The Volkswagen Golf is turning 50! This hatchback is one of Europe’s most successful vehicles, effortlessly breaking into markets worldwide thanks to its sporty demeanor, enjoyable handling, and overall fun drive. Keep reading to learn more about this beloved car’s background and what you can expect from the latest model, which you can find at Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville!
1974: Mk1- The Original Golf
Volkswagen was looking for a replacement for the beloved VW Beetle. Enter the Golf Mk 1. Launching this car was risky, showcasing a new direction for the company. This vehicle had a water-cooled, front-mounted engine as well as sharp yet disciplined lines. Though it was a work in progress, it set the foundation for what would come.
1975: Golf GTI’s Beginnings
Shortly after the Mk1’s release, two motor-race-loving VW employees—Anton Konrad, head of Volkswagen’s press office, and Alfons Löwenberg, a test engineer at the company—came together for a concept they coined the “Sport Golf”.
Their goal was to create an affordable, practical car with the attitude and capability of a pure race car. The two formed a secret group that worked to fine-tune the vehicle’s suspension, stiffness, and power. Customer research helped the team come up with the name “Golf Grand Tourer Injection” or “GTI” for short.
The GTI was revealed to the public in 1975 at Frankfurt’s International Motor Show. It had a fuel-injected, four-cylinder engine paired with a four-speed gearbox. It could go 0 to 62 mph in 10 seconds and hit a top speed of 113 mph. The company projected the car’s production to only 5,000 models, not anticipating how sensational this vehicle would become.
The GTI Mk1 ended production in 1983. By this point, the vehicle had sold over 450,000 models, a giant leap from the projected 5,000.
The latest Golf GTI Mk8 carries the legacy of its origins thanks to its sleek styling, superb handling, and bold expression. It starts at $31,965 and can be found at Crain VW of Fayetteville.
Click here to find your Golf GTI near Springdale, AR.
2002: Golf R- A New Era
For the last 24 years, the Golf R has presented itself as a beacon of performance and design. It set a new benchmark for compact cars, packed with an impressive V6 engine that generated around 236 pound-feet of torque. It offered an AWD variant that included a six-speed manual gearbox that allowed it to accelerate from 1 to 100 mph in 6.6 seconds. It also had a top speed of around 155 mph.
The Golf R is still kicking and is available now at Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville! This latest version offers 315 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, promising drivers with a fast and fun drive. The DCC Adaptive Chassis Control provides peak handling and can get from 0 to 60 in just 4.5 seconds!
The Golf R starts at $45,665. Click here to find yours in Fayetteville, AR!
We have a great selection of new Volkswagens and a wide selection of used vehicles from various makes and models. Stop in today or shop online.
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