2002 Volkswagen Golf GTI 25th Anniversary
The Golf GTI is celebrating its 25th birthday with a limited-edition model of the GTI. Bearing the designation GTI 337, this is a Golf like none before. It has a 1.8-litre turbocharged engine, 18-inch BBS alloy wheels, Recaro sports seats and a great many more technical details which make this model yet another highlight in the history of the GTI.
With its new appearance, the special model Golf GTI is a real eye-opener. The modified bumpers at the front and rear, the large alloy wheels with 225/40 R18 tyres, the widened sills, the rear spoiler and rear apron all combine to give a sporty overall impression.
The absolute highlight is the 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder engine with twin overhead camshafts, 5-valve technology, turbocharger and intercooler. The engine, installed in a Volkswagen for the first time, not only impresses with its power, but also with its outstanding torque of 235 Nm between 1950 and 5000 rpm. In conjunction with the 6-speed manual gearbox (fitted as standard), this engine allows the kind of performance we have come to expect from a GTI.
A glance at the interior reveals aluminium-coloured sill panel trims, complete with GTI logo, and ergonomically shaped Recaro sports seats. These also bear the brilliant red GTI logo, as does the backrest of the split rear seat. The instrument cluster consists of round dials with a modern, aluminium look – a large speedometer and rev counter and smaller coolant temperature and fuel gauges. The centre console and interior door handles are finished with decorative trims made of brushed aluminium. With their perforated leather and red stitching, the steering wheel, the handbrake and the gear lever gaiter all hark back to the original GTI of 1976, as does the gear lever knob in the design of a golf ball.
This Golf GTI is only available in a two-door version with tornado red, reflex silver metallic or black magic pearl effect paintwork. It will go on sale in Canada and the US with a limited production run of 1500 units.
In Detail
| price $ | $ $22 225 USD |
| engine | Cast Iron, Water Cooled, Inline-4 |
| position | Front Transverse |
| valvetrain | 5-Valves / Cyl |
| displacement | 1800 cc / 109.8 in³ |
| power | 134.2 kw / 180.0 bhp @ 5500 rpm |
| specific output | 100.0 bhp per litre |
| torque | 235 nm / 173.3 ft lbs |
| redline | 1950-5000 |
| body / frame | Unit Steel |
| front tires | 225/40ZR18 |
| rear tires | 225/40ZR18 |
| front brakes | Vented Discs |
| f brake size | x 312 mm / x 12.3 in |
| rear brakes | Vented Discs |
| r brake size | x 256 mm / x 10.1 in |
| f suspension | MacPherson Struts w/Coil Springs, Telescopic Dampers, Stabilizer |
| r suspension | Torsion Beam Axle w/w/Coil Springs, Telescopic Dampers, Stabiliz |
| transmission | MQ350 6-Speed Manual |
| gear ratios | :1 |
Above Images ©IMAGE CREDITS – Volkswagen AG
