Volkswagen Golf GTI 40th anniversary
When it was first introduced back in the 1970’s, few people could have predicted the overwhelming popularity the Volkswagen Golf GTI would experience in the decades to come. Known now for its sporty capability and dynamic drive, the Golf GTI has come to be a significant staple among the brand. This year, we celebrate the Volkswagen Golf GTI 40th anniversary with look back at the model's impressive past.The original GTI
The original 1976 Volkswagen Golf GTI quickly became a fan-favorite thanks to its incredible performance and deliberate interior touches. Some of its interior highlights included a golf-ball shifter knob and sporty plaid patterned seats. It also included a red stripe in the grille, giving it a more aggressive look than people were used to seeing in the small car segment at the time. Under the hood of the original GTI sat a 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder engine that created 108 horsepower. Combine this with the model’s 1,786 lb. curb weight, and the GTI made it easy to get performance on a bargain.Through the years
Over the decades, Volkswagen rolled out several different versions of the Golf GTI, but one specific model that stands out is the 1987 Golf GTI 16V. This was the first GTI model to feature a 16-valve engine under its hood. This new 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder engine was able to boost the GTI’s power output to a nice 123 horsepower, making the GTI a heavy-hitter in its segment. By 1992, Volkswagen had enlarged the GTI’s engine to 2 liters for even further improvement to its performance. At this point, the GTI was able to produce 134 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque.VW Golf GTI today
Today, the 2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI continues to offer the powerful performance and sporty drive that the model’s been known for through the decades. The sporty hatchback features a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine that’s not only powerful, but affordable at the fuel pump as well. For 2016, The GTI is able to put out an impressive 220 horsepower, while also achieving a 25 city / 34 highway mpg rating. The upcoming 2017 Golf GTI is said to feature new high-value trim options, offering drivers a wider range of technology and feature at a more affordable price.2016 Golf GTI at Speedcraft Volkswagen
If you’re interested in getting behind the wheel of the 2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI, we here at Speedcraft Volkswagen have a wide variety of models currently available on our lot for you to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a specific trim level or even color, there’s a good chance that we’ve got it here. To begin your search, all you have to do is view our inventory here on our site. After you’ve narrowed down your choices, just give us a call or fill out the form on this page to schedule an appointment for a test drive. We’re sure that once you experience the powerful, sporty drive and overall versatility of the new Golf GTI, you won’t want to settle for any other hatchback.What do you think of the history behind the Volkswagen Golf GTI? Comment below!
