VW will power into EV era with GTI small electric hatchback

MUNICH -- Volkswagen brand will launch a performance version of its upcoming small battery-electric car using its GTI badge.

VW previewed the high-powered small EV with the ID GTI concept. The car was unveiled on Sunday ahead of the IAA Mobility auto show in Munich, which takes place from Sept. 5 to 14.

"We are transporting the GTI DNA into the electric age," VW brand CEO Thomas Schaefer, said in a statement.

The ID GTI harks back to the original Golf GTI that was first revealed 48 years ago at the 1975 IAA Frankfurt auto show.

Original GTI details that are echoed in the concept include a golf ball inspired central controller in place of the original golf ball gear shifter, and a chequer patterned interior fabric that recalls the original tartan seats.

Drivers can choose a "Vintage mode" setting for the digital cockpit that brings up a recreation of the dials from the Mk2 Golf GTI.

The concept also features the GTI's signature red surround to the radiator grille, which is filled in because electric cars do not need an air flow to cool a combustion engine.

The original Golf GTI kick-started a trend for so-called hot hatchbacks across Europe which brought extra performance and visual differences to ordinary small cars without dramatically increasing the cost.

VW describes the ID GTI concept as a "sports car for the electric age that is suitable for everyday use."

The ID GTI is 4104-mm long, longer than the original Golf GTI, which was 3705 mm. It’s longer than the VW Polo, which is 3971 mm.

VW did not give performance or power figures for the car, but it said that enhancements will include the addition of a front-axle differential lock that better helps the wheels put down power to the road.

Other sport-oriented additions to the car include simulated gearshifts, which can be access within different modes via the GTI Experience Control. "For the first time, it is possible to adjust the drive system, running gear, steering and sound experience," VW said.

The GTI mode will also include the car's position on track when lapping the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany.

The Munich concept is based on the ID2all concept unveiled by VW in March.

The production ID2 is due to launch in 2025 as an affordable small EV priced below 25,000 euros ($26,800).

The ID GTI concept's design takes the base ID 2all and adds sporty elements such as two red towing eyes in the outer area of the front grille and a black roof spoiler.

Matt black elements on the lower part of the front end as well as down the side evoke the additional bodywork of the original GTI, which added a black spoiler to the front.

Other design nods to the original Golf GTI includes a redesign of the Pirelli alloy wheels as well as an illuminated version of the 12 o' clock marker on the steering wheel, a feature that is meant to let the driver know when the wheels are pointing straight during spirited driving around corners.

All versions of the VW small electric car will be built Spain. The production ID2 will have three siblings – a VW brand small SUV, a Cupra sporty hatchback and a Skoda small SUV.

The economies of scale will allow VW to lower the cost of the cars, while versions such as the SUVs and the GTI will allow Volkswagen Group to increase the profit margin.

VW has previously said the base version of the small car will have a range of 450 km (304 miles). It said the ID 2all concept will accelerate from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in less than 7 seconds, which would be improved with the GTI version.

The ID 2all was styled by VW brand's new design head, Andreas Mindt, who succeeded the creator of the ID Life concept, Jozef Kaban, in February.

"In my opinion, the powerful ID 2all is the perfect basis for an electric GTI," Mindt said in a statement.

"I already had the GTI in mind when I first put pen to paper for the ID 2all. It is now becoming reality."