Volkswagen Trademark App Suggests a Future Electrified GTI
Volkswagen stopped selling the standard Golf here a few years back, leaving only the GTI and Golf R to carry the hatchback torch in the United States. Though impressive, the current eighth-generation models are not going to make it through the transition to electrification, but a newfound patent application suggests the cars could be reborn as electric models down the road.
Carbuzz reported that the GTI name will remain but will replace the last letter with a lightning bolt to represent electrification. GTI currently means “Grand Touring Injection,” but the definition will have to change since EVs don’t have fuel injection.
The eighth-generation Golf just arrived in 2022, so it’s not expected to take a dive anytime soon. The Golf GTI and Golf R also got anniversary models in 2023. Both cars will likely get a midcycle refresh in the next year or so that brings more intuitive physical controls inside and tweaks to the tech.
Of course, this new trademark application could suggest a hybrid or plug-in hybrid Golf variant. The brand equity associated with the GTI name is not something VW will take lightly, however, so whatever the car, we’re unlikely to see an electric GTI crossover like Ford did with the Mustang Mach-E.
[Image: Volkswagen]
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Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.
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VW spent TENS of billions to develop its loser EV series, and ALL its models FAILED MISERABLY in the US and other KEY markets (CHINA TOO!).
Why would one believe the next one will be any less of a failure?
I don't care what anyone says, there is no such thing as a four door sports car!
"The roof is on fire" - VW is woefully behind on EVs, and their EV market share in China is dropping faster than the Titan submersible (too soon?).
VW is to ICE as Tesla is to EV
(not really, but don't try to tell that to a VW owner)