VW brings back Golf GTI Pirelli in the UK
Click above for high-res gallery of the Golf GTI Pirelli
The Golf GTI Pirelli is back (but only in the UK right now). Celebrating its arrival after a 25-year absence, the Pirelli-themed Volkswagen hatchback features an enhanced version of the 2.0-liter T-FSI powerplant boosted to 230 PS (about 227 hp). Power is sent to the front wheels through a traditional 6-speed manual, or VW's very nice twin-clutch DSG gearbox. The added 30 horses over the stock VW GTI drops the sprint time to 60 down to just 6.8 seconds and raises the hatchback's maximum speed to 152 mph.
Differentiating itself from the standard GTI, the Pirelli version features a front splitter, side skirts, smoked rear lenses and tinted windows. Of course, it also gets 18-inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels wrapped in, you guessed it, Pirelli P-Zero tires. The Pirelli theme is carried to the interior with custom yellow-stitched sport seats and tire-tread imprints in all four seating positions. With a few added mechanical upgrades, several exterior enhancements, and a lot of interior branding, the GTI Pirelli package appears to be a slick package. That is, assuming you don't tire of it. (Oh, come on, we just had to say that.)
After checking our archives, we noticed that Volkswagen actually previewed the GTI Pirelli at the Wörthersee show last year, and we're happy to report that the spokes on each wheel are still exaggerated versions of the letter 'P'.
Gallery: Volkswagen GTI Pirelli
Gallery: VW Golf GTI Pirelli
[Source: Volkswagen]
PRESS RELEASE:
THE GOLF GTI PIRELLI RETURNS 25 YEARS AFTER THE ORIGINAL
The iconic Pirelli name is set to make a return to the Golf GTI range exactly 25 years after the original made its debut as the new Volkswagen Golf GTI Pirelli is launched in the UK.
Originally introduced in May 1983 the GTI Pirelli was based on the MkI Golf and featured the distinctive Pirelli 'P' alloy wheels. The vehicle proved to be an instant hit with its planned production run of just 10,500 vehicles selling out within six-months.
For 2008 the GTI Pirelli returns to the UK. Based on the MkV GTI bodyshell the new vehicle features uprated dynamics and aesthetics to distinguish it from the standard car.
At its heart is an enhanced version of the 2.0-litre T-FSI engine with its output raised from the standard 200 PS to 230 PS. Drive is channelled through a choice of six-speed manual or the twin-clutch DSG gearbox. The new GTI Pirelli reduces the standard car's 0-62 mph time of 7.2 seconds to 6.8 seconds while the top speed rises from 146 mph to 152 mph.
As with the original GTI Pirelli the new car features a set of unique alloy wheels. The modest 13-inch wheels fitted to the 1983 car have evolved into a set of five-spoke 18-inch versions fitted, appropriately, with a set of 225/40 R18 Pirelli P-Zero tyres. Body-coloured elements including the front splitter, side skirts and rear bumper are complimented by a set of smoked rear light lenses and tinted rear windows. A unique Pirelli badge mounted on the bootlid further distinguishes the new car which will be available in a choice of three colours – reflex silver, diamond black and blue graphite.
The Pirelli theme continues to the vehicle's interior which features unique half-leather sports seats with tyre-tread imprints set into the seat base and back. Yellow stitching contrasts against the black leather of the seats, sports steering wheel and handbrake.
Despite the focused nature of the vehicle the standard specification remains high. A total of six airbags, 2Zone electronic climate control, a CD stereo system and Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) are all fitted as standard.
The new Golf GTI Pirelli is available to order now with the first vehicles set to arrive in the country in June. Prices will start at £22,555 on-the-road for the three-door model equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, rising to £24,385 for the five door model fitted with a six-speed DSG gearbox.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
rp_guy 1:36PM (4/11/2008)
is the GTI the new Mustang??
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Xcountryflyer 2:15PM (4/11/2008)
And the VW/Audi 2.0T usually outperforms it's MFG states times. I am sure the 0-60 is on this punched up one is round 6.0 seconds. The stock GTI here is below 6.5.
geo.stewart 3:12PM (4/11/2008)
no, but the bmw 1-series is. bmw is touting over 140million possible combinations available and that's not including M or tii versions.
NOreasonY 1:48PM (4/11/2008)
haha i get it ^ im not really a fan of VWs...but the interior on this thing is pretty sick..
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tankd0g 2:09PM (4/11/2008)
If you happen to be searing swede you might be traped int hose seats forever :)
havoc 2:13PM (4/11/2008)
prepare for numerous comments about the 0-60 times.
I can't really tell a difference on the outside, but i'm not a GTI person. although i do like pirellis a lot, i do not like the interior, looks like something from 'pimp my ride' (anyone recall salmon skinned seats?).
the bump in power should be nice, but it probably makes close to that anyway with VWs underrated power numbers.
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zamafir 2:20PM (4/11/2008)
Well, more important then the trite hp increase is the engine internals and use of the K04 which, to anyone who likes to add 25% more hp and 50% more torque, means even greater gains then those I've just mentioned.
I like the seats, though the yellow, not really my thing.
Jonathan 3:17PM (4/11/2008)
Will they remove the seats if you use a non Pirelli tyre with the car?
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garlinski 3:27PM (4/11/2008)
The rim is probably designed to only take a specific tire size that Pirelli makes. Clever little FAST... I mean Devils.
rouse42 3:34PM (4/11/2008)
I dont think there gonna call it the pirelli version with a set of Michelin's or BFG's on it.
unless there like Honda with the CBR1000 Repsol editions with Brembo Logos and Tokico calipers.
or Michelin Logos when 50% of the bikes came with Bridgestones.
Those seats kick ass.
AntBee 3:26PM (4/11/2008)
C'mon, 22,555 Pounds(approx. $45,000 US/CND) and they can't include a sunroof for that much damn money! That's why I don't give VW a second thought when I am shopping around for a vehicle, they are way overpriced, especially in Canada.
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Nick 4:15PM (4/11/2008)
Sunroofs are a pointless waste of money and weight anyways. Higher insurance rates, higher center of gravity, higher overall weight, all for what? If you want to see the sky, get out of the car. Besides, you should be looking -forward- when you're driving, not up.
I find it very refreshing to see a new car without a sunroof.
zamafir 4:15PM (4/11/2008)
So... is this your first time posting on a car with european prices listed or are you actually that stupid that you've done a direct exchange conversion? Give me a break.
if this thing retails for more then 23grand US i'll be surprised. Vw's prices are apparently spot on if their sizable jump in sales last month are any indication. Wait... sales figures ARE THE INDICATION
Travis 5:33PM (4/11/2008)
god, do we need a "DO NOT BLINDLY CONVERT UK/EURO PRICES TO US DOLLAR" flashing banner at the top of every article talking about Euro priced cars??
J 3:48PM (4/11/2008)
EPIC FAIL!
wheres the Pirelli "P" wheels?
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J 3:52PM (4/11/2008)
wow, it took me like 5 minutes to figure out, they ARE "P" wheels, just not like the originals...
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Charlie 11:03PM (4/11/2008)
I LOVE TO HAVE A SUNROOF. IT SHOULD HAVE A SUNROOF STANDARD. I LOVE THE EXTERIOR BUT SERIOUSLY DETEST THE EXTREMELY TACKY INTERIOR.
CARLOS, CALIFORNIA
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nagmashot 1:17AM (4/12/2008)
The Pirelli Golf is sold all around in Europe not UK only... it is in Germany on the market since last year
The 0-62mph accerleation is officle claimed with 6.8s stick shift and 6.6s DSG.. but most magazines reach 0-62mph times under 6.5s
just to compare the officle Ford Focus ST claim in Europe is with 226hp 0-100km/h 6.9s...
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