the GTi 337 Edition
At the New York International Auto Show, Volkswagen of America, Inc. unleashed a new, very limited 2002 enthusiasts' version of its famous GTi called the GTi 337 Edition.
Volkswagen said it will build and sell just 1,500 GTi 337 Editions. The 337 is loosely based on the very rare GTi 25th Anniversary edition sold exclusively in Europe last year.
"The 337 name comes from the code name for the Golf model back in the early 1970s," said Frank Maguire, VP of sales and marketing at Volkswagen of America, Inc. "The GTi is the sport version of the Golf and since we didn't begin selling the GTi here until 1983, the name 337 seemed like a nice way to recognize the history of this vehicle and make it meaningful to our most enthusiastic drivers. This is a very unique car for the Volkswagen lover."
The GTi 337 comes loaded with the necessities demanded by Volkswagen's modern purists. Special 18-inch alloy wheels that offer a glimpse of the braking power of the car's 16-inch discs with red callipers. These wheels come wrapped with special Z rated performance tires. There is also a subtle but sporty use of a front chin spoiler, rear valance, darkened tail lamps, matching side skirts and rear spoiler that does its air splitting just above the hatch. In the rear, the sounds of the engine play from a single polished stainless steel exhaust pipe.
Inside, in addition to the more than 40 standard items in a GTi, the 337 offers the Monsoon(R) Sound system, a special three-spoke perforated leather- covered steering wheel with red stitching, a leather-covered hand brake - in red, special shift knob with GTi design, alloy interior touches such as subtle trim treatments, alloy treated pedals, foot rest and door sills. The insides sporty look is continued with black interior panels and matching safety belts and floor mats, which red trim. Most importantly to the true driving enthusiast will be matching front Recaro Sport seats designed for the most demanding curves.
The upgraded 1.8 T was first launched last year
and provides substantial power and performance, employing a turbocharger,
an intercooler and Volkswagen's innovative five-valve technology. The
1.8 T's latest ECU software optimizes air intake, ignition timing, and
fuel mixture.
Volkswagen's five-valves per cylinder technology provides for excellent top-end breathing in the 1.8 T, and the double overhead camshafts provide for optimal valve control. The result: 180 horsepower at 5,500 revolutions per minute and 174 lbs. ft. of torque. All this power and refinement is able to propel the GTi 337 from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just over seven seconds.
This ample four is mated to a driver's only six-speed manual transmission.
No automatic drivers need apply.
Colors will include Black Uni, Reflex Silver, Galactic Blue and Tornado
Red. It will be priced at $22,950.
all Volkswagen Group communications and photos
reproduced with permission of Volkswagen UK
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