Volkswagen confirms electric GTI details

For nearly five decades, the letters GTI have stood for something special in the car world. They marked a small car, the Volkswagen Golf, that was extra fun to drive thanks to a peppy engine with a fancy fuel injection system back when most cars used something simpler. Over time, the GTI badge also showed up on the smaller Polo. These cars were always powered by gasoline engines, delivering a punchy ride that enthusiasts loved. But the world of cars is changing, and Volkswagen is ready to flip the switch on the GTI, moving from gas to electric power.

Volkswagen decided that making just one electric GTI is not good enough; they are planning a whole group of them. The company has already said they will build a go-fast version of their upcoming ID.2 electric car, and a new, all-electric Golf GTI is also in the works. These two are just the start, according to Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schafer. He hinted that more electric performance models are coming down the road, suggesting the GTI spirit will spread across Volkswagen's electric lineup.

Rumors suggest we might see an ID.3 GTI, which would be similar in size to the current Golf. There's even a possibility of a smaller, more affordable ID.1 GTI if people really like the ID.2 GTI when it comes out. And since Volkswagen already makes sportier GTX versions of some of their electric SUVs, it's not a wild idea that we could see a GTI badge on one of those someday as well.

Volkswagen executives are already testing early versions of the electric Golf GTI. Even though the current gas Golf GTI will stick around for a few more years, the company is hard at work on its electric follow-up. This new electric hot hatch will use a new base, called the SSP platform, which is designed specifically for electric vehicles. Thomas Schafer has driven these test cars and described the experience as "mind-blowing," even calling the future electric Golf GTI a "monster car."

Volkswagen wants the new electric GTIs to feel special and fun to drive, just like the gas-powered ones. This means paying close attention to things like how the car sounds and how it handles around corners. Kai Grunitz, one of Volkswagen's technical bosses, said the focus is on "drivability," making sure the cars are enjoyable on twisty roads, not just quick from a stop.

Volkswagen hasn't given an exact date for when the first electric GTI will arrive, but some signs point to 2026. That year will mark 50 years since the very first Golf GTI came out. The ID.2 electric car, on which the first electric GTI will be based, is set to come out next year. It's possible Volkswagen might show off the electric ID.2 GTI at the big GTI fan festival in Germany next summer. The ID.2all concept car, which gives us a preview, measures about 159.45 inches long, 71.26 inches wide, and 60.24 inches tall, with a wheelbase of 102.4 inches. It aims for a range of around 280 miles and a starting price under $27,700.

Via