Volkswagen today introduced the R GTI at the SEMA car customization trade show. It features carbon-fiber body panels, four-passenger sports car interior, a turbocharged engine, and competition-bred suspension.
The R GTI evolved from the R Concept cars that first appeared at SEMA in 2005. Unlike those R concept vehicles from last year, the R GTI represents a more streetable concept. Although the R GTI is a one-off and Volkswagen currently has no plan to put it into production, most of the components are readily available to enthusiasts.
The car offers a whopping 375 horsepower and 340 ft-lb of torque on 93 octane pump gas. If 100-octane race fuel is used, output rises to some 400 horsepower. VW reports a zero to 60 mph time of 4.8 seconds. The R GTI’s extra wide tires and Brembo brakes keep all that power under control. Gallery after the jump…
