History of the Golf GTI

June 1976 marked the production launch of the first Golf GTI. The planned output of what was originally a limited edition: 5,000 GTIs. But it turned out entirely differently. The 81 kW / 110 PS strong and 182 km/h fast Golf GTI won over a new group of customers and founded the GTI class. Over five GTI generations, the original 5,000 units turned into more than 1.7 million. No other compact sports car in the world even comes close to being that successful. What follows is an overview of the key events in the history of the Golf GTI up to market launch of the sixth generation:

1976: Debut of first generation Golf GTI
(1.6 liter with 81 kW / 110 PS)

1979: Facelift

1982: Performance boost of the Golf GTI
(1.8 liter with 82 kW / 112 PS)

1983: Introduction of the "Pirelli GTI"
(officially "Special Model Golf GTI", features included special wheels)

1984: Debut of second generation Golf GTI
(1.8 liter with 82 kW / 112 PS)

1984: Introduction of catalytic converter
(79 kW / 107 PS instead of 82 kW / 112 PS)

1985: Facelift, dual headlights and dual tailpipes

1986: Introduction of the Golf GTI 16V
(1.8 liter with 102 kW / 139 PS and 95 kW / 129 PS with catalytic converter)

1990: Introduction of the Golf GTI G60
(1.8 liter with 118 kW / 160 PS)

1991: Debut of third generation Golf GTI
(2.0 liter with 85 kW / 115 PS)

1992: Introduction of the Golf GTI 16V
(2.0 liter with 110 kW / 150 PS)

1996: Presentation of anniversary model "20 years of GTI"
(2.0 liter with 85 kW / 115 PS and 110 kW / 150 PS
and for the first time 1.9 TDI with 81 kW / 110 PS)

1998: Debut of fourth generation Golf GTI
(1.8 T with 110 kW / 150 PS, 2.3 V5 with 110 / 150 PS
and 1.9 TDI with 81 kW / 90 PS);
later 2.3 V5 with 125 kW / 170 PS,
1.9 TDI with 85 kW / 115 PS and 96 kW / 130 PS)

2000: Introduction of the most powerful Golf GTI TDI to date
(1.9 TDI with 110 kW / 150 PS)

2001: Introduction of the Golf GTI "25 years of GTI"
(1.8 T with 132 kW / 180 PS)

2004: Debut of fifth generation Golf GTI
(2.0 TSI with 147 kW / 200 PS and optional 6-speed DSG)

2006: Presentation of anniversary model "Golf GTI Edition 30"
(2.0 TSI with 169 kW / 230 PS)

2007: Presentation of special edition "Golf Pirelli GTI"
(2.0 TSI with 169 kW / 230 PS)

2008: World premiere of sixth generation Golf GTI
in October as concept car at Paris Motor Show

2009: Debut of sixth generation Golf GTI
International press presentation in March / April in Southern France; start of market launch phase in Europe
(2.0 TSI with 155 kW / 210 PS and optional 6-speed DSG)

Technical comparison of the first and sixth GTI generations  

1 = For detailed technical data: www.volkswagen-media-services.com
2 = Values for two-door model
3 = Values in brackets for GTI with DSG

Note:
All data and equipment contained in this press release apply to models offered in Germany. They may differ in other countries. All information is subject to change or correction.
TDI, TSI, DSG and Twincharger are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG or other companies of the Volkswagen Group in Germany and other countries.