2002 Volkswagen Phaeton W12

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

engine	W12
position	Front Longitudinal
aspiration	Natural
displacement	5998 cc / 366.0 in³
power	313.2 kw / 420.0 bhp @ 6000 rpm
specific output	70.02 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	bhp per tonne
torque	550 nm / 405.7 ft lbs @ 3000 rpm
body / frame	Steel w/Aluminum Panels
driven wheels	4WD w/4MOTION
front tires	235/50 R 18
rear tires	235/50 R 18
f brake size	mm / in
r brake size	mm / in
front wheels	F 45.7 x 19.0 cm / 18.0 x 7.5 in
rear wheels	R 45.7 x 19.0 cm / 18.0 x 7.5 in
wheelbase	2881 mm / 113.4 in
length	5055 mm / 199.0 in
width	1903 mm / 74.9 in
height	1450 mm / 57.1 in
transmission	5-Speed Automatic w/Paddle Control
gear ratios	:1
top speed	~250 kph / 155.3 mph