2014 Volkswagen GTI Roadster Concept
By Lorenzo Bianchi February 19, 2014
3.0-liter V6 biturbo with 503 PS and 560 Nm.
0–100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, top speed 309 km/h.
Developed for Gran Turismo 6, brought from virtual to reality.
From Vision Gran Turismo to Wörthersee Show Car
The 2014 Volkswagen GTI Roadster made its world premiere at the GTI Meet at Wörthersee, transforming what began as a purely digital concept for Gran Turismo 6 into a physical show car.
Conceived under the Vision Gran Turismo project, the two-seat roadster was initially created as a virtual super GTI for PlayStation 3 before Volkswagen transferred it into reality.
Presented in May 2014 in Reifnitz, Austria, the GTI Roadster was positioned as the most extreme interpretation of the GTI theme to date. Production feasibility and cost constraints were deliberately set aside, allowing designers to explore proportion and aerodynamics without compromise.
Extreme Proportions and Aerodynamic Detailing
At 4,158 mm long, 1,894 mm wide and just 1,090 mm high, with a 2,494 mm wheelbase, the GTI Roadster adopts proportions far removed from the production Golf GTI. Minimal overhangs and a dramatically low roofline give it the stance of a purpose-built race car rather than a roadgoing hatchback derivative. Design references trace back to the 2013 Design Vision GTI concept, particularly in the treatment of the C-pillars and side sills.
On the roadster, these elements become independent carbon structures that double as roll-over protection and visual frames for the flared wheel arches.
The bodywork was aerodynamically optimized, with a large rear wing integrated into the design and carbon “blades” forming a motorsport-style front spoiler. Air management continues along the side sills into the rear diffuser, creating a layered three-dimensional effect. Finished in “Gran Turismo Red,” a reinterpretation of the classic Tornado Red, the body contrasts with matte carbon add-on components. The effect is aggressive but disciplined, anchored in Volkswagen’s established design DNA.
503 PS V6 Biturbo and 4MOTION Drivetrain
Power comes from a 3.0-liter V6 TSI biturbo engine producing 370 kW / 503 PS and 560 Nm of torque between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm. Of that, 500 Nm is available from 2,000 rpm. The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and 4MOTION all-wheel drive. Weighing 1,420 kg, the GTI Roadster accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 309 km/h.
Power is transferred through bespoke 20-inch wheels wrapped in 235/35 ZR20 front and 275/30 ZR20 rear tires. Ceramic brake discs measure 380 mm at the front and 356 mm at the rear.
Dual Monocoque Interior Concept
Inside, the 2014 Volkswagen GTI Roadster adopts a dual carbon monocoque layout separating driver and passenger.
The seating position is extremely low, echoing Formula-style ergonomics. Alcantara-covered race shell seats, a long exposed steering column and steering wheel-mounted controls reinforce the motorsport theme. Interior colors are reduced to black and anthracite, with selective red accents for belts and stitching.