First look: VW creates two new Golf GTI versions
BY TERRY MARTIN | 17th May 2010
The German manufacturer, which has become famous for turning out wild iterations of its famous GTI at the annual enthusiasts’ meeting, has confirmed the Adidas version will be offered as a special edition in Europe from June, and is under consideration for release in Australia.
The Excessive, meanwhile, is being touted as a potential full-time member of the GTI range, slotting in between the regular GTI and the Golf R.
Volkswagen has not confirmed such a move, but it does emphasise that the enhancements illustrate the design potential of the model, and that the add-ons could materialise as an officially sanctioned options pack.
As well as cosmetic enhancements, the Excessive benefits from some mechanical tweaks that aim to create “a sharper, more focused iteration of the iconic GTI”.
Included among the changes are firmer springs and dampers and a wider track, requiring the addition of a set of 30mm wheelarch extensions.
The Excessive also carries uprated 370mm-diameter front brake discs (310mm at the back), with new 19-inch flow-formed BBS alloy wheels with a 35mm offset, and 235/35-section Z-rated 19-inch track-oriented tyres.
While the turbocharged 2.0-litre ‘EA888’ TSI engine is unchanged, a new (and lighter) exhaust system raises power to 157kW (up 2kW) and torque to 286Nm (up 6Nm), the latter still available between 1700 and 5200rpm.
Aesthetic changes include the addition of a deep front splitter and a pair of revised airdams either side of the front grille.
A set of sill extensions finished in high-gloss piano-black paint are joined by a new rear diffuser, which lights up in red when braking and is framed by a set of titanium-tipped exhaust pipes and a redesigned wing mounted above the rear window.
“This concept car illustrates the great design potential of the Golf GTI,” VW said.
“Never before have splitters been transferred to a production model with such high-end precision as on the Golf GTI Excessive. Will these add-ons make it into the catalogue of Volkswagen Original Accessories? That is up to the fans!”Interior highlights of the GTI Excessive include redesigned bucket seats with integrated headrests finished in black and red. A brushed aluminium and gloss black trim combination is also used.
The Adidas version features newly designed 18-inch ‘Serron’ alloy wheels, a specially developed sports seat design and obligatory Adidas branding.
VW also turned out its new Amarok utility and three special campervans at Worthersee, and, as GoAuto has reported, sister brand Audi used the event to display no fewer than seven new customised versions of its all-new A1 compact hatch.
