VWvortex.com Comments About The 20th Anniversary Edition GTI
The 20th Anniversary GTI that we've hinted at in our forums for months now will be loosely based mechanically on the German 25th Anniversary GTI and GTI 337
model sold here in North America. A base GTI GLS 180hp 1.8T is the starting point to which the following significant changes are added:
- All-new 6-speed MQ350/O2M350 transmission
- Same upgraded brakes as the 337 (12.3 inch front rotors, 10 inch rear vented rotors, better pads, red powder-coated calipers)
- Same suspension as the 337 (uprated springs and shocks, increased sway bar diameters, and revised bushings in the rear)
- 18" R32 Wheels with ultra high-performance rubber (likely Michelin Pilot Sports)
- Same body kit as the GTI 337
- Same Recaro seats as the 337 but interior theme will be silver/grey and black instead of the red/black in the 337
- Blacked out headlamp interior surrounds similar to the German market 25th AE GTI
- New instrument cluster with aluminum trim bezels from the German market 25th AE GTI
- Black headliner
- A few additional aluminum trim pieces (around HVAC controls)
- 4,200 units total between the U.S. and Canada
- Cars will be numbered via a dash plaque
- Retro rabbit badge along with red "retro" GTI logos front and rear
- Sunroof will be standard
Colors will be very special too and never before offered on the Golf IV GTI in North America: Jazz Blue, Imola Yellow and Black Magic Pearl.
The 20th Anniversary GTI MSRP will be $23,225 in the U.S. and $34,150 in Canada. The only option on the car will be Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
for $280. Monsoon sound system will be standard.
The 20th AE GTI will be nearly identical in driving feel to the German 25th Anniversary GTI and GTI 337 which is to say significantly improved over the
existing GTI.
Meanwhile, if you are interested in this car your best bet is to head to your local dealer and put a deposit down - particularly if you want a Blue or Yellow
one. Jazz Blue and Imola Yellow models will be about 25% of production each with Black Magic Pearl making up the remaining 50%. Volkswagen will be
producing 4,200 20th Anniversary GTI models with 200 going to Canada and the remaining 4,000 to be sold in the U.S.
Note: The text above was originally posted on VWvortex.com, and has since been taken down. I have edited the text as required to correct grammar and spelling.
Volkswagen Release About The 20th Anniversary Edition GTI
2003 VOLKSWAGEN GTI 20th ANNIVERSARY EDITION REVS UP FOR CHICAGO DEBUT
CHICAGO - Unveiled at this year's Chicago Auto Show is the Volkswagen GTI 20th Anniversary Edition - a celebration of GTI success in North America since the
model first arrived in 1983. The original pocket rocket comes to showrooms this spring, with only 4,000 being produced at a price of $23,225. For Volkswagen
driving enthusiasts across the continent, the GTI 20th Anniversary Edition is chock full of performance, standard features and styling cues that commemorate
the original Rabbit GTI.
This limited-edition GTI features a dynamic six-speed manual transmission coupled with Volkswagen's award-winning four-cylinder 1.8 T engine, and
accelerates from 0-60 miles per hour in just over seven seconds. The 1.8 T delivers 180 horsepower at 5,500 revolutions per minute, with a hefty 173 lbs.
ft. of torque in the wide range of 1,950 to 5,000 rpm. Delivering six-cylinder performance from a four-cylinder engine, the 1.8 T is fuel-efficient and
engaging, employing a turbocharger, intercooler and Volkswagen's innovative five-valve-per-cylinder technology.
This five-valve configuration allows excellent top-end breathing, while dual overhead camshafts provide for optimal valve control. The sole option for this
special edition is Volkswagen's Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP), a system that uses sophisticated yaw and position sensors to help automatically
prevent oversteer or understeer in the event of a sudden maneuver.
A lowered sport suspension, 18-inch Z-rated summer performance tires and larger, vented four-wheel disc brakes (312 millimeters by 25 mm at the front
and 256 mm by 22 mm at the rear) also contribute to pulsating performance. The sporty new design of the 15-spoke alloy wheels reveals red calipers - further
accenting this distinctive GTI.
Volkswagen purists will immediately recognize the sport-performance styling cues on the GTI 20th Anniversary Edition. At the front, a red "GTI" badge
reminiscent of the original accents the grille. Headlights feature a black surround, while the body-color bumper and chin spoiler add dramatic ground
effects. Side mirrors are housed in black, and body-color side valances carry the sporty theme to the rear. Further distinguishing this special edition are a
body-color lowered rear bumper, fixed body-color spoiler above the hatch and a larger-diameter, single polished exhaust. The rear also features darkened
taillamps, a red "GTI" badge and classic, polished-metal Rabbit logo.
The GTI 20th Anniversary Edition is available in three exterior colors: Black Magic, Imola Yellow and new Jazz Blue. The interior features black and gray
sport-cloth seating and a black headliner, creating a cockpit feeling for every trip. The aggressive Recaro Sport seats have larger bolsters to help hug
passengers during spirited driving.
Further differentiating the GTI 20th Anniversary Edition's seating is gray stitching and horizontal striped sport cloth, complemented by "GTI" embroidered
in red on the driver's and front passenger's seatbacks. This special edition also has matching striped safety belts and black floor mats with gray borders
to highlight the unique interior.
The signature "golf ball" shift knob sports a red "GTI" logo and is accented by a perforated black leather boot with gray stitching. A three-spoke steering
wheel and handbrake are also wrapped in black perforated leather for an upscale, sporty appearance. Each limited edition features a brushed-aluminum
plaque (located in place of the in-dash cup holders, which now reside in front of the center console) that indicates the exact production number for the
model, anywhere from 1 to 4,000. The custom plaque also features "GTI 20th Anniversary" badging.
Sporty brushed-metal accents surround the climate control and stereo unit, and the instrument panel gauges are aluminum and black with a chrome surround. The
brushed chrome motif continues on the interior door locks, handles and surrounding the driver's power control bank on the armrest. Alloy foot pedals
and footrest feature black grip nubs and the doorsills welcome passengers with the look of alloy and a red GTI logo.
The GTI 20th Anniversary Edition offers many standard features, including: a power sunroof; CFC-free air conditioning; Monsoon Sound System with CD player;
power windows and locks with remote keyless entry; anti-theft alarm system; cruise control; Volkswagen's Side Curtain Protection airbag system; a
rear-window electric defroster; and rear-window wiper with intermittent feature and washer.
For 2003, all Volkswagen cars have a standard four-year/50,000-mile (whichever occurs first) bumper-to-bumper warranty, covering wear-and-tear items and
adjustments during the initial 12 months or 12,000 miles of ownership.
Additional coverage includes a five-year/60,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, corrosion perforation coverage for 12 years with unlimited mileage
for all fully galvanized Volkswagen vehicles (EuroVan for eight years), and four years/50,000 miles of 24-hour roadside assistance.
Note: The above text is a press release given to VWvortex.com, and posted with the other information displayed above.
