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- VW’s CEO confirms a GTI model of the upcoming ID 2 electric mannequin
- A whole household of GTI automobiles will arrive within the subsequent decade
- An electrified Golf can be on the playing cards
Volkswagen’s CEO, Thomas Schäfer, has gone on report to state that the model plans to propel its iconic GTI badge into the electric age with the launch of the ID 2 GTI.
Going all-in on the recent hatch proposals, Auto Car reports that VW additionally plans an all-electric model of the ninth-generation Golf, full with a GTI-badged iteration, with a “complete group of GTI” fashions that can observe thereafter.
The primary EV to get the efficiency therapy shall be a range-topping model of the ID 2, which was showcased within the 2023 ID GTI idea automobile.
That design examine bore the entire traditional GTI hallmarks, together with an iconic flat-bottomed steering wheel, a low experience top and aggressive physique work, in addition to the well-known GTI badging.
Schäfer informed Auto Automobile that his expertise of an early prototype car suggests the upcoming electric GTI mannequin shall be “a monster automobile”.
There isn’t a set-in-stone date for the primary GTI-badged EV, however the ID 2 is due to be launched early subsequent 12 months, which simply so occurs to be the fiftieth anniversary of the launch of the unique Mk1 Golf GTI.
GTI wants to be scorching however attainable
Whereas talking to Auto Automobile, CEO Thomas Schäfer mentioned the principle goal with electric GTI fashions is to make them really feel clearly totally different from the usual automobile, which incorporates the dealing with, sound and making certain they are thrilling to drive.
Thus far, Hyundai has confirmed that this may be performed with the formidable Ioniq 5N, however the sheer weight of expertise required to make it gratifying to throw round a race circuit additionally means it’s phenomenally costly.
The GTI badge has at all times stood for attainable efficiency, with the form of price ticket meaning these with even a sniff of disposable earnings can take into consideration proudly owning one.
Though there was no phrase on the expertise that can underpin the upcoming household of GTI fashions, Schäfer mentioned on the launch of the ID GTI Idea that the automobiles will stay “sporty, iconic, technologically progressive and accessible”, in addition to being appropriate for on a regular basis driving.
Thus far, Volkswagen’s electric automobiles have been met with a lukewarm response, with early ID fashions proving bland, soulless and simply forgettable.
The introduction of GTI will hopefully convey a few of that VW pleasure to its all-electric vary, whereas early appears to be like on the upcoming ID 2 show that the German marque is again on high kind… and again to bodily buttons.