Volkswagen Blue Lagoon Jetta GLI Concept Is A Retro Car Lover’s Dream

Volkswagen is very in touch with the enthusiast community. Every year it releases a group of concept vehicles that cater to this crowd. This year, VW has decided to reveal its concepts individually, starting with the Blue Lagoon Jetta GLI Concept. Based on a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI sedan, this retro-themed concept pays homage to the Mk4 Blue Lagoon GLI, a rare color option for the fourth-generation Jetta GLI.

In 2002, VW released the GTI 337, a special edition vehicle limited to 1,500 units. The car featured 18-inch BBS RC wheels, Recaro seats, and a Votex body kit, all of which inspired the next-generation GLI. The Mk4 GLI debuted in 2004 wearing a unique Blue Lagoon paint color, which was quickly replaced by a darker shade called Jazz Blue.

“The Jetta GLI has been an enthusiast favorite throughout its 37-year history,” said Sean Maynard, Enthusiast and Motorsport Marketing Specialist. “Paying tribute to the Mk4 with this build concept celebrates the passion that goes into these vehicles.”

VW started with a manual transmission 2021 Jetta GLI Autobahn painted in Deep Black Pearl, then changed the color using a vinyl wrap. To precisely match the color, VW borrowed the fuel door from a 2004 GLI and combed through several vinyl wrap suppliers to find ORAFOL Midnight Blue Metallic. Since this is a show car, VW even wrapped the interior door jambs and side body pieces, so there are no traces of the original color.

“The color is incredible,” said Andres Valbuena, former Volkswagen product launch manager. “The Recaros, wheels, and styling changes are amazing, but when you see it outside in the sun that color is something else.”

And the color isn’t the only exterior change. The Blue Lagoon GLI Concept also features Air Design side skirts, a rear trunk spoiler, and a Fifteen52 Critical Aero Design (CAD) front lower spoiler. Those retro-inspired wheels are BBS CH-R 20-inch alloys, wrapped with Continental ExtremeContact Sport 235/35Z R20XL 90Y tires. The car is also lowered on H&R Springs Street Performance coilover suspension.

There are some retro touches inside, including Recaro Ergomed ES leather front seats that look like they came straight out of the 1990s. VW has also thrown in a nod to the original GTI with a Black Forest Industries weighted golf ball shift knob. This is only a concept, so we don’t expect any of these modifications to be offered on a production GLI. The Blue Lagoon GLI will be showed off at VW events around the country.