GTI Edition 30 photo update

Volkswagen has finally released the first official images (correct wheels and all) of their upcoming Volkswagen GTI Edition 30. The info in the press release is nothing new but for those joining us just now, the Edition 30 commemorates the GTI's 30th anniversary in Europe and does so with 30 extra horsepower on top of the regular GTI's 200 hp from the 2.0T FSI engine. Exterior modifications come in the form of a body kit and black or silver wheels. Inside, Volkswagen blatantly reminds you of the 30 extra horses under the hood by sticking a plethora of "Edition 30" badges everywhere. Red stitching complement the leather-trimmed Interlagos seats.

As I've said, however, the Edition 30 commemorates the GTI's 30th anniversary in Europe. That means North America will not get it, at least not for a few years and maybe not in this form. We'll see.

In the meantime, you can read and see after the jump.

Source: Volkswagen AG.
"Happy Birthday, GTI!"
Golf GTI Edition 30 can be ordered immediately

- Increased performance: 2.0 Turbo FSI engine with 230 bhp
- 18" alloy wheels and gearshift lever in golf ball design
Wolfsburg, 14 November 2006 - It is the icon of compact fast cars: the Golf GTI. For its 30th birthday Volkswagen is now offering the special model Golf GTI Edition 30. The engine performance has been increased by 1 bhp for each year, meaning that the GTI Edition 30 has an output of 230 bhp.

The design study of the Golf GTI Edition 30 developed by Volkswagen Individual had its world premiere in May 2006 during the Golf Record Day in Gelsenkirchen. Since then enthusiasts from all over Europe have sent their compliments to Wolfsburg with a clear message: the vehicle must be built to those exact specifications!

The optical appearance of the study was, therefore, maintained; its main characteristic being the matt black 18" "Detroit" alloy wheels. At no further cost the customer can have the titan silver wheels "Rockingham", also in 18" format. Further features are the front and rear aprons and the side trims in the vehicle colour and also the cherry red rear lights. A further identification of this special edition can be seen in the Edition 30 lettering at the rear.

The interior has also been designed to celebrate the vehicle's anniversary: the leather elements of the top sports seats are combined with the classic GTI "Interlagos" checked design in the centre. Further elements are the red stitching on the three-spoke leather steering wheel, the gearshift lever gaiting and on the handbrake lever. Red Edition 30 lettering can be seen on the door sill and the deco strip ("brushed aluminium") above the glove compartment. Foot mats with red edges and, of course, the gearshift lever with the golf ball design fulfil all the birthday wishes of the loyal fans from all over Europe.

The Golf GTI Edition 30 costs 28,175 euro (manual gearbox), or 29,925 euro (double clutch gearbox DSG). The Volkswagen Bank has attractive financing packages on offer. For example, the anniversary GTI can be purchased for a monthly payment starting at 247 euro using the so-called three way financing package "AutoCredit" over a period of 48 months with an APR of 1.9 percent and a down payment of 20 percent.