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Cape Town - Earlier in May 2016, Wheels24 reported that Volkswagen launched its new Golf GTI Heartbeat edition.
Making use of a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, the Golf GTI Heartbeat brags with an astounding 295kW. This is a lot of power, by any standard, and is the perfect gift to celebrate 40-years of GTI with.
The Heartbeat was shown to the public for the first time in Austria at the international meeting of GTI fans. Contrasting colour schemes, a honeycomb design, heartbeat symbols, and a sound system with 1360 watts all form part of this unique package.
The Heartbeat GTI was created in less than nine months on the basis of ideas developed by apprentices (aged from 20 and 26-years-old).
Peter Christ, head of automotive technology training in Wolfsburg, said: “During the creation of their dream GTI, our apprentices learn about the complexity of automobile production.
“We select especially talented young people and give them an opportunity at an early stage to learn from experienced colleagues from the entire company - for example from the design departments, the MultiMedia Center, the pilot hall and the paint shop.”
40 years of Golf GTI
From the first edition in 1976 to the current seventh-generation hot hatch.. we take a look at the rich history of the Golf GTI.
Seven generations of Golf GTI
Golf GTI /1976:
In 1974, six men forged the secret plan to develop a 'Sports Golf' and the first Golf GTI makes it debut in 1976.
With 80kW and a 182km/h top speed, it stirred the world of compact cars and redefines what a hatchback can do. In 1983 sees the debut of the first special edition, the 169kW 'Pirelli GTI'.
Mk2 Golf GTI/1984:
A strategic stroke of genius follows in 1984 with the launch of the Mk2 Golf GTI. With identical GTI insignia and as result a of the catalytic converter, power output drops to 78kW in 1984.
Two years later, Volkswagen compensates for the reduced power with a new 16V-engine, which delivers 95kW while retaining catalytic converter. In 1990, a 'G-Lader' supercharger fitted to the Golf GTI G60 increases power output to 117kW.
Mk3 Golf GTI/1991:
In 1991, Volkswagen transfers the GTI insignia to its third generation, starting with a 85kW version. In 1992, power output rises with the addition of the four-valve engine to 110kW. In 1996, a turbodiesel version (TDI) delivering 80kW enriches the GTI concept.
The petrol and diesel versions are ultimately split into GTI and GTD. In 1996, VW launches the '20 Years of GTI' anniversary model.
Mk4 Golf GTI/1998:
The fourth GTI generation, introduced in 1998, is very conservative in appearance. The 110kW Mk4 Golf GTI however is a car that keeps its competition at bay with its agility and quality. The four- and (in one case) five-cylinder petrol engines deliver up to 125kW, while the diesels manage 110kW. In 2001, the 132kW special '25 Years of GTI' turbo model heralds a renaissance of the sporty icon.
Mk5 Golf GTI/2004:
With the debut of the fifth generation, the Golf GTI 2004 celebrates a grand comeback. With a much sharper design, a 147kW turbo engine and superb driving characteristics, it catapults the GTI concept into the future. In 2006, to mark the car's 30th birthday, Volkswagen gives its fans a 169kW '30 Years of GTI' model. Identically powered, the reincarnation of the 'Pirelli GTI' is then launched in 2007.
Mk6 Golf GTI/2009:
The sixth generation in 2009 redefines the subject of traction with an electronic transverse differential lock (XDS), sporting 154kW. The GTI receives a redesigned exhaust system for a dynamic sound.
For the first time, the GTI it is also available as a soft top. The sixth generation's crowning glory arrives in the market in 2011 for the 35th birthday - the 'Golf GTI Edition 35' with 172kW.
Mk7 Golf GTI/2012:
The seventh-generation GTI was launched in 2012, offering two levels of power output: 162kW and 169kW from the Golf GTI Performance, the latter being equipped with a new front-axle differential lock.
Later in 2016, the Golf GTI Clubsport, delivering via a boost function up to 213kW, will arrive in South Africa. The Golf GTI Clubsport S was unveiled on the shores of Lake Wörthersee.
*Images sourced from Newspress
