This week, Volkswagen announced the all-new 2023 Golf GTI 40th Anniversary Edition, which will be available exclusively in the North American market.
Since it arrived on the scene as the Rabbit GTI in 1983, the GTI has epitomized the term “hot hatch.” The 40th Anniversary Edition pays homage to the model’s four-decade history and celebrates the occasion by showcasing the best of the current eighth generation.
“The limited-production 40th Anniversary Edition model offers our North American enthusiasts a dose of heritage along with everything they love about the Mark 8 GTI,” said Hein Schafer, Senior Vice President of Product and Strategy for Volkswagen of America.
Offered with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG® automatic transmission, the 40th Anniversary Edition is powered by a turbocharged EA888 2.0-liter engine, producing 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque.
Helping to set it apart from the rest of the 2023 GTI lineup, the exterior of the 40th Anniversary Edition features a multitude of unique design elements. Notable examples include “40” decals with honeycomb design flourishes – a symbol of the model’s heritage – that run along the door sills. The illuminated grille is a fitting complement to the classic GTI red stripe, adding an extra touch of style and nostalgia. The vehicle’s multi-spoke 19-inch wheels are painted gloss black with red pinstripe accents and 235/35 summer performance tires.
The GTI 40th Anniversary Edition will be offered in four exterior colors; Urano Grey, Tornado Red, Opal White Pearl, and Pomelo Yellow Metallic. In addition to this vivid color palette, the exclusive black-painted roof provides an appealing contrast in combination with the gloss black mirror caps.
The interior of the 40th Anniversary edition includes its fair share of commemorative features, including a tasteful “40” clasp at the six o’clock position of the steering wheel alongside the Plaid cloth seats and golf-ball-inspired manual shift knob that has become synonymous with the model.
With a run of approximately 1,500 units, the 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI 40th Anniversary Edition goes on sale mid-model year. MSRP for manual transmission models starts at $33,055, with automatic transmission models starting at $33,855.