Volkswagen reveals the GTI BBS Concept

The Volkswagen Golf GTI has defined the hot hatch genre for decades, and the new 2022 Golf GTI follows in tradition. But progress doesn't have to mean losing sight of heritage - which is why Volkswagen and Philadelphia-based VW enthusiast Jamie Orr have worked together on this GTI BBS Concept that injects a healthy dose of the past into the latest generation.

The inspiration for the concept was an enthusiast-built Mk2 version of the GTI, which supplanted the only U.S.A-built generation of the GTI in 1984. The goal: To highlight what has made the GTI special through the years.

At 241bhp, the latest GTI offers more power than any previous generation, with new driving technology that optimises an already potent chassis setup, rounded out by a thoroughly updated interior.

Though heavy personalisation and modification are embedded into most GTI builds, Orr was so impressed by the stock variant that he wanted to let the car speak for itself.

The Volkswagen GTI BBS Concept gets new wheels, giving the Mk8 a classic look with a set of BBS 19-inch Super RS - featuring the iconic BBS waffle and hex pattern.

The concept has also been lowered. "We started with a set of coil overs that H&R makes for the Mk8," says Orr. "The rear fitment is stock, but I re-designed the fronts a little because I wanted to add camber adjustment, so it's more of a custom mix of H&R components."

Orr was also particularly happy with the new exhaust from Borla, the first available for the new GTI, which "is just a step beyond" the stock material. Finally, he gave it the BBS retro red and black vintage livery with pinstriping running from stem to stern.

For the original Mk2, "Volkswagen used all the elements their customers loved about the first GTI and built upon them," said Orr. "The Mk8 has a new body style and more power under the hood, plus a bunch of tweaks that make it the best handling GTI I've ever driven."