Herndon, VA — Volkswagen of America, Inc. has revealed a Jetta GLI Performance concept at this year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show® in Las Vegas, Nevada. The performance concept, along with eight other vehicle concepts and models, will be on display in and near Volkswagen’s booth (#10509), located within the exhibition’s North Hall.
First launched in 1984, the Jetta GLI model has affectionately been referred to as a “GTI with a trunk” over its many generations. Having frequently shared numerous exterior design cues and performance hardware with its Golf GTI cousin, the Jetta GLI has been just as much a driver’s car over the near four decades of its existence.
Paying homage to the many years in the model lineup, Volkswagen’s Design Center California borrowed features from the GLI’s rich history, amplifying them in a complete rework of the Jetta GLI Performance concept’s exterior and underpinnings.
“The Jetta GLI concept was an opportunity for our team to draw from our passion for motorsports and create a vision that is even more expressive and exciting than the production vehicle already is,” said Reto Brun, Senior Director Volkswagen Design Center California. “The wide body design gives this GLI concept the stance that every enthusiast dreams of and the graphic treatment underlines its more aggressive nature, while incorporating classic GLI elements.”
Built on a 2022 Jetta GLI Autobahn with six-speed manual, the GLI Performance concept features front and rear fenders that are 0.8 inches wider than stock, all with backside vents. The motorsport-inspired flares are tied together at the profile through larger profile side skirts. A custom front bumper boasts upsized grille intakes, while the rear bodywork sports updated grille inserts and a muscular lower valance that frames the car’s twin-exit sport muffler. A custom hexagon-themed matte black vinyl wrap transitions to the car’s factory shade of Kings Red Metallic paint.
