You’ve been waiting for it, here it is. While waiting for the IAA show in Munich, we were able to discover the sports version of the ID.2 Concept (ID. 2all for friends). And inevitably, it will be called Volkswagen ID GTI! Discovery in pictures.
Finally, ID.2 GTI more precisely, but that’s a detail. What matters is that Volkswagen draws on its experience and the history of the Golf GTI for this concept. The objective, rather than talking about sports performance in itself, is to recall the emblematic universe of the manufacturer’s GTI. Colors, design and aesthetic nods are responsible for nostalgia. For the ultra-modern interpretation, it happens inside. After the new Passat eHybrid in Brunswick, head to VW headquarters in Wolfsburg. Here is our preview discovery of the Volkswagen ID GTI.
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The Volkswagen ID GTI Concept in terms of looks: favorite!
After all, why beat around the bush? Your servant is a fan. Most observers will have noticed, the Volkswagen ID GTI Concept is derived from the ID. 2all. Same format, same design language. What makes it special are the various details with “GTI” inspirations. The young design and user experience team is modest: “we had to learn what a GTI is. A GTI is power, handling, but also and above all feeling”. Because yes, this is a whole part of VW history, and it is not to be taken lightly. “The colors and materials are almost the easiest to define”. That, we can observe all around the vehicle: red inserts, badges and GTI markings absolutely everywhere (perhaps even a little too much). And even the golf ball texture, here in the center of the wheels!
Enthusiasts will also recognize the rims, inspired by the vintage GTI Pirelli. With the short overhangs, widened bumpers and side skirts, the effect is half-compact, half-massive. The Volkswagen ID GTI Concept has large wheel arches, which help to establish the vehicle and give it presence. A silhouette that works rather well for our taste, with its smiling face and its more muscular rear face. The rear panel is darkened, so as to “refine the rear signature, give it a ‘concentrated’ side”. Some will argue that the rear diffuser is a bit overdone, we can hardly blame them. The aerodynamic work is not left out, with a split fin and sculpted skirts, among others. Note the rear handles, in the high position for the first time at VW. As for the other details, we let you discover them in pictures.
Interior concept: advice to gamers
So, did you spot the message and the little hexagon? If the latter will have its place on the French market, it is also and above all very present inside. The interior, only in the form of a digital concept for the moment, is “centered on emotions, feeling”. The Volkswagen ID GTI Concept emphasizes organic interactions and sensations. The upper part of the seats, equipped with a sensor, could follow the heart rate, and even produce haptic feedback. For example, a vibration on the left or on the right to signal a vehicle in our blind spot! The interface would give pride of place to hexagonal cells: buttons, menus, animations, everything goes. The displays obviously change according to the driving mode chosen. Another fun idea on board: “GTI Achievements”. For most gamers, it will be like console achievements and trophies.
To be obtained by teasing the G-Meter, by reaching a certain speed, or by driving very eco, for example. Useless, therefore essential. On the track, the handset could even display the layout of the circuit. And for the most nostalgic (or to introduce the youngest), a retro Golf GTI Mk1 style interface is on the program. The Volkswagen ID GTI Concept would welcome armrests with integrated opening buttons, for the purest possible rendering. The objective is to maximize the perception of space on board. As for the seats, they will certainly have the right to timeless evocations of tartan. You know, the tartan pattern. “Our aim is to appeal to the new generation without forgetting to please fans of classic GTIs”. Last detail: the remote control, very design, would be placed directly at the bottom of the steering wheel. At the start, a play of lights and mood lighting welcome us.
What performance for the Volkswagen ID GTI?
However, the manufacturer does not provide any information on the potential performance of its Volkswagen ID GTI Concept. Same thing for the battery and autonomy. Fortunately, we still have some data to put in our mouths. The model, in traction, is based on the MEB entry platform. It is 4.10 m long, 1.84 m wide, and 1.49 m high. Its wheelbase is 2.60 m, all on 20-inch wheels. The hot hatch offers 490 l of storage volume, which can go up to 1,330 l. Failing to talk about kW, the designers evoke two quite explicit “Drive” and “Turbo” driving modes, with their specific atmospheres on board. A “MAX GTI” function would also provide a temporary power boost when needed, with a specific dynamic animation. What does the Launch Control display of the Tesla Model S Plaid remind us of?
As a reminder, the Volkswagen ID. 2all was given at 226 hp, also in traction. One can therefore naturally imagine a higher power output for the production Volkswagen ID GTI. More than 250 hp, it’s almost sure, why not familiar with 300 hp? We will have to wait a little longer, especially since we know that the technical basis will be shared by the Cupra Urban Rebel. However, let’s not forget that we remain more in the “spirit” GTI than in truly sporting ambitions. The experience should therefore be much more focused on the interior “feeling” (and design), than in a small GTI ready to tease the mountain passes. As for the price, remember that Volkswagen promises its ID. 2all from €25,000. An entry ticket that will certainly rise to more than €35,000 (if not more) for this ID GTI. And you what do you think ?
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