- 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.
This story is from the August 09, 2023 edition of Auto Express.
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This story is from the August 09, 2023 edition of Auto Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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