VW Golf GTI Concept World Premiere at IAA

Press Release

The interior design – cult status?

This came about thanks to the exterior, the drive technology and the interior. The GTI concept of 2003 takes this history further

The original GTI did not just become a great hit with the fans due to its performance, its agile handling properties and exterior design, even its individually designed interior set new standards thanks to an ergonomic and sporty style. Details such as the sports seats, with legendary criss-cross design on black background, the three-spoked sports steering wheel or the gearstick knob shaped like a golf ball were the counterpoints that attracted a new sporty clientele. Time flies: More noble than ever and catapulted almost three decades into the future, the GTI concept carries on this dynamic style further. With anthracite headliner and anthracite coloured pillar trim panels, the interior is characterised by markedly high attention to detail. As the doors are opened, the journey therefore starts in a new but familiar GTI world.

The sports seating features black matt and anthracite coloured suede and, in addition, the interior is refined with brushed aluminium

The entry step trim, pedals and floor panels of the concept are all finished in brushed aluminium. As an anti-slip measure, the aluminium is enhanced with rubber strips. The completely new leather sports seats (contoured single seats are also installed in the rear) have an ergonomically perfect and inviting appeal just by looking at them. Take a seat and the appeal is confirmed. The very high backrests, in particular, and adjustable head restraints, integrated here optically, create an ambience of extraordinary sporty functionality. Detailed perfection is a bonus: GTI logos are embroidered into the head restraints. The upholstery trim of the seats has also been newly designed: The main material used is black, fine suede. Running across this are narrow strips of perforated suede; the front surface of the head restraints is covered with this on the inner area. As with the first GTI generation of 1976, this GTI concept of 2003 is also distinguished by a three spoke steering wheel with metal elements. The leather steering wheel features a brushed aluminium element in each of the spokes. A further GTI logo is embroidered in the vertical spoke. The moulded grips of the steering wheel, that is on the left and right of the cross spoke extensions, are covered in suede, similar to that used in the world of racing. The instruments in the vehicle were also revamped. Their graphic layout and design give an image of technical precision in its highest form. Each of the round main instruments is surrounded by a ring of machined aluminium. The rev counter mounted on the left has an ample range up to 8000 rpm, hitting the red line area from 7000 rpm. This clear overview is continued with the scaling of the speedometer. With the sum of all features, this GTI concept rises above the more "civil" Golf version in a way reminiscent of the original GTI. And with that a clear statement is again made: A declaration towards the forever young GTI icon.

The constructive basis of the GTI concept is provided by the ultimate in its class today – The new Golf generation

The constructive basis of the compact sports car is the fifth generation, 22 million bestseller Golf. The two door version, though, is more striking than ever in terms of the design compared to the four door, with a much higher waistline at the rear. Technically, the GTI concept features all of the advantages of the Golf series that are generally set as the standard in its class. Included here are the extremely high quality bodywork, the new safety running gear designed for driving dynamics (including ESP and dual brake assist system), the new electro-mechanical steering, the efficient technology of fuel stratified injection (FSI) - enhanced in the case of the GTI with a turbocharger, and the spectacular direct selection gearbox (DSG).

The GTI always differentiated itself technically from the "civil" models; and the concept vehicle is no different – it is harder, stronger, faster and still comfortable

In contrast to the standard production model, the concept vehicle naturally has numerous differences. With the high output and GTI philosophy in mind, the car features a substantially stiffer, but still comfortable, sporty running gear. Newly designed 18 inch alloy wheels, sporting wide tyres, provide the majestic contact with the road and ensure that the larger sized braking system, with red finished brake calipers, is well accommodated. The exhaust system is completely new and features twin tail pipes.

Will the future of the GTI make it to the present?
Without question. The new GTI will come. Paris 2004 would be a good time

The question is now will the concept make it to series GTI production? The signs are extremely good. Relevant tests and preparations are underway. And the product launch date? Let's just say: If it's high-tech and outstanding performance, with the GTI philosophy in mind, that people are looking for, they will find it all at the 2004 Motor Show in Paris. The stage will then be set to make what we can expect of the GTI in the future, a GTI that we can have now.