First, they took away the manual transmission – which took away much of the fun of driving the VW GTI. That the now-standard automatic shifts quicker and more accurately is as beside the point – when it comes to having fun in a car – as eating food that’s more nutritious but less delicious bears on enjoying a meal.
It’s about to get less enjoyable – as regards the GTI.
VW CEO Thomas Schäfer said the following the other day: “At the end of the decade we will bring an electric Golf [GTI] and that will be a monster car.” No. It’ll be another electric car. One that maybe looks like a GTI. But it will be a GTI in only the cosmetic sense. Just as a bottle of aspirin with a different label is still a bottle of aspirin. The same aspirin as found within all the other bottles of aspirin. That this sameness needs to be explained to people who hold high positions at car companies is incredible. Especially as regards cars that have a following precisely because they are – were – different.
The GTI is the father of a whole class of vehicles – the hot hatchback – that almost no longer exists. When it came out in the early 1980s, it demonstrated that an economy car did not have to be a boring car. Emulating what Pontiac had done 20 years earlier – back in 1964, with the Tempest-based GTO – VW took their boring but practical economy car (the Rabbit/Golf hatchback) and fitted it with a hotted-up engine, fun-to-shift manual transmission and suspension/wheel/tire upgrades, creating the GTI.
It wasn’t a muscle car, of course. But it was a new kind of car – and that made it very similar to the 1964 GTO (the father of all the muscle cars) in concept. It was a huge hit because – like the original GTO – its timing was perfect. The ’64 GTO ‘s debut was congruent with the coming-of-age of a whole generation of postwar, Baby Boom young people who were eager to buy fun-to-drive cars and could afford to buy them. Gas was cheap, the insurance mafia had yet to get the government to force people to buy “coverage” (thereby assuring “coverage” would become exorbitantly expensive as is always true when you’re forced to pay for something; taxes being another example) and so was the GTO, itself.
The base price of the inaugural 1964 model was $2,852. In today’s debased currency, that amounts to $29,698 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation calculator. Imagine that. For the cost – in today’s money – of a boring transportation appliance such as a medium-small crossover with a motorcycle-sized three or four cylinder engine, back in ’64 you could have purchased a V8-powered, rear-drive muscle car. An extremely fun car, in other words.
Hundreds of thousands of young people did exactly that.
Fast forward 20 years. By 1984, the government – in tandem with the insurance mafia – had rendered extinct the entire class of muscle cars that were conjured by Pontiac’s GTO. All of them cancelled, chiefly on account of federal emissions control regs – which the huge, carbureted V8s of the ’60s and early ’70s could not be made compliant with – and also because the cost of now-mandatory “coverage” had become almost as expensive as the car, itself – especially for the young people who wanted to drive fun cars like those old muscle cars.
By the early ’80s, they had been supplanted by un-fun economy cars such as VW’s Rabbit/Golf (the car was the same, just named differently in different markets). But the youth of the ’80s was no different than the youth of the ’60s in that youth likes to have fun. Someone at VW recognized this, just as John deLorean recognized it 20 years earlier, when he was an executive at Pontiac. That someone recognized an opportunity. And so history repeated. The boring little Golf became the very fun little GTI. VW even rebooted the Ronnie and the Daytonas song – Little GTO – and had it sung in German, to the Little GTI.
It sold hugely, also rebooting history – probably because it cost even less than the ’64 GTO did, back in the day. Base price for a brand-new ’84 GTI was $8,350 – which works out to $26,286 in today’s devalued dollars. That’s about $2k and change less in real terms than the base price of a ’64 GTO. VW was able to do this, of course, because the car that the GTI was based on was a very basic little economy car, even more so than the Tempest that was the basis for the ’64 GTO. It – the VW – was a front-drive, four-cylinder powered subcompact. But that didn’t mean it couldn’t be fun – part of which was that it was affordable. Almost any young person in the early-mid 1980s who had a full-time job could afford a new GTI.
That’s less true today. A 2025 GTI’s base price is $32,445. And it’s a lot less fun now that it’s automatic-only. But what will it be when it becomes a device? The answer is – another device. As if more of those were needed.
It will – per Herr Schäfer – be the most powerful GTI ever, with 322 horsepower. But without an engine or a transmission (devices are direct drive) will it be a GTI? The answer is of course not. It will be something that looks like one, perhaps. Just as the device named Charger looks like a Charger. But people who like Chargers aren’t buying them, because they want something more than looks-like.
VW ought to reconsider what it’s about to do to the GTI – while there’s still time to undo it.
. . .
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It is already too late. The newest GTI is so far away from what VW has been doing for decades I see eno way back especially of they have to deal with the 4th Reich over there in EU land.
I do wish to make one comment though, those early Rabbits were in no way boring, they were fun as hell. I had a new ’75 model, it was light, insanely roomy inside and handled like a demon. Remember what its peers were at the time, the Vega, Pinto, Mustang[sic] II. Heavy dead, slow cramped. The Rabbit blew peoples minds and it was THE cool car to have in California at the time.
I pulled off the all the smog garbage, put on headers, sway bars and Continental TS771’s and the thing would put down many larger and more powerful cars. My father drove mine across country to meet me in San Diego after my first cruise in Uncle Sams Yacht Club, flew home and immediately bought one. 3-4 of my shipmates also bought one after driving mine. That Rabbit was a hoot and a joy to drive. The Japanese had nothing like it, Detroit had nothing like it. It changed the industry at the time.
The new GTI, no thanks. I have no desire for an iPad on 4 wheels even of it is quick.
The old Rabbit was simple, easy to fix and maintain and tough as nails. Damn I miss that thing!
Same here, took my drivers license test in our 78 Rabbit diesel, darn thing was so much fun to shift and drive on twisty roads in the Sierra Nevada. First snow I ever drove in was westbound over Donner one night. Obviously I never got over the VW diesels with manual shift.
“Will VW Ruin the GTI?”… Yes! Why? Because any car that VW makes that I like automatically gets discontinued. They’ve already discontinued the Golf/Jetta station wagon, and all other station wagons, and all diesels, and the T2/Vanagon/Transporters. And any 2-door vehicles. Basically, all of the above that I listed were the only VWs that I like, all of which have been discontinued.
Wife’s friend owns a ’24 Atlas.
The IP is glitchy and it’s been to the dealer a few times with no resolution.
With VW’s inability to build a basic, properly functioning, electronic display, how is there any evidence that they can successfully build a 5000lb electric GTI?
What did you expect? The Germans are barely one step above the English when it comes to automotive electrics.
And anyone who has had the misfortune of having to use SAP at work can tell you, the software situation is even worse.
Mercedes Jelenik was a tranny. Her real name was Joseph Lucas.
VW has been horrible in the US for quite some time now. Ever since the early ’90s really. They had a bit of resurgence in the ’00s but most of their lineup never made it here. And they spent lots of time trying to take the brand upmarket which never made any sense. If you see what they offer in other countries even today it will make you sick. In my opinion the last traditional VW they offered here was the Jetta that you could buy with the rather ancient 2.0 115hp motor. It wasn’t fast. It wasn’t high tech in the least. But when coupled with three pedals it was a lot of fun to drive. And it was built to be run like most older German cars. That is the VW that people loved. And it was under $16K out the door.
We bought a 2002 Jetta Sportwagen used about 20 years ago now and still have it. You’re absolutely right, that is a darn good little car. Our is base model, 2.0L, 5 speed, crank windows and most importantly made in Wolfsburg, not Mexico.
Ours is a 2003 TDI wagon and my plan is to keep it until I either can’t drive anymore or the state outlaws older cars, whichever comes first
Classic VW GTI commerciai:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zcm4oS9IaM
Another classic commercial from 1984:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErwS24cBZPc
Forty years on, we know which vision of the future prevailed.
Mac Vs. PC Commercial Parody
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUK2jEYnnxA
All computers are probably leaking data. One practice I use is compartmentalize which computer is used or what and whether I use a VPN or TOR. In the end we’re all on a list anyhow no matter what we do.
Here’s the one I like better.
Old Lady – Volkswagen Golf Commercial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4HTLVpey9s
Abby from “NCIS”, Pauley Perrette.
If you don’t think the commercial inspired the writers, wait for the money line.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7WnN7qPCg4
None of these people come close to getting it. A heavy powerful car is a grand touring or a supercar, and it has a limited market. A heavy powerful EV with no range is something else and has an even more limited market.
The key to making a car sporty, fun, efficient, and effective, is lightness. A light car takes less tire, less brake, less structure to hold it all together, and less engine to make it all work well. Because it inherently steers, brakes, and handles better it is safer. Unless you are an academic and think that the hallmark of automotive safety is to withstand crushing rollover forces.
Volkswagen has lost its way. Can’t get back home.
87 octane gasoline is 2.90 USD.
If you don’t drive 3000 miles each month, it is a reasonable expense to stay mobile.
During the winter months, I spend double on electricity than what I do for gasoline.
Electricity is expensive when you use more than average use. It would cost Reddy Kilowatt an arm and a leg to stay electrified.
Trump lives in the State of Confusion.
A song for VW and all the other car makers that have gone astray…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jlLBs6YawM
VW lost it a while back. They have not made anything interesting since the Up! GTI – and even that was a half-assed effort. Today, nothing but 4 door automatics with electric handbrakes – not to mention their weight and all the electric trash. Now, due to the EU dictatorship, all cars must have lane assist, emergency braking, blind spot helpers, etc. which make them even less desirable.
I used to lust over those hot hatches and the GTI, but in the early 80’s they were new and out of touch for a teenager. Got that ’69 GTO Judge in the pic for $3200, less the ragtop.
In my 20’s I was able to afford the hot hatch and got a civic CRX Si, fun.
In my 50’s had a Focus RS, wow…… really fun. Wish they still made them.
If nothing changes I can see highway traffic throttled down to 25 miles an hour to insure that traffic is 100% accident free. If this actually occurs I wouldn’t be surprised to see Eric driving a 100 miles an hour in his Firebird with Meatloaf’s “Bat Out of Hell” blasting out the windows and giving clovers the finger.
Seriously though, an electric GTI will be another sales failure in part due to heavy batteries, short range, high price and nanny tech that you can’t shut off. There is no way that this will be a nimble or fun car to drive.
One VW ad worth looking for is the one of the grandmother selling her GTI, memories of high speed driving interspersed with the potential buyer’s dad looking the car over.
Just another casually at VW which is now hell-bent on compliance due to the environmental gods. No thanks to gov’t sponsored emissions testing lackeys going after diesel Golfs, Jettas, and Passats 10 years ago costing VW billions. Oh no! That little extra exhaust fart they’re putting out is making me cough!
I look forward to the massive failure of VW.
They clearly have learned nothing and the leadership is a band of retards.
FAFO
Will the GTI ruin VW?
No … VW already gurgled down the toilet.
Flush twice; it’s a long way to Wolfsburg.
Yep
‘VW ought to reconsider what it’s about to do to the GTI – while there’s still time to undo it.’ — eric
VW is a lost cause. It exists in a nation of abject eunuchs, ground down by 80 years of yankee occupation into learned helplessness. ‘We’ spy on their leaders, bomb their gas pipelines, and they utter not a peep.
We could talk about the declining quality of German cars as well — the endless repairs; the expensive parts. But (to quote the Hildabeest) at this point, what difference does it make?
VW already has got an enormous $2 billion white elephant eating its lunch — Scout Motors. But wait, it gets better! Now the Scout is going to have an optional ‘ra-a-a-a-a-a-nge extender’ IC engine:
‘Scout’s new models will primarily be EVs, but there will be an option for a range extender. The engine will be manufactured in Mexico and dubbed “Harvester” as a nod to the long-defunct company that originally built the Scout.
‘The four-cylinder engine will be sourced from the VW Group’s plant in Silao, Mexico, which has been operational since 2013. Previously, Scout CEO Scott Keogh described the range extender as a “good, high-output, four-cylinder, small engine.” As for its placement, the turbo-less unit will be mounted behind the rear axle.
‘Scout’s Senior Director of Strategy commented that the ICE is “so far away you don’t hear it, you don’t feel it, so you still get the sensation of driving a quiet, small electric vehicle.”’
https://www.motor1.com/news/758518/scout-vw-engine-made-in-mexico/
Brain-damaged! Putting an IC engine (which adds yet more weight) into a morbidly obese EeeVee to make up for the shitty range of its boat-anchor ba-a-a-a-a-a-ttery? Then bragging that ‘you don’t hear it, you don’t feel it’? That’s a boudoir quote from his disillusioned wife. Loser!
“VW is a lost cause. It exists in a nation of abject eunuchs, ground down by 80 years of yankee occupation into learned helplessness. ‘We’ spy on their leaders, bomb their gas pipelines, and they utter not a peep.” -Jim H
Yes. A nation of sitzspinklers!
Thank you for noticing my glaring omission!
When VW’s fleet becomes all electric, they will change the company’s name to Cuckswagen.
Being a fan of sedans, I almost bought a 14 GLI to replace my Subaru Legacy. Didn’t want the payments so I stayed with a couple years more.
The first two generations of the GTI were the best. My cousin owned a 1st gen and I bought a 2nd. His was more visceral but, the 2nd gen was faster and easier to drive quickly. I owned a 3rd gen for 200k+ miles and it was a turd. Too soft feeling and unreliable due to electronics and crap (for VW) gearbox durability, it was my last of 10 VW’s. I’ve had no desire for one since.
As far as Tommy Boy and his electric toy, it’s the culmination of decades of seeking the most highly educated people to run companies. They might have gotten good grades, can tell you what’s “wrong” with a company by looking at a spreadsheet and, to quote Oscar Wilde, they know the price of everything and the value of nothing. But, they can’t sell dimes to a beggar.
This is due to “education”, particularly MBA’s that all read from the same books while being indoctrinated in Leftist ideology and world views.
They are the antithesis of Henry Ford…who left school after the eighth grade. The Education Industrial Complex is the bane of our existence.
Absolutely, Mark, you get it. The brainwashing has done its evil work, until a PHD is unemployable it will continue. Stupid and unthinking people like the HR grrlz see hiring a PHD as a coup, and see a PHD as a sure sign of genius and ability, when in fact that is the inside out inversion of the truth. I just went through losing my most promising customer. We had been developing some cutting edge systems for the ag sector, and they were growing and coming along nicely. Then they hired a newly minted Nigerian PHD. He did nothing, screwed up what he was forced to do, and took credit for anything everyone else did that succeeded. In the space of 6 months he had alienated all of their customers and turned their most dedicated employees into clock punchers, and the calls stopped coming, the business face planted.
Oh, and the expression is, ”He couldn’t sell pussy in a lumber camp…”
With Tommy Boy, the (modified) catch line is:
You can get a good look at Bankruptcy by sticking your head up a Ford Lightning’s tailpipe, but wouldn’t you rather take the accountant’s word for it.
The best line of the movie, however, belongs to Aykroyd, and it works unmodified.
“What the American public doesn’t know is what makes them the American public.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16RuiTTQsus