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Understanding the Automobile

History

Volkswagen Golf GTi Mk1

Overview

Manufacturer	Volkswagen
Production	1975 to 1983
Body and chassis
Class	Sports
Layout	Hatchback
Powertrain
Engine	1.6L, 1.8L In-line four
Transmission	Five-speed manual

Volkswagen launched the Golf GTi in 1975, it created a new breed of car called the hot hatch, or sport compact. VW combined serious performance —
the GTi could out-pace and out-handle most sportscars of the time with the practicality of a small family car and thus opened a very lucrative market. The GTi looked different from the regular Golf by fitting wider wheels and tyres, which necessitated flared plastic arches, plus it had slightly lowered suspension all around and used a front chin spoiler. Bilstein shocks and a rear anti-roll bar made for terrific handling while the brakes were simple but effective with discs front and drums rear.The engine transversely mounted for front-wheel drive, Bosch fuel injection allowed the power to be developed while retaining excellent refinement.

The 110 hp (81 kW) engine of the Audi 80 GTE was fitted equipped, with ventilated front disc brakes and an additional oil cooler. The front axle got a stabilizer and on the rear axle a load-dependent brake force regulator was mounted. Taking into account its performance, the GTI also received from the beginning a brake booster. The sports steering wheel was equipped with three perforated spokes .The gear knob was designed as a golf ball. Fender widening made of plastic, a larger front spoiler, tires of size 175/70 HR 13, a red-framed grille and the rear window enclosed with black adhesive film were further characteristics of the then most powerful Golf model.

The Golf GTI offered a powerful engine in a compact and everyday car affordable for the masses of motorists. Equipped with the mechanical injection system K-Jetronic from Bosch , a 1.6-liter engine and 110 hp (81 kW) power at a curb weight of 810 kg, the Golf GTI was good with the performance of the competing models The maximum speed was stated at 182 km / h , the acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h with 9.2 seconds.

Contrary to the opinion of many VW marketing people, the first GTI became a bestseller and paved the way for later so-called "hot hatches" - compact sports cars with relatively high performance.

The production started in 1976 with a four-cylinder engine with 1.6 liters of displacement and 110 hp (81 kW), which was replaced in 1982 by a with 1.8 l and 112 hp (82 kW). The end of the Golf I production came in May 1983, the special model "Pirelli" on the market it was available in the colors Mars red, Lhasagrün Metallic, Alpine White and Helios Blue. Green tinted glass, Pirelli alloy wheels with p shape with 185/60 / HR14 Pirelli P6 tires and body color painted fender flares, bumpers and side mirrors were included. The "Pirelli Golf" wore the VW trim code W65.

Notes.

1981 Golf GTI face-lifted

Cabriolet was the GLI, which was essentially a GTI.The new 1984 model officially badged GTI version of the cabriolet became available.

Tyres 1.6 175/70R13s 1.8175/70HR13s speed rate.

Golf GTI: 1.6 l 8V 110 hp (81 kW without catalytic converter, engine code EC)
Golf GTI: 1.8 l 8V 112 hp (82 kW without catalyst MKB DX)
Golf GTI 16S: 1.6 l 16V 136 hp (100 kW without catalytic converter, MKB EG, limited, engine operated by Oettinger, sales only in France)