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Golf GTI: the first compact with the soul of a grand touring car
The conception of the Golf GTI is a story worth telling, and it began with the Beetle. In 1973, the sportiest version of the Beetle, popularly known as the ‘black and yellow’, was launched. This model caused quite a stir: 3,500 units were manufactured and, in just two months, all of them were sold. This reception created the right environment to start a project that only half a dozen employees knew about, and they hatched a secret plan to develop a sporty version of the Golf.
Alfons Löwenberg, a test engineer, was the one who started it all. On March 18, 1973, he sent an internal communication to some colleagues in the research and development department asking them to consider the possibility of manufacturing a sports model based on the Golf, which was in its final stage of development before its launch. Initially, he only received a response from Herbert Horntrich, a suspension engineer, and Hermann Hablitzel, head of development. But Löwenberg soon found other supporters to form the ‘secret society’ of the Sport Golf project, together with Horst-Dieter Schwittlinsky from marketing and Anton Konrad, head of press at Volkswagen.
The starting point was a prototype based on the Scirocco, with a very stiff suspension and the 1.5 twin-carburettor engine with power increased from 85 to 100 hp. The working group soon realized that this was not the way forward: the Sport Golf had to be sporty, but without losing the functional character of the Golf. A new version was designed, but the response from development director Ernst Fiala was blunt: “too expensive”. The Sport Golf team was not discouraged, they kept working and found the ideal engine when Anton Konrad received an invitation from the former head of Audi R&D, Ferdinand Piëch, to present the new Audi 80 GTE to him. When he tested its powerful 110 hp engine, he knew he had found the engine he was looking for for his project. Konrad told Piëch about his idea, and Piëch decided to provide Volkswagen with 5,000 GTE engines for the new sports Golf. “That was the turning point,” says Anton Konrad, “we knew the car was complete and ready to be officially presented to the board.”
Shortly afterwards, what had been an open secret was presented to the Board of Directors: the existence of the Sport Golf project. It was put to a vote, and Toni Schmücker, Chairman of the Board, gave the green light to the project, officially commissioning the development department to build a sports version of the Golf.
Herbert Schuster, the new test chief, chose 175/70 HR 13 tires, installed stabilizer bars on both axles, and adjusted the spring/shock absorber assembly to achieve a great balance between comfort and sportiness.
Herbert Schäfer, head of design, and Gunhild Liljequist were responsible for drawing up the small details that would make the future GTI stand out: the red outlines on the grille, the legendary acronyms, a larger front spoiler, plastic side skirts, the matt black rear window surround, the black roof lining, the sports seats with checkered fabric upholstery, and the golf ball-shaped gear knob.
VW Golf I GTI (1976-1983)...Volkswagen presents the Golf GTI at the 1975 Frankfurt Motor Show(image above). Painted in Mars Red (initially it was only possible to choose this color or Diamond Silver metallic gray), the model received an enthusiastic response from the media. Sales officially began in June 1976, priced at 13,850 German marks. The initial plan was to produce 5,000 units, but the new model exceeded all expectations and, in the end, 461,690 units of the first generation were produced.
In 1978, the Golf GTI received its first update with larger, plastic-covered bumpers that added almost 10 cm to the vehicle's length but were much easier to replace. In 1980, the Golf GTI received three-point seatbelts, a sportier braking system and a 5-speed transmission with shorter ratios and a tighter gearshift pattern.
In 1981, larger taillights arrived, and the GTI was offered in some markets with a five-door body style. The steering wheel and instrument panel were redesigned, and a 4 Plus E transmission with a long-range fifth gear was offered. This transmission became standard in 1982, with the option of short ratios available as an option.
In its final phase of development, the model received a new 1.8-liter engine with 112 hp, capable of delivering maximum power and torque at lower engine speeds. In 1983, the last commercial year of the first GTI, the Pirelli special edition was launched.
VW Golf II GTI (1984-1991)...The GTI is modernized, but maintains the DNA of the first generation. This transition was extremely important for the history of this model, because this is the special characteristic of the Golf: it has always been an evolution of the original. The GTI grows in size (14 centimeters longer), but maintains its basic design features and all the elements that enrich the sporty version of the Golf and that have already become classics. The interior gains in space and features a more modern design, as well as elements such as a complete on-board computer.
With a reinforced body, the chassis is adjusted with new shock absorbers, stabilizer bars, steering and brakes, making it a more comfortable and versatile model, without compromising its sporty qualities.
Just one year after its arrival on the market, the GTI is updated with two additional headlights for high beams, as well as red lines along the side protective strips and bumpers.
In 1986, the catalytic converter is introduced in certain markets, which causes a reduction in power to 107 hp. That same year, the Golf GTI 16V was launched, with a four-valve-per-cylinder overhead cam engine delivering 139 hp (129 hp in versions with a catalytic converter), allowing the model to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 208 km/h. The GTI 16V was distinguished by discreet badges with the inscription ‘16V’ on the front and rear; a more prominent front spoiler, a single-pipe exhaust system and a speedometer whose scale reached up to 260 km/h.
In 1989, the GTI received a small facelift, with ‘wide bumpers’, which was much appreciated by fans of the model over the years. A year later, the new G60 variant appeared, with electronic injection and a G-Lader compressor, capable of providing a good amount of supercharging. With 160 hp and an impressive 225 Nm of torque available from just 3,500 rpm, the Golf GTI G60 accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds and reached a top speed of 216 km/h. This increase in performance brought with it an improved braking system and the inclusion of ABS as standard equipment.
In November 1990, the GTI reached the milestone of one million units produced. Between 1984 and 1991, a total of 628,000 second-generation VW Golf GTIs were manufactured.
This generation of the Golf adopted softer, more rounded shapes; and the GTI version became more discreet, while retaining most of its distinctive features. The sports suspension subtly lowered the bodywork, and both driver and passenger enjoyed black sports seats developed by the specialist Recaro.
The new 2.0 8-valve engine with 115 hp was able to maintain the performance of the previous one, but with lower fuel consumption and more torque at low revs, without sacrificing power at high speeds.
In January 1993, the GTI once again had a 16-valve engine with 150 hp. With this engine, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h improved to 8.3 seconds, and the top speed reached 215 km/h. In 1994, the special edition ‘Edition’ was launched, featuring tinted windows, electric windows, on-board computer, dual airbags and specific Recaro seats, as well as 205/50 tires with 15-inch Speedline wheels. But the most highly valued version of this generation of the GTI was the ‘20 Years’ from 1996, recognizable by its BBS RS2 wheels (on 215/40 tires) that exposed four red-painted brake calipers. The Recaro seats were upholstered in a striking black, red and white checkerboard pattern. Total production of the VW Golf III GTI between 1991 and 1997 was 327,000 units.
VW Golf IV GTI (1997-2003)...Hartmut Warkuss, head of design at the Volkswagen Group until his retirement in 2003, asked himself when designing the fourth generation of the Golf how Giugiaro would have done it. The result was a design that harked back to that of the first Golf, and the GTI version was decidedly understated. The distinguishing features were the 6.5 J x 16 BBS aluminum wheels with 205/55 tires, the partially tinted rear lights and the striking Recaro sports seats. The center console and gear knob of the standard GTI were trimmed in black myrtle wood.
The qualitative leap forward in the new GTI is the result of fine-tuned production and the use of technologies such as laser welding. In this generation, the GTI had two new engines: a 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with a 20-valve cylinder head and a naturally aspirated 2.3 V5 engine. On paper, both delivered the same power (150 hp), but provided a very different driving experience: the turbo had more vigor and power, while the naturally aspirated engine was smoother and more refined. The 1.8 turbo engine reached 180 hp towards the end of this generation's commercial life, adapting a 6-speed manual transmission for the first time. And the 2.3 V5 also reached 170 hp.
In 2000, the first diesel GTI arrived, with the new 1.9 TDI engine with 150 hp and 320 Nm, featuring innovative pump-injector injection technology, a new turbocharger with higher boost pressure, an improved intercooler, modified pistons and reinforced connecting rods. Performance lived up to the GTI acronym, with a top speed of 216 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds.
In 2001, Volkswagen introduced the ‘25 Years of GTI’ edition, limited to 3,000 units and equipped with exclusive details: black interior roof, side skirt extensions, the GTI emblem on the grille, Recaro sports seats in ‘Le Mans’ design, leather steering wheel with red stitching and a brushed aluminium gear knob with the GTI acronym.
A total of 164,859 units of the VW Golf IV GTI were manufactured between 1998 and 2003.
Its design also recovers the sporty essence of the GTI and all its iconic details, adding a charismatic V-shaped front grille with a honeycomb pattern, which became a classic for subsequent generations.
The modern 2.0 TFSI direct injection turbo engine delivers 200 hp and a maximum torque of 280 Nm between 1,800 and 5,000 rpm. Power is transferred to the front axle via a 6-speed manual transmission, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.2 seconds. With the 6-speed DSG gearbox, the GTI broke the 7-second barrier for the first time in acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, with a time of 6.9 seconds.
This generation featured two special editions. The first was the Golf GTI ‘Edition 30’, with 230 hp (an additional hp for each year of its history) and a top speed that increased from 235 to 245 km/h. The second paid homage to the original GTI Pirelli.
Between 2004 and 2008, 181,000 units of the VW Golf V GTI were manufactured.
Under the bonnet was an evolution of the EA888 2.0 TSI engine with 210 hp. Optimised to meet the Euro 5 emissions standard, it featured modified pistons, a new oil and vacuum pump, a more efficient high-pressure fuel pump and a new air mass sensor. With a maximum torque of 280 Nm available at just 1,700 rpm and constant up to 5,200 rpm, the performance was worthy of a sports car, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and a 1,000-metre sprint from a standing start in 27.3 seconds. This GTI variant was capable of reaching 240 km/h.
This performance was complemented by exceptional dynamic behaviour. Racing legend Hans-Joachim Stuck was involved in the chassis calibration. The standard sports suspension was lowered by 22 millimetres at the front and 15 millimetres at the rear compared to a conventional Golf. The springs, shock absorbers and rear axle stabilizer bar were retuned. An electronic limited-slip differential (XDS) was also incorporated as standard. For the first time, the adaptive DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control) suspension was offered as an option.
In 2011, to mark the 35th anniversary of the GTI, the Golf GTI Edition 35 was launched. It was distinguished by side lettering, special seats and larger air intakes. It also had a golf ball-shaped gear knob, like the original GTI, and decorative moldings in Black Array. The 18-inch Watkins Glen alloy wheels with 225/40 tires were available in ‘sterling silver’ or ‘metallic gray’. And the 2.0 TSI engine had an increase of 25 hp, totaling 235 hp.
Another milestone within the sixth generation of the Golf GTI is that, in 2012, it was offered for the first time with a convertible body.
At the beginning of 2016, the 290 hp Golf GTI Clubsport was presented. And a few months later, the 310 hp Clubsport S arrived, the most powerful and fastest Golf GTI in history, whose presentation at the Wörthersee Festival served to celebrate the 40th anniversary of this sports compact. The most radical GTI in history had a hyper-sporty concept, with an emphasis on reducing weight (just 1,360 kg) by eliminating the rear seat, an insulating material; and using a greater proportion of aluminum in its structure and bucket seats. A more powerful braking system, a reinforcement bar between the front suspension struts, a roll cage, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 semi-slick tires and adaptive suspension with specific settings were also fitted.
Only 400 units of this two-seater version were built, which broke the record for front-wheel drive vehicles around the Nürburgring's northern loop in spring 2016 with a time of 07:49.21 minutes with Benjamin Leuchter at the wheel.
In 2017, the GTI versions were included in the Golf facelift and their output was increased to 230 and 245 hp (Performance). In addition, the GTI TCR edition (in reference to Touring Car Racing) was launched, with 290 hp, an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, perforated brake discs and a specific livery.
VW Golf VIII GTI (since 2020)...In its eighth generation, the GTI features a cleaner design and numerous elements that underline its sportiness, incorporating technical innovations that optimize the driving experience, and is more digital and interconnected than ever, with a Digital Cockpit that merges with the infotainment system.
The classic pattern of the sports seats has been renewed. Other new details include the start/stop button, which flashes red when the doors are opened until the engine is started; and a new multifunctional sports steering wheel in leather with touch controls.
The Clubsport version is also available in this generation. With 300 hp and 400 Nm of torque, it is the top-of-the-range model of the eighth generation of the Golf GTI and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds, with a top speed limited to 250 km/h (with the optional Race package, this figure increases to 267 km/h). The suspension is lowered by a further 10 mm, the standard transmission is the dual-clutch automatic and the interior features some exclusive details.
In mid-2024, the restyling of the eighth generation of the Golf will hit the market, which also adopts the GTI, whose power increases to 265 hp. This model marks a new milestone by reducing the acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h to less than 6 seconds (5.9 seconds).
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