VW Backpedals On Offering 235-HP GTI Edition 35 in U.S., You Can Blame VWoA

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Two weeks ago, we reported that a VW insider had promised that the GTI Edition 35 was headed to the U.S., complete with its 235-hp engine and most of the European model’s goodies. But now we’ve learned from the same source that it’s been taken off the menu—and it’s because Volkswagen of America doesn’t want it. (If the car had made it to the States, it would have been under a different name, as the GTI has been in the U.S. only since 1983 and the “Edition 35″ moniker refers to the GTI’s European debut 35 years ago.)

It seems that corporate sensitivities played a role in the decision. “VW of America do their own special editions,” we are told by a VW marketing executive in Germany. “The GTI is selling very well over there, and they don’t need special editions to move it.” Once VWoA does, though, it will have access to the Edition 35′s portfolio of special bits, such as the 18-inch “Watkins Glen” wheels and the golf-ball shift knob. Some of the kit simply won’t make it here, though, like the sports seats, which aren’t federally approved, or the front fascia, which the American VW faction feels is too low. The bottom line: “VW of America simply didn’t want the car.”

Sound like a tiny, temporary drop in U.S. GTI sales is in order then, especially if it means we can get the Edition 35′s coolest add-on: its extra-burly version of VW’s excellent 2.0-liter turbo four.

Jens Meiners 18 Jun, 2011

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Source: http://blog.caranddriver.com/vw-backpedals-on-offering-235-hp-gti-edition-35-in-u-s-you-can-blame-vwoa/
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