The newest track-day GTI.
Audi made their TT Ultra Quattro Concept, SEAT has their Leon Cup Racer, and now Volkswagen is previewing their Design Vision GTI for the big, annual Wörthersee festival in Austria to please the hoards of Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, and automotive fans.
Every year the German automaker and their engineering and design teams whip up a special one-of-a-kind concept or performance model to please the crowds of enthusiasts that gather in the city of Reifnitz, Austria. This year, they will be bringing their Design Vision GTI to the show to give a glimpse into the future of the model in terms of styling and performance.
The new Volkswagen was designed to look like, well, a Volkswagen. “Our claim to be a global player is enhanced with our universal design language. A design that immediately communicates the brand’s identity is central for all models that carry the VW logo, with elements that allow each model to be recognized as a true Volkswagen by its distinctive design,” said Klaus Bischoff, head of the Design Team. The goal was also to create a vehicle that gave the world a glimpse into what the future holds for the hot hatch.
The Design Vision GTI is lower, wider, and more dynamic than ever imagined. Its 0.6 inches shorter and 2.8 inches wider, while the track has been extended as well, adding to its sporty nature. The C-pillar became one of the main design elements as it was extended outwards towards the bottom of the car as the body begins to narrow, creating a dynamic look complemented by a new air intake in the rear wheel arch. The front fascia wears a similar look where the fenders create a blade-like shape where air is drawn in and sent to the engine and braking system.
The classic red, black, and white colors will dominate the exterior of the Design Vision GTI. A base coat of White Club paint will cover the exterior with Piano Paint Black will be worn by add-on parts and the horizontal strip at the front end and logo will wear red. Each headlight will be set back and feature a black finish to give the impression of depth.
Beneath the sculpted hood of the Design Vision GTI is a TFSI engine that’s been boosted by not one, but two turbochargers. And this isn’t your standard TFSI 2.0-liter four-cylinder found in the standard GTI either, it’s a 3.0-liter V-6 fed by two turbochargers and creates a total of 503 horsepower at 6,500 RPM and 413 lb-ft. of torque at 4,000 RPM, with 369 b-ft. coming in at just 2,000 RPM. A new pair of three-way catalytic converters helps to keep things clean as power is sent through the DSG transmission and all-wheel drive system, rocketing the GTI to 62 mph in just 3.9 seconds and to a 186-mph top speed.
Making sure that power reaches the road is a set of new 20-inch wheels in a 8.5J x 20 front and 9.5J x 20 rear setup. The front axle wears 235 tires while the rear comes in with 275 high-performance tires. Each wheel features special blades that are designed to improve airflow and ventilation to the braking system, and sport special bolt coverings to give the impression of a center-locking hub. Behind the wheels are 15.0-inch front, 14.0-inch rear carbon ceramic brakes with red-painted brake calipers.
Inside, the Volkswagen team took a new “reduced design” approach to the cockpit, meaning everything has been optimized for better ergonomics and controls are kept to a minimum. Special carbon fiber trim pieces, Black and Flash Red nappa leather, and Anthracite and Titan Black alcantara is worn throughout the interior. Both of the rear seats were removed in place of a special X-brace, a red fabric loop replaces the standard door handles, and the track controls are featured on the console. A special instrument display can communicate with other cars and display lap times and track information across social media networks and also record video from a special A-pillar camera.
The new Volkswagen Design Vision GTI will make its worldwide debut at the 2013 Wörthersee festival from May 8th through 11th in from of 150,000+ enthusiasts. The car will likely never see production, but provides a glimpse into what future GTI models may hold for us to enjoy.
Volkswagen Design Vision GTI Concept Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 3.0 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-6
Aspiration: Twin-turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 503 at 6,500 RPM
Maximum Torque: 413 lb-ft. at 4,000 RPM
Transmission:
Type: DSG dual-clutch
Drive: All-wheel
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 3.9 seconds
Top Speed: 186 mph
Wheels, Tires, and Brakes:
Front Wheels: 8.5J x 20
Rear Wheels: 9.5J x 20
Front Tires: 235
Rear Tires: 275
Front Brakes: Red calipers with 15.0-inch ceramic discs
Rear Brakes: Red calipers with 14.0-inch ceramic discs
[Source: Volkswagen]
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