Tradition dictates that Volkswagen always takes something special to the GTI meeting at Worthersee, and this year is no exception with the Wolfsburg giant set to unveil its Design Vision GTI – a racing version of the iconic hatchback.
Based on the current Golf GTI model, the Design Vision GTI is wider at 1,870 mm instead of 1,799 mm, 15 mm shorter at 4,253 mm and stands 57 mm lower at 1,385 mm. Meanwhile, the front track of 1,595 mm and 1,579 mm has been stretched from 1,538 mm and 1,516 mm respectively.
Rather than retain the 2.0-litre engine of the production GTI, Volkswagen has opted for a twin-turbocharged 3.0 V6-TSI unit, which develops 375 kW (503 hp) and a maximum torque figure of 560 Nm. On the road, that power is transferred to the all-wheel drive system via a DSG dual clutch transmission, allowing a 3.9 second sprint to 100 km/h and a 300 km/h (186 mph) top speed.
Notable hardware on this ‘Super-GTI’ includes ceramic brakes using 380 mm and 356 mm discs gripped by red calipers, which can be glimpsed through the spokes of 8.5 and 9.5 x 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/35 and 275/30 tyres.
Visually, the widened body features an aggressive front fascia with lower spoiler, bottom air inlet and side openings – combined with the headlights – which feed cold air to the brakes. The front fenders house vertical air outlets which flow into the side sills before merging with the expanded C pillar. At the rear there’s an integrated roof spoiler and colossal diffuser section which fights for attention with those imposing tailpipes.
Moving inside, the minimalist cabin uses a combination of carbon fibre, leather and Alcantara. Regular seat belts make way for red racing harnesses, while a cross-member now resides where the rear seats would usually live. There are buttons for a fire extinguisher and ESP deactivation, while a display to the right of the main instruments not only relays circuit information and lap times, but allows drivers to communicate with each other in conjunction with the on-board cameras.
(more…)
