(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) – On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the GTI models, Volkswagen is opening a historic chapter at this year’s 24h race at the Nürburgring: At the center of the celebrations is the world premiere of the new ID. Polo GTI. With this presentation, a purely electric model will carry the prestigious three red letters for the first time, thus transferring the legacy of sporty compact cars into the era of electromobility.
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Under the hood of the GTI electric car is supposed to be familiar technology, as the ID. Polo GTI likely adopts the drive of the Cupra Raval VZ. This means that up to 226 hp (166 kW) and a torque of 290 Nm pull at the front axle. In terms of performance, the Wolfsburg model is oriented towards its Spanish corporate sibling, promising a top speed of about 175 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in around 6.8 seconds.
To ensure the power is confidently transferred to the asphalt, Volkswagen relies on high-quality mechanical and electronic equipment. The standard 19-inch alloy wheels with 235 tires, combined with an active front axle differential (VAQ) from BorgWarner including torque vectoring, provide optimal grip. The chassis lowered by 15 millimeters is complemented by the adaptive damper control “Dynamic Chassis Control Plus” (DCC Plus), a more direct steering, and newly tuned stabilizers.
ID. Polo GTI celebrates its premiere at the Nürburgring
A special feature is hidden in the interior: By pressing the GTI button on the steering wheel spoke, the Polo switches to a sharpened mode that not only optimizes responsiveness but also activates a simulated engine sound including gear shifts. Despite the sporty orientation, everyday usability is maintained: The battery capacity of 52 kWh enables a maximum range of up to 420 kilometers.
The festive unveiling takes place at the Ring Boulevard at the Nürburgring, where Volkswagen ushers in the new electric GTI era before the eyes of the expected nearly 300,000 motorsport fans. The race weekend in the Eifel serves as a stage for a symbiosis of tradition and future. While the ID. Polo GTI demonstrates the brand’s electric direction, Volkswagen simultaneously celebrates its performance roots with a large presence on the Nordschleife.
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Photo series: VW shows the first electric ID. Polo GTI at the Nürburgring
A special program item is the parade shortly before the start of the endurance classic: Here, around 40 GTI models from a total of eight generations will drive the legendary race track in the Eifel. The new ID. Polo GTI will join the ranks of its historic predecessors and present the fans with the technological development of the series.
Motorsport deployment as a technical backbone
Parallel to the premiere of the electric model, Volkswagen relies on proven combustion technology under extreme conditions and sends three Golf GTI Clubsport 24h to the start of the 24h marathon in the “Green Hell.” The race cars deliver 397 hp (291 kW) and have been extensively optimized for use on the demanding track.
The ambitions on the race track are underlined by a high-caliber driver lineup: Among others, eight-time rallycross world champion Johan Kristoffersson, former national football player Max Kruse, and Fabian Vettel, the younger brother of Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel, take the wheel of the GTI race cars.
Besides the focus on the ID. Polo GTI, Volkswagen gives a preview of future projects at the ring: The show car Golf R 24H already visualizes the vision of a race car for the year 2027. With this, Volkswagen positions the anniversary weekend not only as a look back at 50 years of driving pleasure but as a comprehensive showcase for the upcoming performance generation.
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