Volkswagen GTI Parts & Accessories
One of Volkswagen鈥檚 most iconic vehicles, the Volkswagen GTI, has accomplished something a few has ever done: seven generations of great performance. What started out as a humble hot hatch is now a global icon. As a matter of fact, the Volkswagen GTI has earned many awards throughout its rich history. The list includes World Car of the Year awards in 2009 and 2013. Today, this model continues to make history with its ever-evolving style and powerful engine performance. Introduced in 1975 at the Frankfurt Motor show, the GTI was a sporty version of the front-wheel Volkswagen Golf compact. It featured MK1 Golf鈥檚 architecture as a base and used various components from Audi, a brand under the Volkswagen Group. The Volkswagen GTI further evolved into something better. To come up with a modernized version, engine options now included a 1.8 L, a 2 L, and a supercharged G60 version. The interiors reflect the simple yet functional German aesthetics. All these upgrades led to strong sales and a positive response from the press.
To compete with its European and Japanese rivals, the third-gen GTI featured the same look but with a larger body. To further set it apart from its predecessor, the model introduced the 2.8 L VR6 engine. This powerhouse of an engine won over fans due to its unique exhaust note and smooth powerband. The fourth-gen version features a more upscale exterior, blurring the lines between a regular Golf and a GTI. The engine line-up was expanded to include diesel powerhouses (for European consumers) and the high-end VR6 GTI GLX for US buyers. A 20-valve, 1.8 L turbo motor was also introduced, shaping the future of the coming GTIs. To celebrate GTI鈥檚 25th anniversary, the GTI 337 edition was introduced. It was equipped with distinctly styled interiors, wheels, and bumpers. The new GTI featured plaid seats that were seen in earlier versions and a redesigned front end. The engine was given a complete overhaul, signifying one of the most groundbreaking changes this vehicle has received. Underneath the Volkswagen GTI MK5鈥檚 hood is a turbo-charged, 2 L, four-cylinder engine. This dramatic change placed the GTI back in the spotlight. A more refined version of its predecessor, the sixth-gen Volkswagen GTI brought in more upgrades on the powertrain, exterior, and interior. These changes earned a positive response and numerous awards. The current version may look similar to its predecessor, but underneath it all is a new MQB platform. A perfect mix of usability, comfort, and hperformance, the MK7 continues to blaze the trail for future hot hatches.
You also have more cargo space than a sedan so you can carry larger items than you would expect with a compact vehicle. Only the touch screen is a bit small now at just 6.5 inches but the premium fender audio system sounds good with full sounding audio. The looks of the VW Golf GTI is a more mature, understated look than some of the hot hatch competition. There are no huge wings or fake vents on the hood or body, which gives it a businesslike attitude that sets this souped-up Golf apart. It鈥檚 not boring to look at either, with a more aggressive look when compared to the base Golf model with a larger front grill and red stripe across the front that hints at the sporty intentions. The GTI model also has unique front and rear bumpers and the red brake calipers hide behind larger 18-inch wheels. Out back, there is a tasteful spoiler on the top of the rear hatch and dual exhaust tips peak out the back of the Golf GTI. If you鈥檙e looking for a hot hatch that doesn鈥檛 scream it for everyone to see, then the VW Golf GTI is for you. The Golf GTI has been around for decades to fill the small, fun-to-drive category. In 2018 it鈥檚 still fun but more sophisticated and refined for a better, all-around driving experience with this Golf GTI Autobahn edition. Mike Parris is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association. The vehicles are provided by STI, FMI or Event Solutions for the purpose of this review. Like WTOP on Facebook and follow @WTOP on Twitter to engage in conversation about this article and others. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
Volkswagen Passat is not a sedan known for sportiness. It's very spacious, and it comes in a plain and simple wrapper. That's why it was a bit of surprise when Volkswagen showed a concept for a "GT" version that looked like a big GTI, complete with black grille and red highlights, lower ride height and big wheels. Something has concerned us, though, and that's the fact the Passat GT's only performance upgrades are retuned suspension and a louder exhaust. So despite the GTI looks, it seemed to lack the full complement of GTI-style upgrades. To find out if the Passat GT has any of the sporting chops of its legendary sibling, we took one for a spin in southeast Michigan. Keen readers will notice that the engine and transmission were not listed among the parts upgraded for the Passat GT. It retains the same 3.6-liter narrow-angle V6 (commonly known as the VR6) that you can get in the less-sport-oriented Passat.
Thankfully, it's still a reasonably powerful engine with 280 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. That gives it roughly 30 more horsepower than many turbocharged four-cylinder midsize sedans, and a deficit of about 10 to 20 pound-feet of torque to many of those sedans. Still, the Toyota Camry V6's whopping 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque outdo the VW, and the turbocharged Mazda6 with its monstrous 310 pound-feet of torque remains the pulling king. The unchanged VR6 engine is coupled to the also-unchanged six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This transmission is the only option for the Passat GT, which may come as a disappointment to those hoping for something that looks like a GTI. The reason for the lack of a manual transmission is that Volkswagen discontinued manuals across the board for this generation, citing a take rate of less than 1 percent. Adding a new manual would've added complexity and cost to the car.
