Volkswagen Unveils "Most Spectacular GTI" from a Decade Ago: 503-HP Convertible Concept Debuts at 50th Anniversary Celebration

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Golf GTI, Volkswagen recently showcased the GTI Roadster concept—a convertible sports car co-developed with Sony in 2014—at an event in Barcelona. Dubbed the "most spectacular GTI ever built," the concept is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine sourced from the Touareg, producing a maximum output of 503 horsepower. It is paired with a 7-speed DSG transmission and Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 97 km/h in just 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 309 km/h. Built on the MQB platform, the vehicle features a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis, stands only 1,090 millimeters tall, and boasts scissor doors, wide fender flares, and a track-focused interior complete with racing bucket seats and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel. Although never produced for sale, Volkswagen still regards it as a classic.