GTI features a familiar yet bold, aggressive, and sporty design language that gives it a commanding presence. The low-slung electric hot hatch bears a strong resemblance to recent Golf models. It boasts sharp creases, a sporty front bumper, a full-length light bar, square-shaped quad taillights, a roof spoiler, an aggressive rear diffuser, and GTI badges. Volkswagen has also added illuminated logos at the front and rear of the vehicle. Inside the ID. GTI concept, you'll find two free-standing screens – one for the driver display and the other for the central information hub – a sporty steering wheel, sports seats, and more.

Although Volkswagen hasn't revealed detailed specifications and powertrain information for the ID. GTI, it has mentioned that the hot electric hatch will feature a front-axle differential lock, electronically controlled by a Vehicle Dynamics Manager. This system was originally introduced on the Golf GTI and Golf GTI Clubsport, making them the first Volkswagen cars to have this traction control system.

The ID. GTI Concept is the first VW EV to debut this intelligent system. Volkswagen explains that the Vehicle Dynamics Manager of the ID. GTI Concept integrates the powertrain with the control system more extensively than on traditional ICE models. This is thanks to the electric drive motor, which can be varied almost infinitely. Volkswagen has also developed a new GTI Experience Control on the centre console, allowing the driver to select different modes that adjust the powertrain of the ID. GTI Concept, altering the drive system, running gear, steering, sound experience, and even simulating shift points in the style of iconic GTI models like the Golf GTI I from 1976, the first Golf GTI II 16V from 1986, or the legendary Golf GTI IV '25 years of GTI' from 2001.

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Price (Ex-Delhi)
Starts Rs 7.53 Lakhs
Displacement
1493cc
Transmission
Manual
Max Power(ps)
83
Max Torque(Nm)
240
Mileage
-NA-