Maybe the big 5-0 is more important?
Hot hatchback lovers are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the eighth-generation 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI here in the United States. The all-new Mk8 GTI has already been revealed and is now on sale in Europe, but US enthusiasts can only enjoy the outgoing Mk7 model for the 2021 model year. The 2022 GTI should arrive stateside later this year, just in time to celebrate the model’s 45th anniversary.
VW typically celebrates big milestones like this with a special edition. Leaked information has revealed a new “Edition 45” model is in the pipeline, equipped with a new front splitter, new wheels, new rear diffuser, black tailgate spoiler, and 45 badging. This all sounds pretty cool, but it seems like Volkswagen Group of America forgot to plan a party or buy a birthday cake.
CarBuzz
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
CarBuzz reached out to a VW Group of America spokesperson who told us that, “there are no plans to get this car at the moment.” This news shouldn’t come as much surprise as when VW celebrated the GTI’s 40th anniversary back in 2016 with a more powerful and track-focused GTI Clubsport, the US missed out.
We assume VW Group of America is more concerned with launching the new GTI here in the US than celebrating the car’s 45th birthday. The spokesperson did say there is nothing planned “at the moment,” so we won’t completely rule out a special edition. Perhaps the US will receive something cool for the GTI’s 50th anniversary?
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
The Volkswagen GTI will arrive sporting a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine sending 245 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or a traditional six-speed manual transmission. Since there are no plans for a 45th Anniversary trim in the US, we expect the VW to offer the standard S, SE, and Autobahn trim levels. Later in the year, the 2022 Golf R will arrive packing 315 hp and all-wheel-drive.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Volkswagen