Skip to main content

VW’s GTI Roadster is a demonic wedge on wheels, destined for Gran Turismo – UPDATE

Although Volkswagen is a very sensible German automaker, making some of the smartest, most sagacious cars on the planet, it does have a wild streak. And just as wild, college-aged coeds in the U.S. head to Fort Lauderdale every spring to get weird, VW lets its freak flag fly once a year at the Woerthersee Festival in Austria.

Last year, VW unveiled the very sleek and sporty Design Vision GTI, which incorporated the family-friendly looks of the 2015 GTI and the braggadocio of the Lamborghini Egoista.

For the 2014 Woerthersee, which kicks off May 28, VW penmen have shrugged off the constraints of the GTI’s functional aspirations and made a concept – called the “GTI Roadster, Vision Gran Turismo” – that is simply irascible.

Slathered in vivid, metallic-red paint, the GTI Roadster looks like a Design Vision GTI that got a makeover from Lady Gaga … and Lucifer. And unlike some of the cars other automakers have designed for Gran Turismo, this Vee-Dub is a drivable concept.

With a race-car-style front splitter and gigantic rear wing, it’s safe to say the GTI Roadster’s looks have been turned up to 37 (and its roof cut clean off).

VW GTI Roadster Vision Gran Turismo
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Though it might be far more aggressive, the engine remains the same as that of the Design Vision GTI: a 3.0-liter, twin-turbo VR6 TSI engine that compels 503 horsepower and 491 pound-feet of torque from its crankshaft. This diabolical (let’s say) V6 is mated to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission that VW itself says is “ferociously fast.” Yes.

Power is sent not to the front wheels, like in the standard GTI, but to all four through VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system. Stopping forces seem to be just as burly as the VR6’s propulsion potential. Designers bolted up 15-inch brakes in the front and 14-inchers in the rear, which are surrounded by 20-inch wheels.

Keen to drive the GTI Roadster? Normally, with design sketches like this, I’d tell you to start holding your breath and rubbing your magic genie lamp. But – delightfully – you’ll actually get a chance to pilot this beast; it’s being released for Gran Turismo for PlayStation. So just like the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo, you’ll be able to make much smokey fun in the virtual world sometime soon.

Update 5/29/14 – Photos added

Nick Jaynes
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…
Trump administration prepares to end Biden’s EV tax incentive, report says
president biden drives 2022 ford f 150 lightning electric pickup truck prototype visits rouge vehicle center

If you’re looking to buy or lease an electric vehicle (EV) and benefit from the Biden administration’s $7,500 tax incentive, you’d better act soon.

The transition team of the incoming Trump administration is already planning to end the credit, according to a report from Reuters citing sources with direct knowledge of the matter.

Read more
Kia EV4: everything we know so far
Kia EV4 Front

Kia is continuing to expand its electric car lineup. The EV6 and EV9 have both been out for some time now, and the company is in the middle of rolling out the EV3 in Europe, with a North American release expected next year. After that, it's likely the company will turn to the EV5. But what about after that? Well, that could be where the Kia EV4 comes in.

Kia announced a concept version of the EV4 at its EV Day in 2023, showing off a futuristic-looking hatchback that's seemingly a little smaller than the EV6, but keeps many design elements. Since then, Kia has confirmed very few details about it, though we have seen it shown off at other automotive events. Here's everything we know about the Kia EV4 so far.
Kia EV4 design
The Kia EV4, or at least the concept version of it, is smaller than the EV6, and much smaller than the EV9. It's actually closer in size to a sedan than anything else, though with its open trunk, it could be considered a hatchback. Regardless, it certainly blurs the line between the two. So much so, that in recent months we've actually seen a full hatchback version of the EV4 being tested -- and it's possible that Kia is pivoting the design of the EV4 entirely to be a hatch, or will be releasing both hatchback and sedan versions.

Read more
Hertz is selling used Teslas for under $20K, Chevrolet Bolt EVs under $14K
2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV

Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently nixed hopes of a regular Tesla model ever selling for $25,000.

But he was talking about new models. For car rental company Hertz, the race to sell used Teslas and other EVs at ever-lower prices is not only still on but accelerating.

Read more