VW eyeing GTI version of the ID.1 EV
As EVs become more affordable, many buyers hope automakers also work to electrify vehicles they've come to love over the years. Smaller VWs, like the Golf and Rabbit, have enthusiastic fan bases who are passionate about GTI versions of those vehicles. If VW has its way, the ID.Every1 (or just ID.1 for short) could be the next small VW with a rabid fanbase of GTI enthusiasts. Of course, a lot hinges on whether we see a GTI ID.1, but it's exciting that VW is even considering another electrified GTI.
The VW ID.1 is destined for Europe, with VW saying it is 'from Europe, for Europe.' This small hatchback is meant for city-dwellers who want to remain independently mobile.Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer describes the ID.1 as 'the last piece of the puzzle,' adding that "this is the car the world has been waiting for.'
It's also the first car built in collaboration with Rivian, which is aiding VW with software architecture for its next-generation EVs.
While we won't see the ID.1 stateside, a GTI version could be produced if it sells well.Speaking to Autocar, Volkswagen's Technical Lead Kai Grünitz said the possibility of an ID.1 GTI is not out of the question.
'We're using modules from the MEB platform, but it depends on various factors, including customers' reactions to this car," Grünitz said. 'Also, we have the ID.Every1, and we have the ID.2all, which will get a GTI version. Having everything in the ID.1 would mean it's not necessary to have everything in the ID.2. The car [ID.2] is larger and has a lot more functions and more value. It's the same as with an Up and a Polo. So we will see.'VW is set to deliver a Golf GTI EV in 2026, so the U.S. will soon have an electrified VW rocket.The EV Golf GTI is more aligned with the ID.2, so a GTI ID.1 would be a touch smaller, like a Rabbit GTI compared to a Golf GTI. The EV Golf GTI and ID.2 are built on the MEB 21 platform, streamlining modular auto production in the EV realm. The EV Golf GTI will reportedly have 320 horsepower and the same engine as the ID.7. It's believed to start at $40,000.
The VW GTI is an enthusiast's vehicle. Golf die-hards love the GTI and have lively discussions about the best iteration. Even casual onlookers know GTIs as tiny but mighty street racers. Like all automakers, VW wants to engage those enthusiast groups in the era of electrification. The GTI nameplate helps VW stand out, and it will make a huge difference if VW can create a fleet of solid EVs from which we want a bit more oomph.
While we'd like the ID.1 to come stateside (heck, call it a Rabbit, we won't mind), it would be just as lovely to see Europe get an insanely powerful small EV from a brand with a long history of making them.
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