Are you ready for the perfect hot hatch to go electric? Volkswagen is setting up this segment with its retro-themed ID. The GTI concept at IAA Mobility 2023, which seeks to bridge 48 years of combustion-powered GTI history with VW’s electric future.
If the red car shown here looks familiar, you’re probably thinking VW ID. The 2all concept debuted earlier this year. The similarity is no coincidence – Volkswagen’s designers had the GTI in mind while designing this concept, and as such, you’ll find almost the same features here, albeit decked out in black and red. There are sporty front and rear fascias, and it rides on wheels inspired by the Mk1 GTI. The taillights are darker, and the spoiler above the hatch blends in with the black trim around the window. The grille is also blacked out with red trim, and naturally, you’ll find GTI branding everywhere.
At this point, we would like to tell you about the motivation behind this peppy red hatchback. Right now, VW has nothing to say other than that it’s a high-performance single-cylinder that features an electronic front-wheel differential lock. It also offers a wide range of customization through the GTI Experience Control system, which can adjust everything from suspension to steering feel and sound and even create simulated shift points to mimic GTIs from decades past.
Speaking of decades past, you’ll find more vintage goodness inside, and not just with the plaid seating. Personal fulfillment. The 2all’s digital interior with dual displays continues, but VW offers multiple settings on the ID. GTI concept including classic instrument displays. Does it feel like you’re cruising around in a Mk2 GTI? You can set it up, and if you find yourself at the Nürburgring, for example, the head-up display will display a layout of the track in the lower corner of the windshield. Meanwhile, the rider can track lap times…also displayed on the windshield.
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Whether this technology will make it to production remains to be seen, but VW says the interior with a 12.9-inch central display, 10.9-inch driver display, and a variety of physical controls are close to production. The automaker also makes the ID categorical clear. The GTI Concept is “the first glimpse of the GTI’s exciting future because the decision has been made to enter production.” Although this concept is focused on performance, VW reminds us that it is still a practical hatchback capable of carrying five people and 17.3 cubic feet of luggage in the trunk.
When will this concept become a reality? This is also a topic that Volkswagen is not yet ready to talk about. But you can get a taste of the future at IAA Mobility 2023, where I.D. The GTI Concept will be on display starting September 5.