VW GTI badge set to live on in new ID.2
Auto Express|August 09, 2023
EXCLUSIVE Volkswagen boss Thomas Schäfer reveals company's plan to use GTI badge on "zippy" small EVs
John Mcllroy
VW GTI badge set to live on in new ID.2
  • VW plans to continue GTI name in electric era
  • ID.2 GTI set to have 223bhp and be two-wheel drive

VOLKSWAGEN'S iconic GTI badge has been under threat, with the likely demise of combustion-engined Golfs and Polos, and the use of GTX for high-performance electric cars. But Auto Express can now reveal the company has mapped out a way for the GTI name to continue into the next decade, as a sub-brand for faster versions of smaller, cheaper EVs.

Up to now, the most compact of VW's bespoke electric cars has been the ID.3 hatchback - but the company is committed to a cheaper model, slightly smaller than the current Polo supermini and priced at around £22,000. Previewed by the ID. 2all concept shown earlier this year, and likely to be called ID.2 in production form, this car appears likely to be the first EV to get a GTI variant, soon after its launch in 2026.

Speaking to Auto Express, VW boss Thomas Schäfer revealed that he and his team have a clear idea of how to differentiate GTI from other fast EVS - and that they are committed to continuing the badge's legacy, even in an all-electric age.

Esta historia es de la edición August 09, 2023 de Auto Express.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición August 09, 2023 de Auto Express.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE AUTO EXPRESSVer todo
GR86 concept salutes Toyota rally heritage
Auto Express

GR86 concept salutes Toyota rally heritage

TOYOTA has revealed a one-off concept at the 2024 Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.

time-read
1 min  |
November 13, 2024
MINI COUNTRYMAN
Auto Express

MINI COUNTRYMAN

Hey MINI, you're a smash hit with grown-ups and little ones alike

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 13, 2024
CITROEN C5 AIRCROSS
Auto Express

CITROEN C5 AIRCROSS

Hybrid technology isn't new, but it has been improved over the years, thankfully

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 13, 2024
BARGAIN HUNT
Auto Express

BARGAIN HUNT

The new Dacia Duster and MC ZS are the UK's cheapest small SUVs. Which makes more sense in hybrid form?

time-read
10+ minutos  |
November 13, 2024
WORLD OF VOLVO
Auto Express

WORLD OF VOLVO

We make a trip to Sweden to visit Volvo's new museum and experience centre in Gothenberg

time-read
6 minutos  |
November 13, 2024
Audi RS Q8
Auto Express

Audi RS Q8

FIRST DRIVE We put updated flagship version of brand's range-topping SUV through its paces on road and track

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 13, 2024
BMW M135
Auto Express

BMW M135

FIRST DRIVE Hot hatch's facelift brings mechanical tweaks to help it keep up with refreshed competition snapping at its heels

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 13, 2024
Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer
Auto Express

Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer

FIRST DRIVE Large EV estate has the space that families and business drivers crave, but a big battery isn't always good news

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 13, 2024
Dacia Spring
Auto Express

Dacia Spring

FIRST UK DRIVE The UK's cheapest EV is made for life in the city, but how does it fare everywhere else? We get behind the wheel

time-read
6 minutos  |
November 13, 2024
All-new Renault Clio spotted for the first time
Auto Express

All-new Renault Clio spotted for the first time

The 2025 supermini will be a hybrid-powered alternative to the just-launched all-electric R5

time-read
1 min  |
November 13, 2024