TorqueVW

LOWER, WIDER AND SHARPER GTI DEBUTS IN WÖRTHERSEE

To mark the annual Wörthersee Show in Austria, Volkswagen has honed the Golf GTI to create a new concept.

The aptly named Golf GTI Excessive is formed from a series of small but effective modifications to the vehicle’s running gear to create a sharper, more focussed iteration of the iconic GTI.

This comes as a result of firmer springs and dampers and a wider track, requiring the addition of a set of wheelarch extensions each measuring 30 mm. Uprated 370 mm diameter brake discs (310 mm rear) are fitted behind new 19-inch flow-formed BBS motorsport-derived alloy wheels complete with a 35 mm offset fitted with 235/35 ZR19 track-orientated tyres.

The 2.0-litre TSI engine is left unchanged however the addition of a free-flowing and marginally lighter exhaust system raises power from 210 PS to 214 PS while torque rises from 206 to 211 lbs ft between 1,700 and 5,200 rpm.

Aesthetic changes to the GTI Excessive include the addition of a deep front splitter and a pair of revised airdams either side of the front grille.  A set of sill extensions finished in gloss black are joined by a new rear diffuser framed by a set of titanium-tipped exhaust pipes and a redesigned wing mounted above the rear window.  Finally a set of LED rear lights, now standard equipment on all new examples of the Golf GTI, complete the changes.

Inside the GTI Excessive a set of redesigned bucket seats with integrated headrests finished in black and red are fitted along with brushed aluminium and gloss black trim.

Should there be an enthusiastic reaction to the concept at Wörthersee, the GTI Excessive may inspire an accessories pack which could be retrofitted to the MkVI Golf GTI.

The Wörthersee Show first took place in 1982 and is attended by thousands of Volkswagen enthusiasts every year.  More recently Volkswagen has established a tradition of unveiling a concept car specially commissioned for the event.  In 2007 the GTI W12 made its debut, in 2008 the Scirocco GT24 was unveiled and in 2009 the Polo ‘Wörthersee 09’ concept preceded the Polo GTI.