This year marks the 35th anniversary of the legendary GTI brand, launched back in 1976. To celebrate the event, Volkswagen will offer for sale an exclusive version of the current Golf GTI model, dubbed Edition 35.
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GTI - an iconic name, synonym with elegant, discrete performance. In June 1976, Volkswagen was launching a slightly doped version under the Golf portfolio, that was to receive the GTI badge. Neither the visual enhancements, nor the technical package were impressive, not even judging by that period. But the image of the model, with its athletic, robust and minimal design created by Giugiaro, transformed it into the first hot hatch that highly appealed to the big public.
Today, the successful VW Golf GTI story continues with the sixth generation of the Golf bestseller. To mark the 35th birthday of the sports range, Volkswagen has developed a special model which bares the Golf GTI Edition 35 name. In order to spice things up and differentiate it from the "ordinary" car, engineers have tweaked the 2.0 litres TFSI gasoline engine to produce by up to 25 hp more, that leads to a total output of 235 hp.
The outer aesthetic appointments include: a more pronounced front air intake for a better cooling of the engine, LED daytime running headlights with black-tinted background, 18" alloy wheels displaying custom-made design, darkened trunk and rear side windows, black-coloured casings for the exterior mirrors and "35" inscriptions on the front wings. The interior will welcome passengers with a subtly restyled aura: sport seats with optimal lateral support and a special leather/fabric upholstery, a golf ball-like gearshift lever and the usual "35" badges placed on the door sills and on the seats.
The new Golf GTI Edition 35 will be officially introduced at the famous Worthersee GTI event, programmed to take place between 1st and 4th June in Germany. Then, more consistent details will also be issued. In the mean time, clients can already hand in their orders for this model, starting with a base price of 30,425 euros. First deliveries are scheduled to commence by mid next month.
Photo credits: Volkswagen Media Services
This story on Golf GTI was updated on May 11, 2018.
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