New VW Golf GTI Details

Press Release

THE GOLF GTI INTERIOR:
A new sports seat unit for a new GTI generation

If there is any such thing as a classic interior, then this description applies to the first GTI from 1976. The interior of the new Golf GTI shows the same kind of unique attitude, with the technologies and stylistic devices of the 21st century.

GTI sport seats: The newly designed GTI seat unit provides maximum comfort with excellent side hold and a sporting look. The high backrests and visually integrated yet adjustable headrests create an atmosphere of unusually sporty practicality. Its breathable "Interlagos" seat covers, whose classic design harks back to the look of the first generation of GTI seats, have also been newly developed. "Anthracite" and "Pure Beige" leather seats are also available as an option. The GTI lettering integrated into the headrest is yet another sign of the love of detail expressed in the interior.

GTI interior details: Like the first Golf GTI, the new generation also features a three-spoke steering wheel with aluminium decoration. Today, however, it is covered with perforated leather as standard, which gives an excellent grip. aluminium is also featured on the GTI gear stick, the decorative inserts (brushed aluminium) and the pedals. Another typical GTI feature is the black roof lining. Even the instruments have been designed specially for the GTI: The rev counter goes up to 8,000 rpm and the speedometer has been extended to the higher ranges. The instruments are enclosed in a smart aluminium frame.

The range of equipment of the GTI also includes as standard – in addition to all the features in the Trendline package – a multifunction display (on-board computer), front foot well lighting, automatic dimming interior mirror with light and rain sensor, the Coming-Home/Leaving-Home light function, which can be controlled from inside, and a tyre pressure monitoring display. Like the entire range, the GTI is also fitted with a complete safety package, including ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Program), crash-active front headrests, three headrests in the back and six airbags.

THE GOLF GTI-RUNNING GEAR:
15 millimetres less and yet lots more

GTI sports running gear: The safety running gear known from the fifth generation Golf with the front suspension strut and rear multi-link axle has been made much more dynamic for use in the new Golf GTI. The crucial steps that have been taken are its lowering by 15 mm to sports running gear level and the use of stronger stabilisers. In addition, the electromechanical servo steering has also been "reprogrammed" with a GTI operating map.

GTI brakes: The braking system has naturally also been adapted to the superb driving performance of the Golf GTI. Firstly, the GTI is slowed down by a new 16" brake, and secondly, the ESP regulates the vehicle in a GTI-like way, i.e. neither exaggeratedly early and intensively, nor too late or too weakly. The linings of the red painted brake callipers enclose the internally ventilated disc brakes at the front, with a diameter of 312 mm and disc brakes at the rear with a diameter of 286 mm. In combination with the Dual Brake Assist system provided in the Golf as standard, this gives results that make braking just as much a pleasure as accelerating.

HISTORY OF THE GOLF GTI:
5,000 GTIs have become 1,500,000

GTI generations: The first series Golf GTI was launched in June 1976. The plan originally was to produce a limited edition of just 5,000. But things turned out differently. The 81 kW / 110 hp Golf GTI with a top speed of 182 km/h conquered a new clientele and formed the basis for the GTI class. 5,000 GTIs turned into more than 1.5 million. Here is a list of the main milestones in the life of the Golf GTI up to the premiere of the fifth generation:

1976: The first generation Golf GTI with 81 kW makes its début
1979: Facelift
1982: Introduction of the special "Pirelli-GTI" model
1982: Golf GTI now produces 82 kW
1984: Début of the second generation Golf GTI
1984: Introduction of the catalytic converter (78 kW instead of 82 kW)
1985: Facelift, double headlights and double exhaust pipe ends
1986: Début Golf GTI 16V (102 kW without cat., 95 kW with cat.)
1990: Launch of Golf GTI with G60 engine (118 kW)
1991: Début of third generation Golf GTI with 85 kW
1996: Presentation of the anniversary model: "20 years of GTI"
1996: Introduction of Golf GTI with 110 kW (turbo engine)
1996: Launch of the Golf GTI TDI with 81 kW
1998: Début of fourth generation Golf GTI with 110 kW petrol engine (1.8 T), 110 kW petrol engine (V5 / later 125 kW), 81 kW TDI, 85-kW-TDI (later 96 kW)
2000: Launch of Golf GTI TDI with 110 kW
2001: Launch of Golf GTI with 132 kW turbo (first as special model: "25 years of GTI")
2004: Debut of fifth generation Golf with 147 kW

GOLF GTI DATA:
Comparison of the 1st and 5th generations