VW’s CEO confirms a GTI version of the upcoming ID 2 -electric model A whole family of GTI cars arrive in the next decade An electrified golf is also on the cards
Volkswagen’s CEO, Thomas Schäfer, has been on a record to state that the brand plans to operate its iconic GTI bath into the electric age with the launch of the ID 2 GTI.
By going all-in on the Hot Hatch suggestions, Auto Car reports that VW also plans an allelectric version of the ninth generation golf, complete with a GTI-built iteration, with a “whole group of GTI” models that follow.
The first EV to receive the performance treatment will be a range version of ID 2, which was shown in the 2023 ID GTI concept car.
This design study wore all the classic GTI characteristics, including an iconic flat-bottomed steering wheel, a low riding height and aggressive body work, as well as the famous GTI bathing.
Schäfer told Auto Car that his experience of an early prototype vehicle suggests that the upcoming Electric GTI model will be “a monster car”.
There is no set-in-stone date for the first GTI-BADGED EV, but ID 2 will be launched early next year, which just happens to be the 50th anniversary of the launch of the original MK1 Golf GTI.
GTI should be hot but attainable
(Image Credit: Volskwagen)
While talking to Auto Car, CEO Thomas Schäfer said the main goal of electric GTI models is to make them feel obviously different from the standard car, which includes handling, sound and ensuring that they are exciting to drive.
So far, Hyundai has proven that this can be done with the formidable Ioniq 5N, but the great weight of technology required to make it fun to throw around in a race circuit also means that it is phenomenally expensive.
The GTI bath has always stood for achievable benefits, with the kind of price tag, which means that with even a sniff of disposable income they can think of owning one.
Although there has been no word about the technology that will support the upcoming family of GTI models, Schäfer said at the launch of the ID GTI concept that the cars will remain “sporting, iconic, technologically progressive and accessible”, as well as being suitable for everyday driving.
So far, Volkswagen’s electric vehicles have been met with a lukewarm reaction, with early ID models that prove bland, soulless and slightly forgetful.
The introduction of GTI will hopefully bring some of this VW voltage to its ally-electric interval, while the early looking at the upcoming ID 2 proves that the German mark is back in top form … and back to physical buttons.
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