96 Degrees in the Shade
GTI, three simple letters that have shifted generations of automotive enthusiasts into a new automotive paradigm, continue to claim that a hatchback doesn't always translate into boring, slow and merely economical transportation.
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| The formula of the GTI's success is simple, combine exhilarating driving dynamics, hatchback functionality and an easily accessible price. (Photo: Volkswagen AG) |
The original starting point of hot-hatch culture, VW's GTI initially danced rings around larger and more expensive cars when it was introduced to Canada in 1979, and then four years later to Americans in 1983. The formula of success was simple, exhilarating driving dynamics, hatchback functionality and an easily accessible price.
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| The stunning red and black GTI concept based upon the new 2003 Mk V Golf was introduced this week at the Frankfurt motor show. (Photo: Volkswagen AG) |
Due to its tremendous success, every generation of Rabbit and Golf has featured the GTI performance upgrade. The tradition continues with the stunning red and black GTI concept, introduced this week at the Frankfurt motor show. Based upon the new 2003 Mk V Golf, which is celebrating its official introduction at the German auto show as well, the GTI concept is more of a prototype, an official preview of VW's next generation high-performance hatchback designed specifically to whet the appetites of the brand's loyal fans.