Concept Car: Volkswagen Golf GTI - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Cynthetiq · 10-03-2003, 08:06 PM

The Concept

28 years ago Volkswagen presented at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt the first GTI - and the legend began.

The world premiere of the first Golf GTI was in 1975 at the same position and also as a concept vehicle. In June 1976, series production began. What happened thereafter is the making of a legend. At the start, the vehicles were finished in either silver or red and were originally intended as just a limited edition of 5000 GTIs. But it turned out very differently. With a powerful 81 kW / 110 hp output and top speed of 182 km/h, the Golf GTI won a new clientele and established the GTI class as a compact sports car. From the original 5000 vehicles, more than four generations and more than 1.5 million Golf GTIs have evolved to date.

The concept emulates consciously the stylistic characteristics of the first GTI generation; which means, of course, that it is finished in red with black contrasting features.

With the Golf GTI concept, as shown in Frankfurt, Volkswagen is now demonstrating how GTI history will develop. The concept consciously emulates the GTI of the first generation. Therefore it has to be red, it has to have a black radiator grille, and it has to rise above the other models of the series with substantial modifications. After all, the first GTI also distinguished itself with a markedly independent appearance: The black bumpers and flared wings, the black side bump strips, the black rear window frame and the characteristic red trim around the black radiator grille of the original GTI are so clear today as if the vehicle had just yesterday been presented in Frankfurt.

As with all leading examples, the Golf GTI was copied by many. The models came in many shapes and forms, such as GSI, GTE, XRi, GTX, and disappeared from the market long ago. Not one of them came even close to the comparable status of a Golf GTI.

From this unmistakable GTI tradition evolved the new concept vehicle. Based on the majestic dynamics of the new model generation, the engineers and designers developed a GTI that accentuates the original version, whilst paving the way to the future with an extremely sporty, extremely independent and extremely well proven presence.

Exterior

The exterior design - The Golf GTI concept, like the roadster concept R, shows dominant V-shaped flowing lines at the front end

The concept combines traditional GTI features with the front end design of a future generation. Inline with the concept R roadster, presented on 1st September, the GTI also has a striking V motive in the design of the front end. The bonnet features an arrow shaped modulation, which continues the flowing lines in the area of the front skirt to form a frame for the shield-like, highly polished, black radiator grille. The radiator grille features a honeycomb mesh and is surrounded, characteristically for a GTI, by a red trim strip.

Beneath this are three large air inlets in the bumper that supply the new FSI turbo engine with fresh air. As in the radiator grille, each of the inlets have mesh panels with a honeycomb structure.

Furthermore, in best GTI style, the underside area of the vehicle features deep black body parts in the way of sill panels and end elements in the front and rear skirts. The sill panels are drawn high into the wheelarches to act as protection against stone chips.

In contrast to the Trendline, Comfortline and Sportline versions, the rear end makes its mark characteristically for a GTI with an even more striking roof spoiler and chrome twin tail pipes.

Interior

The interior design - cult status? This came about thanks to the exterior, the drive technology and the interior. The GTI concept of 2003 takes this history further.

The original GTI did not just become a great hit with the fans due to its performance, its agile handling properties and exterior design, even its individually designed interior set new standards thanks to an ergonomic and sporty style. Details such as the sports seats, with legendary criss-cross design on black background, the three-spoked sports steering wheel or the gearstick knob shaped like a golf ball were the counterpoints that attracted a new sporty clientele.

Time flies: More noble than ever and catapulted almost three decades into the future, the GTI concept carries on this dynamic style further. With anthracite headliner and anthracite coloured pillar trim panels, the interior is characterised by markedly high attention to detail. As the doors are opened, the journey therefore starts in a new but familiar GTI world.

The sports seating features black matt and anthracite coloured suede and, in addition, the interior is refined with brushed aluminium

The entry step trim, pedals and floor panels of the concept are all finished in brushed aluminium. As an anti-slip measure, the aluminium is enhanced with rubber strips. The completely new leather sports seats (contoured single seats are also installed in the rear) have an ergonomically perfect and inviting appeal just by looking at them. Take a seat and the appeal is confirmed. The very high backrests, in particular, and adjustable head restraints, integrated here optically, create an ambience of extraordinary sporty functionality. Detailed perfection is a bonus: GTI logos are embroidered into the head restraints. The upholstery trim of the seats has also been newly designed: The main material used is black, fine suede. Running across this are narrow strips of perforated suede; the front surface of the head restraints is covered with this on the inner area.

As with the first GTI generation of 1976, this GTI concept of 2003 is also distinguished by a three spoke steering wheel with metal elements. The leather steering wheel features a brushed aluminium element in each of the spokes. A further GTI logo is embroidered in the vertical spoke. The moulded grips of the steering wheel, that is on the left and right of the cross spoke extensions, are covered in suede, similar to that used in the world of racing.

The instruments in the vehicle were also revamped. Their graphic layout and design give an image of technical precision in its highest form. Each of the round main instruments is surrounded by a ring of machined aluminium. The rev counter mounted on the left has an ample range up to 8000 rpm, hitting the red line area from 7000 rpm. This clear overview is continued with the scaling of the speedometer.

Technology

The constructive basis of the compact sports car is the fifth generation, 22 million bestseller Golf. The two door version, though, is more striking than ever in terms of the design compared to the four door, with a much higher waistline at the rear.

Technically, the GTI concept features all of the advantages of the Golf series that are generally set as the standard in its class. Included here are the extremely high quality bodywork, the new safety running gear designed for driving dynamics (including ESP and dual brake assist system), the new electro-mechanical steering, the efficient technology of fuel stratified injection (FSI) - enhanced in the case of the GTI with a turbocharger, and the spectacular direct selection gearbox (DSG).

In contrast to the standard production model, the concept vehicle naturally has numerous differences. With the high output and GTI philosophy in mind, the car features a substantially stiffer, but still comfortable, sporty running gear. Newly designed 18 inch alloy wheels, sporting wide tyres, provide the majestic contact with the road and ensure that the larger sized braking system, with red finished brake calipers, is well accommodated. The exhaust system is completely new and features twin tail pipes.

The question is now will the concept make it to series GTI production? The signs are extremely good. Relevant tests and preparations are underway. And the product launch date? Let's just say: If it's high-tech and outstanding performance, with the GTI philosophy in mind, that people are looking for, they will find it all at the 2004 Motor Show in Paris. The stage will then be set to make what we can expect of the GTI in the future, a GTI that we can have now.
-------------
The original econobox performanc hatchback comes back, but IMHO it's too much civic looking. I'm going to say I have to see it on the streets to see just how well it performs and looks.

Lestat · 10-03-2003, 09:03 PM

That car is swweeeettt!

arcane · 10-04-2003, 03:22 AM

im not a big fan of hatchbacks, but i would most definately drive a gti

Cynthetiq · 10-04-2003, 05:04 AM

more pictures...

brandon11983 · 10-04-2003, 08:03 AM

That does look pretty cool. Kinda like the new Civic's, but the interior is purely German.

Moonduck · 10-04-2003, 09:11 AM

Looks like a Civic, yeah. Blech.

sixate · 10-04-2003, 11:33 AM

Looks like a Civic on steroids.
I want one.

Stare At The Sun · 10-05-2003, 09:53 AM

Not bad at all, i'd drive it

Jonny123 · 10-05-2003, 03:30 PM

Even being a dubber, it's still not to my liking to much. It'd take some work, but I'd rock it...

BoCo · 10-05-2003, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sixate
Looks like a Civic on steroids.
I want one.

Buy me one while you're at it.

vector_1979 · 10-06-2003, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Moonduck
Looks like a Civic, yeah. Blech.

And a bit like the Toyota Corolla!

Snoogans · 10-06-2003, 11:22 AM

Awesome! I need one

ducati999 · 10-06-2003, 11:34 AM

eh...

WarWagon · 10-06-2003, 11:36 AM

Not liking the cheesy plastic rear bumper, front end looks like the Porsche Turbo, but without any functional ducting.

I'm also not a huge fan of having to go through 80 layers of plastic in the engine bay just to change a set of plugs

hahaha · 10-06-2003, 06:05 PM

Im not a big fan of the body-style, but they did a good job with the shape. The headlights are sweet though.

etardedraverboy · 10-14-2003, 07:59 PM

ill take an 84 or 85 with a vr6 hehehe

G5_Todd · 10-15-2003, 07:25 AM

not a fan of vw/ and compacts in general but that golf and the mini cooper are bringing me around

MSD · 10-20-2003, 03:02 PM

I was going to say it looks like a Civic hatchback with a VW interior. I predict that these will sell out before they're delivered.

If I fit in it, I would consider it, if I had money.

Tiger69z · 10-28-2003, 06:28 PM

Holy cow those are SWEEETTTT!

Hehe i'm in to muscle domestics...or supras

But those are jus.....nice

magnum · 10-28-2003, 08:54 PM

Not my style but still a pretty cool car.

End User · 10-28-2003, 10:54 PM

Looks extremely similar to the Alfa Romeo 147GTA

Rippley · 10-29-2003, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by End User
Looks extremely similar to the Alfa Romeo 147GTA

How the h**l do they look alike?
The Golf looks nothing like the Alfa, aside from the fact that they're both hatches... The Alfa has way more front overhang, smaller C-pillar, longer hood...the list goes on...

Blahman · 10-29-2003, 07:35 AM

Wha!? Why did they change the look? Looks like a Suzuki Aerio or something now. The seats look nasty as well. Why must a car manufacturer degrade a product all the time?

0001 · 10-30-2003, 07:55 PM

what in the fuck happened to that car

bennyb · 10-31-2003, 09:08 PM

I like it... i always liked the golf...

WireX · 10-31-2003, 10:31 PM

They gave the golf a little bit more of an agressive stance, and I love the front. I would definately get one if that was the market of cars I was looking at.

acpower · 11-01-2003, 07:06 PM

aside from the plastic all around the body it looks damn sexy and if i bought one i'd paint the lower regions right away

supafly · 11-05-2003, 10:04 AM

The rear lights remind me of the Seat Ibiza.

Snakebyt · 11-05-2003, 08:17 PM

those seats look really comfy

Scorps · 11-06-2003, 11:29 AM

Wow that looks good

Love the wheels

castex · 11-06-2003, 12:18 PM

The interior looks very nice.
The exterior looks too tubby by half , with none of the compact, chiselled punch of the Giugiaro original. I thought Alfa too, as soon as I saw it...The car also appears to be wearing a mask of fishnet stockings - a soupçon tarty on a car that needs gravitas, IMHO.

jizzmasterp · 11-06-2003, 03:47 PM

I liked the old GTI but this thing looks sweet. Its looks to have gotten a much sportier look. The old GTI looks like an econobox compared to this.

10-03-2003, 08:06 PM	#1 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	Concept Car: Volkswagen Golf GTI The Concept 28 years ago Volkswagen presented at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt the first GTI - and the legend began. The world premiere of the first Golf GTI was in 1975 at the same position and also as a concept vehicle. In June 1976, series production began. What happened thereafter is the making of a legend. At the start, the vehicles were finished in either silver or red and were originally intended as just a limited edition of 5000 GTIs. But it turned out very differently. With a powerful 81 kW / 110 hp output and top speed of 182 km/h, the Golf GTI won a new clientele and established the GTI class as a compact sports car. From the original 5000 vehicles, more than four generations and more than 1.5 million Golf GTIs have evolved to date. The concept emulates consciously the stylistic characteristics of the first GTI generation; which means, of course, that it is finished in red with black contrasting features. With the Golf GTI concept, as shown in Frankfurt, Volkswagen is now demonstrating how GTI history will develop. The concept consciously emulates the GTI of the first generation. Therefore it has to be red, it has to have a black radiator grille, and it has to rise above the other models of the series with substantial modifications. After all, the first GTI also distinguished itself with a markedly independent appearance: The black bumpers and flared wings, the black side bump strips, the black rear window frame and the characteristic red trim around the black radiator grille of the original GTI are so clear today as if the vehicle had just yesterday been presented in Frankfurt. As with all leading examples, the Golf GTI was copied by many. The models came in many shapes and forms, such as GSI, GTE, XRi, GTX, and disappeared from the market long ago. Not one of them came even close to the comparable status of a Golf GTI. From this unmistakable GTI tradition evolved the new concept vehicle. Based on the majestic dynamics of the new model generation, the engineers and designers developed a GTI that accentuates the original version, whilst paving the way to the future with an extremely sporty, extremely independent and extremely well proven presence. Exterior The exterior design - The Golf GTI concept, like the roadster concept R, shows dominant V-shaped flowing lines at the front end The concept combines traditional GTI features with the front end design of a future generation. Inline with the concept R roadster, presented on 1st September, the GTI also has a striking V motive in the design of the front end. The bonnet features an arrow shaped modulation, which continues the flowing lines in the area of the front skirt to form a frame for the shield-like, highly polished, black radiator grille. The radiator grille features a honeycomb mesh and is surrounded, characteristically for a GTI, by a red trim strip. Beneath this are three large air inlets in the bumper that supply the new FSI turbo engine with fresh air. As in the radiator grille, each of the inlets have mesh panels with a honeycomb structure. Furthermore, in best GTI style, the underside area of the vehicle features deep black body parts in the way of sill panels and end elements in the front and rear skirts. The sill panels are drawn high into the wheelarches to act as protection against stone chips. In contrast to the Trendline, Comfortline and Sportline versions, the rear end makes its mark characteristically for a GTI with an even more striking roof spoiler and chrome twin tail pipes. Interior The interior design - cult status? This came about thanks to the exterior, the drive technology and the interior. The GTI concept of 2003 takes this history further. The original GTI did not just become a great hit with the fans due to its performance, its agile handling properties and exterior design, even its individually designed interior set new standards thanks to an ergonomic and sporty style. Details such as the sports seats, with legendary criss-cross design on black background, the three-spoked sports steering wheel or the gearstick knob shaped like a golf ball were the counterpoints that attracted a new sporty clientele. Time flies: More noble than ever and catapulted almost three decades into the future, the GTI concept carries on this dynamic style further. With anthracite headliner and anthracite coloured pillar trim panels, the interior is characterised by markedly high attention to detail. As the doors are opened, the journey therefore starts in a new but familiar GTI world. The sports seating features black matt and anthracite coloured suede and, in addition, the interior is refined with brushed aluminium The entry step trim, pedals and floor panels of the concept are all finished in brushed aluminium. As an anti-slip measure, the aluminium is enhanced with rubber strips. The completely new leather sports seats (contoured single seats are also installed in the rear) have an ergonomically perfect and inviting appeal just by looking at them. Take a seat and the appeal is confirmed. The very high backrests, in particular, and adjustable head restraints, integrated here optically, create an ambience of extraordinary sporty functionality. Detailed perfection is a bonus: GTI logos are embroidered into the head restraints. The upholstery trim of the seats has also been newly designed: The main material used is black, fine suede. Running across this are narrow strips of perforated suede; the front surface of the head restraints is covered with this on the inner area. As with the first GTI generation of 1976, this GTI concept of 2003 is also distinguished by a three spoke steering wheel with metal elements. The leather steering wheel features a brushed aluminium element in each of the spokes. A further GTI logo is embroidered in the vertical spoke. The moulded grips of the steering wheel, that is on the left and right of the cross spoke extensions, are covered in suede, similar to that used in the world of racing. The instruments in the vehicle were also revamped. Their graphic layout and design give an image of technical precision in its highest form. Each of the round main instruments is surrounded by a ring of machined aluminium. The rev counter mounted on the left has an ample range up to 8000 rpm, hitting the red line area from 7000 rpm. This clear overview is continued with the scaling of the speedometer. Technology The constructive basis of the compact sports car is the fifth generation, 22 million bestseller Golf. The two door version, though, is more striking than ever in terms of the design compared to the four door, with a much higher waistline at the rear. Technically, the GTI concept features all of the advantages of the Golf series that are generally set as the standard in its class. Included here are the extremely high quality bodywork, the new safety running gear designed for driving dynamics (including ESP and dual brake assist system), the new electro-mechanical steering, the efficient technology of fuel stratified injection (FSI) - enhanced in the case of the GTI with a turbocharger, and the spectacular direct selection gearbox (DSG). In contrast to the standard production model, the concept vehicle naturally has numerous differences. With the high output and GTI philosophy in mind, the car features a substantially stiffer, but still comfortable, sporty running gear. Newly designed 18 inch alloy wheels, sporting wide tyres, provide the majestic contact with the road and ensure that the larger sized braking system, with red finished brake calipers, is well accommodated. The exhaust system is completely new and features twin tail pipes. The question is now will the concept make it to series GTI production? The signs are extremely good. Relevant tests and preparations are underway. And the product launch date? Let's just say: If it's high-tech and outstanding performance, with the GTI philosophy in mind, that people are looking for, they will find it all at the 2004 Motor Show in Paris. The stage will then be set to make what we can expect of the GTI in the future, a GTI that we can have now. ------------- The original econobox performanc hatchback comes back, but IMHO it's too much civic looking. I'm going to say I have to see it on the streets to see just how well it performs and looks. __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION! Last edited by Cynthetiq; 10-03-2003 at 08:17 PM..

10-03-2003, 09:03 PM	#2 (permalink)
Lestat Psycho Location: Riverside, CA	That car is swweeeettt! __________________ I hope life isn't a big joke, because I don't get it. - Jack Handy

10-04-2003, 03:22 AM	#3 (permalink)
arcane Insane Location: SLC, UT	im not a big fan of hatchbacks, but i would most definately drive a gti __________________ <Arcane> so if you banged 2000 chicks then at least one had a pen0r?

10-04-2003, 05:04 AM	#4 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	more pictures... __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!

10-04-2003, 08:03 AM	#5 (permalink)
brandon11983 Stereophonic Location: Chitown!!	That does look pretty cool. Kinda like the new Civic's, but the interior is purely German. __________________ Well behaved women rarely make history.

10-04-2003, 09:11 AM	#6 (permalink)
Moonduck Junkie Location: SE USA	Looks like a Civic, yeah. Blech.

10-04-2003, 11:33 AM	#7 (permalink)
sixate Registered User Location: Somewhere in Ohio	Looks like a Civic on steroids. I want one.

10-05-2003, 09:53 AM	#8 (permalink)
Stare At The Sun Eh? Location: Somewhere over the rainbow	Not bad at all, i'd drive it

10-05-2003, 03:30 PM	#9 (permalink)
Jonny123 Upright	Even being a dubber, it's still not to my liking to much. It'd take some work, but I'd rock it...

10-06-2003, 11:22 AM	#12 (permalink)
Snoogans Veteran Location: Uppsala, Sweden	Awesome! I need one __________________ Internet hint: If someone's asking if what they do is weird, it always is.

10-06-2003, 11:34 AM	#13 (permalink)
ducati999 Crazy Location: USA	eh... __________________ Twist of the wrist

10-06-2003, 11:36 AM	#14 (permalink)
WarWagon Loser	Not liking the cheesy plastic rear bumper, front end looks like the Porsche Turbo, but without any functional ducting. I'm also not a huge fan of having to go through 80 layers of plastic in the engine bay just to change a set of plugs

10-06-2003, 06:05 PM	#15 (permalink)
hahaha Insane	Im not a big fan of the body-style, but they did a good job with the shape. The headlights are sweet though. __________________ "find what's good and make it last" -Bouncing Souls

10-14-2003, 07:59 PM	#16 (permalink)
etardedraverboy Insane Location: portland the land of liquid sun shine	ill take an 84 or 85 with a vr6 hehehe __________________ vvvvvvvvrrrrrrrrrrroooooooooooooooooooooommmmmm

10-15-2003, 07:25 AM	#17 (permalink)
G5_Todd Junkie Location: Reichstag	not a fan of vw/ and compacts in general but that golf and the mini cooper are bringing me around __________________ "....and when you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." -General Franks

10-20-2003, 03:02 PM	#18 (permalink)
MSD The sky calls to us ... Super Moderator Location: CT	I was going to say it looks like a Civic hatchback with a VW interior. I predict that these will sell out before they're delivered. If I fit in it, I would consider it, if I had money.

10-28-2003, 06:28 PM	#19 (permalink)
Tiger69z Banned Location: Sunny S.FLA	Holy cow those are SWEEETTTT! Hehe i'm in to muscle domestics...or supras But those are jus.....nice

10-28-2003, 08:54 PM	#20 (permalink)
magnum Upright	Not my style but still a pretty cool car.

10-28-2003, 10:54 PM	#21 (permalink)
End User Insane Location: Sydney, Australia	Looks extremely similar to the Alfa Romeo 147GTA __________________ People who have no faults are terrible!

10-29-2003, 07:35 AM	#23 (permalink)
Blahman Upright	Wha!? Why did they change the look? Looks like a Suzuki Aerio or something now. The seats look nasty as well. Why must a car manufacturer degrade a product all the time?

10-30-2003, 07:55 PM	#24 (permalink)
0001 Crazy Location: Canadeh!	what in the fuck happened to that car

10-31-2003, 09:08 PM	#25 (permalink)
bennyb Banned	I like it... i always liked the golf...

10-31-2003, 10:31 PM	#26 (permalink)
WireX Crazy	They gave the golf a little bit more of an agressive stance, and I love the front. I would definately get one if that was the market of cars I was looking at.

11-01-2003, 07:06 PM	#27 (permalink)
acpower Crazy	aside from the plastic all around the body it looks damn sexy and if i bought one i'd paint the lower regions right away

11-05-2003, 10:04 AM	#28 (permalink)
supafly Psycho Location: Rotterdam	The rear lights remind me of the Seat Ibiza. __________________ Thumbs up

11-05-2003, 08:17 PM	#29 (permalink)
Snakebyt Psycho Location: Lubbock Texas	those seats look really comfy

11-06-2003, 11:29 AM	#30 (permalink)
Scorps Lost!! Location: Kingston, Ontario	Wow that looks good Love the wheels

11-06-2003, 12:18 PM	#31 (permalink)
castex Psycho Location: france	The interior looks very nice. The exterior looks too tubby by half , with none of the compact, chiselled punch of the Giugiaro original. I thought Alfa too, as soon as I saw it...The car also appears to be wearing a mask of fishnet stockings - a soupçon tarty on a car that needs gravitas, IMHO.

11-06-2003, 03:47 PM	#32 (permalink)
jizzmasterp Insane	I liked the old GTI but this thing looks sweet. Its looks to have gotten a much sportier look. The old GTI looks like an econobox compared to this. __________________ Don't mind the name. It was chosen before I discovered that there were forums that didn't start with "Titty."