After announcing a 30th anniversary edition of the GTI for Europe back in 2006 as a 2007 model, VW last week introduced the GTI Pirelli. Based on the Edition 30, the two share an upgraded 2.0-liter turbo four cylinder engine that makes 230 horsepower, up from 200. The same body kit and lower suspension adorns both, though the Pirelli wears 225/40-18 Pirelli P-Zero rubber on unique 5-spoke 18-inch wheels with exaggerated Ps making up the spokes. The first Pirelli GTI was launched in May of 1983, so the new one is effectively a quarter century anniversary edition.
Other exterior cues that identify the Pirelli GTI as such include a small badge on the tailgate, smoked rear lights, tinted rear windows and colors that include the bright yellow, reflex silver, diamond black and blue graphite. Inside, special badges and tire-tread shaped inserts in the seats differentiate the car.
The Pirelli GTI boasts a higher top speed of 152mph (vs 146mph) and a claimed 0-62mph time of 6.8 seconds with the manual transmission, along with the unsubstantiated grip and handling improvements the stickier tires and tweaked suspension likely provide.
Available in the UK starting in June, the six-speed three-door Pirelli GTI starts at £22,555, while a five-door with a DSG tops out at £24,385.
