Autoblog

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'.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Click image for a high-res gallery of the new Golf GTI Pirelli

With all the excitement surrounding Volkswagen's and Audi's Wörthersee debuts of the GTI W12 650 and Audi TT clubsport concepts, it's probably worth pointing out that VW actually pulled the wraps off a car that people (European people, specifically) are actually gonna be able to buy.

That car is the VW Golf GTI Pirelli, which was made in conjunction with the Italian tire manufacturer. The original Pirelli GTI appeared back in 1983, with its signature wheels incorporating the "P" cutouts along the rim, and the car unveiled yesterday is its spiritual successor.

Like the GTI Edition 30, the Pirelli is prepared by Volkswagen Individual and is powered by the 230-horsepower version of the 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder. Bespoke touches include an embossed tread pattern on the microfiber-covered primary seating surfaces, contrast stitching on the leather trim adorning the seats, steering wheel, and shift boot, Pirelli badging, and exclusive rolling stock. In addition, the Sunflower finish seen above is exclusive to the Pirelli.

Our favorite touch has to be the design of the GTI's P-Zero-shod 18" wheels. Each of the five spokes is actually an exaggerated letter "P" as seen in Pirelli's logo. The Pirelli GTI goes into production this September and will be patrolling European roads in the Fall.

UPDATE: VW released a couple of live shots from Wörthersee, which have been added to the gallery. We also added a close-up of the wheel design.

[Source: Volkswagen]