What does the GTI acronym stand for in the Volkswagen Golf GTI?

The Volkswagen Golf GTI, which is a high-performance version of the iconic VW Golf hatchback, first debuted back in 1976, and since then, it has improved with each successive generation, earning praise from automotive enthusiasts and automotive critics alike, with its combination of playful performance and hatchback versatility. However, you may be wondering, “What does the GTI acronym stand for in the Volkswagen Golf GTI?”

Meaning of GTI Acronym in VW Golf GTI

The GTI in the Volkswagen GTI — as well as other cars with the GTI acronym — stands for Grand Tourer Injection. It originates from the Italian Gran Turismo Iniezione. Generally speaking, the GTI acronym indicates that a car has a direct fuel-injection system. While most cars today have a fuel-injection system, when the Golf GTI debuted over 40 years ago, it was a rarity. The name has stuck and now it is associated with a higher level of performance for a car.

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Features of 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The VW Golf GTI is still going strong after all of these years. For the 2018 model-year, it gets some pleasing upgrades. The front end of the Golf GTI gets a sleek new look, with a more dramatically sloped hood, while LED Daytime Running Lights and taillights are standard across the trim lineup. With the SE and Autobahn grades, you can enjoy the newly available LED highlights.

The re-engineered 2.0-liter TSI turbocharged engine gets a boost in performance, with an output of 220 horsepower, which is a 10-hp increase over the previous model-year. The Golf GTI is offered in a six-speed manual transmission or available six-speed DSG automatic transmission. Golf GTI models with the DSG come with a Start-Stop System that improves fuel economy.