Click above for high-res gallery of the VW Golf GTI Performance
VW hasn't released any info on the car you see here, which is called the Golf GTI Performance design study, so we'll call it like we see it. A black-and-copper checkered flag motif adorns the hatch, which is enhanced with a widebody kit, lowered suspension, and the expected wheel/tire upgrade. Out back, the GTI's rear bumper cover is covered with more grillework than you'll find on the rump of a Lamborghini Gallardo. A pair of giant exhaust outlet cutouts are also built into the corners. And speaking of Lamborghinis, VW has fitted the Golf GTI Performance with the dreaded "Lambo doors," which look predictably ridiculous here. The exterior color scheme carries through to the passenger cabin, which gets a 2+1 sport seating arrangement and what appears to be a substantial audio system install. Not our cup 'o tea, but it'll probably go over very well with the VW tuners who take part in the WörtherSEMA... er.. Wörthersee Tour.
[Source: Volkswagen]
London 2008: Honda OSM concept roadster says, "Cheerio!"
London 2008: Lotus unveils the Evora
2010 Chevy Camaro - Official Details and Images
2010 Chevy Camaro - LIVE from the reveal
Volkswagen unveiling two-door Elise fighter in LA, new sports car
First Drive: 2008 MINI Cooper S JCW
In the Autoblog Garage:2009 Nissan GT-R
North American Exclusive First Drive: Alfa MiTo
First Drive: 2009 Kia Borrego
In The Autoblog Garage: 2008 Mercedes SLK55 AMG
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Talisman @ May 22nd 2008 4:11PM
definitely looks like a SEMA special
BigMcLargeHuge @ May 22nd 2008 4:15PM
The back looks like a rocket-powered ejection seat.
Corey L @ May 22nd 2008 4:15PM
ricerific
Torrent @ May 22nd 2008 6:24PM
Name: Volkswagen G. GTI
Time of Death: 3:22 PM Pacific Time
Diagnosis: Rice overload.
inteller @ May 22nd 2008 4:22PM
A "performance study"? As in, what NOT to do to your car to give it increased performance?
This looks like a reject from the "Unpimp das Auto" commercials.
Say it together now...Lambo Doors != Performance
Although next to the water it does look like a mechanical flying fish. Maybe this shot was taken before they pushed it off the pier.
Farris @ May 22nd 2008 4:22PM
What a shame to Golfs everywhere. German cars deserve better than this.
Chris @ May 22nd 2008 4:24PM
From the outside that car is simply awesome! That 3rd seat in the back is a horrific display of lameness, however, I'd let it stay if they'd swap in a real transmission.
hotwings1 @ May 22nd 2008 7:56PM
What would be nice is if they removed that hideous third seat and all the other crap in the boot and put in that 650 bhp engine from the GTI W12 like they did with the GTI W12 concept.
DRFS Rich @ May 23rd 2008 11:33AM
That's the 7-Speed DSG, and it's phenomenal.
- R
RIFRAF @ May 23rd 2008 2:24PM
The outside looks great, cept the lambo doors,, sooo not needed. The interior looks good too but the single back seat is dumb.
Red @ May 22nd 2008 4:41PM
Guess the "unpimp ze auto" campaign didn't work for Volkswagen. If you can't beat 'em, apparently it's okay to join them. *roll eyes*
n!ck @ May 22nd 2008 4:43PM
unpimp your auto
n!ck @ May 22nd 2008 4:43PM
^^^^^^ damn it. beat me to it.
MrGouda @ May 22nd 2008 4:44PM
The crazy body kit days are over and done. This car is 2 fast and 2 furious for its own good.
Mi key @ May 22nd 2008 4:48PM
sweet Ride!
4agze @ May 22nd 2008 4:51PM
burrrrp im full thats a lot of rice
Chris @ May 22nd 2008 4:53PM
Those rims look very similar to the RS4's. What a shame if they were.
Ted @ May 22nd 2008 4:58PM
I think I threw up a bit of my lunch.
-ted
vwboyaf1 @ May 22nd 2008 5:45PM
Seriously, this never happened. Push that thing into the water.
Bah @ May 22nd 2008 6:14PM
Just as hideous as Porsche selling a SUV.