German automotive manufacturer Volkswagen introduced the first-ever all-time classic Golf GTI at the IAA in Frankfurt in 1975. The GTI went on to represent the European carmaker across decades and remains a testament to its prowess in the compact sports car segment. The Polo GTI, Golf GTI, Scirocco GTI, the list of GTIs that created waves just goes on. And now, exactly 48 years down the line, VW has once again picked up the "GTI" DNA and married it to the ID., to give birth to the ID. GTI Concept. Volkswagen promises to add eleven all-electric models to its lineup by 2027.

The German automotive company is gunning for the "affordable electric compact car" category, and it will likely establish a strong foothold by the latter half of the decade. The ID. GTI seems to be a statement from VW regarding how the company plans to bring together the iconic "GTI" label and electrification. With the world rushing towards electrification, it is exciting to see car companies bring back iconic nameplates and trims and point them towards electrification. The VW ID. GTI Concept will be a reality and is expected to hit the roads by 2027. Here is what you need to know about this concept car from Volkswagen.

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The "I" In GTI Also Means "Intelligence"

Volkswagen came up with a robust direct fuel injection system to power long-distance commutes without having to sacrifice performance. The German brand named this tech "Grand Touring Injection", popularly known as GTI. VW introduced GTI trims across several vehicles and nearly half a century later, we are about to see the same application on their future offering The Volkswagen ID. However, the ID. differs from its predecessors in a major way due to electrification. Hence, there is a slight variation in the term "GTI".

A company spokesperson revealed that the "I" in "GTI" also means "intelligence". This means the ID. would serve the same purpose as its forerunners but with much more intelligence. Volkswagen unveiled the ID. 2all Concept a few months ago. The compact sports car will be built for the European market and also serve as an inspiration for the ID. GTI Concept.

ID. GTI Specs (Estimated)

This means we are looking at a front-wheel-drive layout, a front-axle differential lock that is electronically controlled by a Vehicle Dynamics Manager, and a traction control system. Being the first all-electric GTI, the ID. GTI is also expected to feature a high-performance drivetrain and chassis. VW also hinted at delivering a center console that is equipped with the latest GTI Experience Control, allowing drivers to choose from the various characteristics possessed by the GTI Concept's powertrain.

VW claims the ID. GTI is the perfect combination of a sports car and an everyday driving car. While Volkswagen hasn't revealed the specs or dimensions concerning the ID. GTI did relay that the compact sports car will be drawing inspiration from the ID. 2all. This means we are looking at an all-electric compact sportscar that might boast 161.6-inch length, 102.4-inch wheelbase, and short overhangs.

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Signature GTI Touches And Futuristic Styling

The GTI trims have often maintained a standard compact hatchback and sporty design if not exactly the same. The VW ID. GTI is expected to be somewhat similar yet different. To ensure the same, VW got on board the car design expert who formerly worked with Bentley and Audi — Andreas Mindt. The best-selling Volkswagen models such as the Tiguan and the seventh-gen Golf were Andreas Mindt's creations. Having a creative mind of this caliber has to pay off, shouldn't it? The red radiator grille surround, IQ. LIGHT LED matrix headlights, the horizontal LED bar, and the illuminated VW badge form the front fascia of this first-ever electric GTI.

The ID. GTI concept features a unique bumper that is inspired by motorsports. The honeycomb structure that has been a constant since the fifth-generation GTI is equipped on this vehicle as well. The outer portion of the grille sports two red motorsport-style towing eyes. Vertical LED DRLs are fitted on the sides in the black-framed air curtains that navigate the airflow to the wheel housings and return for better aerodynamic performance. The low spoiler and the bumper of the original Golf GTI have been retained.

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The ID. GTI Concept Is Ready For The Future

Volkswagen has made sure the ID. GTI is hugely inspired by the first-ever GTI that came into existence in 1976. Plaid sports seats, three-spoke steering with a low-impact absorber, and many such features can be found today as well. The ID. GTI Concept boasts three-spoke steering, and this multifunction steering facilitates easy control of digital instruments, augmented reality head-up display, and audio volume. A variety of cockpit looks will be available for the instruments of the Volkswagen ID. GTI Concept.

The augmented reality heads-up display will project information not just for the driver but for the passengers as well. The 12.9-inch infotainment screen and illuminated buttons are expected to take the center of the cockpit, which will feature GTI Experience Control. The seats are covered in Jack-e fabric just like the Mk 6 Golf GTI. The driver's backrest is adorned with the GTI Heartbeat, a red pulse sensor, that indicates that the vehicle is secure. The interior is characterized by sportiness as well as spaciousness. VW claims 17.3 cubic feet of storage space as well as 1.8 cubic feet of additional stowage area under the rear bench seat. The 60:40 split makes sure there are 47 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded.

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It Could Be One Of The Most Affordable Compact Electric Sports Cars

The ID. 2all, on which the ID. GTI Concept is based and costs €25,000. That roughly converts to $26,700 as per the exchange rates at the time of penning this. However, considering the fact that the Volkswagen ID. GTI won't be available for sale until 2027, we can assume the price range of this compact all-electric sports car to be somewhere close to $32,000 to $40,000 region. North American car market has no dearth of affordable electric sports cars at the moment. With the increasing competition among big and new players, the variety might just extend.

As of now, Nissan offers one of the most affordable and popular cars in the U.S., in the form of the Nissan Leaf. The 2024 Nissan Leaf costs just under $30,000. Other favorable options include the 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV ($27,800) and the 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric ($33,550). This means VW will have to place its iconic ID. GTI smartly penetrates the market.

Competing against the likes of Nissan, Chevy, and Hyundai would be a daunting yet doable task for the German automaker. Volkswagen's edge lies in the fact that, the ID. GTI is not just a compact electric car but a "sports" compact electric car. Furthermore, there are good three to four years for the company to do its homework to overcome all the flaws and place its car in the right place. Another added advantage is the brand's prowess in manufacturing cars that provide safety of the highest order.