As with every year Volkswagen chose to showcase a new Golf GTI concept at the annual GTI festival on the shores of Lake Wörthersee in Reifnitz, Austria.
Designed by Volkswagen engineers and
designers the Design Vision GTI is based on the seventh-generation Golf GTI and is aimed at showing the design
and power potential of the iconic hot hatch to the world of motor racing (or exceptionally fast road use).
The concept car’s most striking features are the C-pillars and side
sills which have been extended out as autonomous body elements, allowing
for a substantially wider track and larger wheels. Using all the flexibility allowed by the Volkswagen Group’s
MQB (Modular Transverse Matrix in English), the Design Vision GTI has a long
wheelbase and short front overhangs. It shorter, wider and lower than the production Golf GTI creating a purposeful stance which is ideal for the race track, unique 20-inch wheels
and ceramic brake discs further complete the motorsport pedigree.
Mechanically is where the Design Vision GTI becomes truly interesting, powered by a 3.0-litre V6 TSI engine with
direct injection and turbocharger, figures of 503 PS and 560 Nm of torque are impressive. This power is channelled via a DSG gearbox
to all four wheels; standstill to 62 mph takes a mere 3.9 seconds.
Styling hasn't been ignored, exterior and interior styling is very much an enhancement of the traditional GTI values with a familiar black,
red and white colour scheme, touches of honeycomb, carbon and alcantara adding familiarity to the Design Vision GTI.
Like every Wörthersee special the Design Vision GTI offers a glimpse of what is possible and (sadly) not a view of what is probable, those hoping for a 500 PS 4wd Golf 7 are going to have to make it themselves.....
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