The iconic GTI looses the I for injection, replacing it with a lighting bolt
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This story includes a speculative illustration of the rumored VW ID.2all GTI that is not related to nor endorsed by VW
Volkswagen has confirmed that both the GTI and the R performance-focused model lines will live on in its electric era, with a new trademark possibly showing us the future look of the former.
The tweaked GTI emblem retains the GT (Grand Tourer) letters but replaces the I (injection) with a lightning bolt. While there is no official information about it, the graphic makes us believe it could have something to do with electrification. Of course, as is the case with all trademarks, there is no guarantee that it will be used in future concepts or production vehicles but shows us that something is going on behind closed doors.
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The new trademark was filed at the German Patent and Trade Mark Office on July 25, 2023, before being discovered by our colleagues at CarBuzz. The Polo GTI is rumored to get the axe, but the Golf GTI will soon go through a mid-lifecycle update.
VW currently uses the GTD moniker for diesels, the GTE for plug-in hybrids, and the GTX for fully electric models, in addition to the petrol-only GTI badge. Then there is the R which is reserved for higher-performance models with the entire VW R range set to go EV-only by 2030.
Last year, VW CEO, Thomas Schäfer, described the Golf and GTI monikers as iconic, saying “It would be crazy to let them die and slip away”. Additionally, insider sources claim that VW officials are considering dropping the GTX and replacing it with the GTI. This might explain VW’s urge to find a new graphic for the emblem that could possibly make it suitable for offerings with electrified powertrains.
Setting aside the future production models, there are reports about a fully electric hot hatch concept on the horizon, based on the ID.2all concept. This sounds like another plausible contestant for the new badge if VW decides on using it.
