VOLKSWAGEN designers and engineers have exceeded themselves to mark the staging of a little-known annual VW enthusiasts’ show in Austria.
The aptly named Golf GTI Excessive is a concept version of the iconic hot hatch which features a series of small but effective modifications to the vehicle’s running gear to create what VW says is a sharper, more focussed version.
The concept car has firmer springs and dampers and a wider track, requiring the addition of a set of 30mm wheelarch extensions. Uprated brake discs are fitted behind new 19-inch BBS motorsport-derived alloy wheels fitted with track-orientated tyres.
The two-litre TSI engine is left unchanged but the addition of a new exhaust system raises power from 210 PS to 214 PS while torque rises from 206 to 211 lbs ft between 1,700 and 5,200 rpm.
Cosmetic changes include the addition of a deep front splitter and a pair of revised airdams either side of the front grille. A set of sill extensions finished in gloss black are joined by a new rear diffuser and a redesigned wing mounted above the rear window.
Inside there are redesigned bucket seats with integrated headrests finished in black and red along with brushed aluminium and gloss black trim.
VW says that if there is an enthusiastic reaction to the concept it will consider producing an accessory pack which could be retrofitted to the MkVI Golf GTI.
The concept was created specifically for the Wörthersee Show in Austria which first took place in 1982 and is attended by thousands of Volkswagen enthusiasts every year.
In recent years, the German giant has established a tradition of unveiling a concept car specially commissioned for the event. In 2007 the GTI W12 made its debut, in 2008 the Scirocco GT24 was unveiled and in 2009 the Polo ‘Wörthersee 09’ concept preceded the Polo GTI.