Linking Virtual and Real Worlds

The GTI Roadster, first unveiled by Volkswagen at the fan event in Austria, is a machine from the "Vision Gran Turismo" project, a collaboration with "Gran Turismo 6," a game software for PlayStation 3 released by Sony Computer Entertainment on December 5, 2013.

"Vision Gran Turismo" is a dream project where leading global automakers and brands design special machines drivable within the game for "Gran Turismo's" 15th anniversary. To date, manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW,Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi have unveiled their vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz went a step further, not only releasing visuals but also unveiling a real car at last year'sLA Auto Showandsurprising Gran Turismo fans worldwide.Volkswagen's GTI Roadster is the second real-world model to follow, a dream machine that brilliantly links the virtual and real worlds.



The striking body design, as its name suggests, is positioned as an evolution of theGolf GTI, with many motifs reminiscent of production models, such as the front grille and headlight design, being utilized. However, while leveraging the "GTI" DNA, the exterior adopts an open-style design with an extremely short front windshield emphasizing a wide and low stance. It is finished as a spartan two-seater model with the cockpit divided into left and right sections.

Although it may appear large at first glance, the GTI Roadster measures 4,158mm in length, 1,894mm in width, and 1,090mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,494mm. The extremely short front and rear overhangs undeniably give it a sporty impression. The carbon fiber C-pillars form a wing shape connecting the left and right sides, uniquely extending to the rear fenders to form the body.

Equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 Engine Producing 503 hp

The powertrain features a front-mounted 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo direct-injection gasoline engine, producing a maximum output of 370 kW (503 hp) and a maximum torque of 560 Nm (57.1 kgm). This is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) and a four-wheel-drive system (4MOTION).

The 20-inch "Tornado" design wheels feature a center-lock system with rims coordinated to the body color and "GTI" emblems. It is said that a red circle is drawn as the wheels rotate. The tire sizes are 275/30ZR20 for the front and 235/35ZR20 for the rear, with 8.5J x 20 (ET32) wheels at the front and 9.5J x 20 (ET25) wheels at the rear. The brakes utilize carbon-ceramic discs, with large 380mm diameter discs at the front and 356mm at the rear.



The cockpit is equipped with low-slung carbon shell seats and a four-spoke steering wheel made of Alcantara. A V-shaped frame divides the left and right seats, creating a unique, separated space. The use of carbon, aluminum, and Alcantara materials contributes to its undeniably spartan image. The steering shaft is extremely long, resembling that of a GT race car. The 7-speed DSG paddle shifters on either side of the steering wheel and the five-point seatbelts are essential elements for the racing aesthetic.

Incidentally, this two-seater supersports car, weighing just 1,420 kg, is expected to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 309 km/h. Although not intended for production or mass manufacturing, its aggressive form and specifications clearly convey that Volkswagen possesses the potential to thoroughly entertain car enthusiasts, not just with its practicality and robustness.