The ID. GTI Concept may be an EV, but it promises to offer the same level of excitement as the GTIs of the past
Volkswagen is now catapulting the DNA of the GTI into the age of electric mobility with the new ID. GTI Concept, which is essentially an electric Golf GTI.
The ID. GTI Concept is based on the ID. 2all concept that was presented in March—a future electric compact car. Its front-wheel-drive layout, and sporty proportions make it the perfect starting point for a new GTI. A front-axle differential lock—electronically controlled by a Vehicle Dynamics Manager—is used, just like the current generation of the GTI.
With the ID. GTI Concept, Volkswagen is presenting a new evolutionary stage of these electronically networked driving dynamics systems. Here, the Vehicle Dynamics Manager of the ID. GTI Concept integrates the powertrain into the control system to an even greater degree than on the petrol models.
Using a newly developed GTI Experience Control on the center console, the driver can choose which characteristics the ID. GTI Concept’s powertrain should have. For the first time, it is possible to adjust the drive system, running gear, steering, sound, and even the simulated shift points in the style of one of the historic GTI models—such as the original 1976 Golf GTI, the first 16-valve Golf GTI Mark 2 from 1986 or the 2001 Golf GTI Mark 4 ‘25 years of GTI’.
Like the original GTI, the concept uses the design and technology of an affordable large-series model as its basis. And like every previous GTI, this base has the typical dynamic and unique features of the GTI.
In figures, this means a compact 4,104 mm overall length and a long 2,600 mm wheelbase wheelbase framed by large 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels with 245/35 performance tires. The short overhangs, 1,498 mm height and 1,838 mm width complete the picture.
At the front, the GTI concept vehicle has the most significant and well-known exterior GTI feature: the red radiator grille surround, although the aperture is much smaller than on a gasoline car. The red line is narrow but nevertheless striking. At the front of the ID. GTI Concept, it spans the entire width below the IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights. The red GTI logo is integrated in the red line on the right. The headlights themselves are framed by a horizontal LED bar. The Volkswagen badge is illuminated in white.
The design of the GTI bumper is inspired by motorsports and is unique to this model. It features a dominant black front splitter in the middle with an air intake above it that has the typical honeycomb structure seen since the fifth-generation GTI.
On the outer area of the grille there are two red motorsport-style towing eyes. At the sides, the designers have incorporated vertical LED daytime running lights in the black-framed air curtains that route the airflow to the wheel housings and then outwards in a targeted manner in order to optimize the aerodynamic performance and cool the brakes.
The low front splitter and vertical LED daytime running lights make the concept vehicle appear to hug the road. At the front, the future and past meet up once more because the matte-black area around the splitter and air intake evokes the low spoiler and bumper of the original Golf GTI.
Distinctive wheel designs, such as the Pirelli rim from the Mark 1 Golf GTI and the Denver rim from the Golf GTI Mark 5, are another characteristic GTI feature. They have eight double spokes and a striking circle of eight openings; the inner surfaces of the wheel rims are black, while the edges of the eight openings have a high-gloss polished finish. The wheels are framed by matte-black flared wheelarch extensions.
A black roof spoiler is now used instead of a black rear window frame and is flanked by black air guides at the sides. The spoiler ensures optimum downforce and minimum drag. Under the spoiler, a narrow LED strip runs across the entire width of the vehicle as a third brake light.
Inside, the ID. GTI Concept’s three-spoke steering is equipped with an airbag that is located slightly lower down to create a visual bridge to the impact absorber in the Golf GTI I. The illuminated 12 o’clock marker always shows the driver the straight-ahead position. The two horizontal spokes of the multifunction steering wheel each accommodate an easy-grip thumbwheel and two buttons.
Among other things, the driver uses these to control the individually configurable digital instruments, the augmented reality head-up display and functions such as audio volume. Since the automatic transmission is operated by a steering column switch, as in the ID.7, the interior designers have transferred the golf ball shifter design to the multifunction GTI Experience Control in the center console that is used to control the different driving profiles.
Digital displays inside the concept vehicle allow new designs and functions, making it possible to experience the GTI idea in more varied ways than before. Fundamentally different cockpit looks are available for the instruments of the ID. GTI Concept: the basic configuration is a reflection of the current digital age that displays all conceivable information and functions and a sporty GTI graphic design.
In the Vintage mode, the 10.9-inch Digital Cockpit in front of the driver is transformed into the instrumentation of a Mark 2 Golf GTI, for example, becoming a perfect match for the Mark 1 Golf GTI mode that can be activated with the GTI Experience Control.
The designers and engineers have also taken a new approach with the augmented reality head-up display. It projects a new data set onto the windshield, now for the passenger as well as the driver. This means the virtual and real worlds are merged for the ‘co-driver’ as well.
The 12.9-inch infotainment touch display is already near-production with its intuitive graphics and menu structure. The same applies to the air-conditioning controls located under the display, which are operated by illuminated buttons. In the middle of the air conditioning strip that’s easily accessible for both driver and front passenger, there’s a small thumbwheel to adjust the volume of the infotainment system.
Located a level further down are two large inductive charging interfaces for smartphones, which are magnetically locked in position. As described above, other vehicle functions are controlled using the GTI Experience Control integrated in the center console. Numerous 45W USB-C interfaces distributed throughout the vehicle interior supply power to smartphones. Larger devices can be powered by a fully usable 230-volt socket.
Sport seats were a characteristic feature of the first Golf GTI, and ergonomically designed seats also catch the eye in the new ID. GTI Concept. Their inner surfaces naturally have a reinterpreted GTI plaid pattern, with fabric being called Jack-e instead of Jacky, the name used for the fabric in the Mark 6 Golf GTI. The driver’s seat backrest is additionally equipped with the GTI Heartbeat, a red pulse sensor.
While the four-door vehicle can accommodate five passengers, the luggage compartment is also generous with a capacity of 490 liters. There is a further 50 liters stowage area under the rear bench seat, which can be folded in one easy movement.
This stowage area was specially designed for the charging cable and items such as the first-aid kit, high-visibility vests and breakdown set. In addition, there is enough space in this lockable compartment for devices such as laptops and tablets, which can also be charged there. When the 60:40 split rear bench seat is folded down, the luggage compartment capacity increases to 1,330 liters.
No performance details have been revealed yet as the ID. GTI is still in Concept stages, but it is safe to assume that the figures will be similar to what we get in a Golf GTI as the electric version here is all about mimicking the latter.
