Volkswagen Golf GTI BBS concept blends the past with present

KUALA LUMPUR: In order to not lose sight of heritage, Volkswagen in collaboration with Philadelphia-based VW enthusiast Jamie Orr unveiled a special Golf GTI BBS concept. Based on the Mk8 Golf GTI, the concept took inspiration from the customized Mk2 version of the GTI introduced in the US in 1984. It highlights a healthy dose of the past blended with the latest generation, although it is just a visual affair as the mechanical stuff remains unchanged.

While describing the goal of making the Volkswagen Golf GTI BBS concept, Orr said, “We wanted to maintain the soul of the Mk8, so we went with more traditional modifications. But we left the interior, body, and powertrain exactly as they came from the factory. Take those wingback seats, with this striking red design; they are just phenomenal. Changing any of that would have been a shame.”

The main highlights of the Volkswagen Golf GTI BBS concept are:

• Retro BBS red and black livery with pinstriping running from stem to stern
• 19×9 inches Super RS wheels featuring the iconic waffle pattern in silver and gold
• Delinte D7 235/35-section tyres
• Redesigned H&R coil overs for more camber
• New Borla exhaust system 

Powering the Volkswagen Golf GTI special concept is the tried and tested 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that kicks out a maximum power of 245 PS and a peak torque of 370 Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch unit.

For the original Mk2, “Volkswagen used all the elements their customers loved about the first GTI and built upon them,” said Orr. “The Mk8 has a new body style and more power under the hood, plus a bunch of tweaks that make it the best handling GTI I’ve ever driven.”

What are your thoughts on the new Volkswagen Golf GTI BBS concept? Let us know in the comments.

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