The Last Manual Transmission Volkswagen Golf GTI – The Detroit Bureau

Oh, it was bound to happen, even if we don’t have to like it.

It seems pre-ordained that the governments of the world, ours included, are dictating we all drive electric vehicles (or EVs) powered by fussy, flammable batteries. Since they have one forward gear, the manual transmission, which is already chosen by fewer and fewer new car buyers, is slowly disappearing as EVs overtake the market.

Yet EVs are pricey, which when combined with the fact that most of us have no place to recharge them, their sales appear to be slowing despite Uncle Sam’s wishes. But market forces don’t always acquiesce to legislation, setting up what could become a showdown between the two opposing forces.

And what few cars are left are increasingly offered as gas-electric hybrids, where electronic driveline management matters more than driving fun, the manual transmission, already on its last legs, is being shuttled out to pasture on one the most iconic enthusiast vehicles ever produced: the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

A new limited edition

If that makes you shed a tear, go ahead. I won’t tell anyone.

But you might, just might, want to consider grabbing the 2024 Golf GTI 380, a limited-edition model that honors the legacy of the manual transmissions during the final year of manufacture.

The 380 name, which is exclusive to the North American market, is derived from the internal model code of the Mark 8. It’s an homage to the 2002-released GTI 337 Special Edition from the fourth generation, which used the Mark 1 GTI’s internal model code.

The new package is offered on every manual-transmission VW Golf GTI for 2024, which consists of ascending S, SE and Autobahn trim.

What the 380 package includes

The 2024 VW Golf GTI 380’s couture consists of the Golf R 20th Anniversary Edition’s multi-spoke gloss black 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheel and summer performance tires, as well as a gloss black roof and mirror caps offset by the GTI’s classic red exterior details.

It’s finished with one of the 2024 Golf GTI hues, which include Deep Black Pearl, Atlantic Blue Metallic, Kings Red Metallic, Reflex Silver Metallic, Moonstone Gray, and Opal White Pearl, along with the GTI 380-exclusive Graphite Gray Metallic.

Inside, you’ll find the heritage décor includes the GTI’s classic round manual transmission shift knob, as well as seats finished in classic Scalepaper Plaid cloth on S and SE models. 

Notably, an adaptive damping system is standard on the 380, which is otherwise only offered on the top-of-the-line GTI Autobahn.

As with other 2024 VW Golf GTI models, the front-wheel-drive 2024 VW Golf GTI 380 is powered by a Volkswagen’s workhorse turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque ad mated to a 6-speed manual transmission for the last time. After this, the Golf GTI and Golf R will come solely with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. While the dual clutch transmission is technically a manual transmission, it lacks a clutch pedal.

Which one to choose

Look for the 2024 VW Golf GTI models to arrive in the fall with prices starting at $32,485 for the GTI 380 S, $37,285 for the GTI 380 SE, and $40,625 for the GTI 380 Autobahn.

All GTI models are equipped with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 18-inch wheels, a limited slip differential, a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, which jumps to 10 inches in the SE.

Golf GTI SE models gain better sound quality as well, thanks to a 480-watt Hardon/Karman audio system, along with the convenience of keyless entry and pushbutton start, and a sunroof to brighten the cabin. SE models also play the show-off, as they’re fitted with an illuminated grille. You can opt for leather upholstery, ventilated front seats and a memory driver’s seat, but it means giving up the plaid seats. Opting for Autobahn brings 19-inch wheels and summer tires.

Five decades of fun

The idea for the VW Golf GTI arose in 1974, the year that the Volkswagen Golf was launched.

It came about as some Volkswagen employees covertly started developing a sporty Golf. While names like TS and GTS were suggested, they were ultimately rejected in favor of GTI. Not rejected was chief designer Herbert Schäfer’s golf ball shifter knob, a design inspired by his love of golfing. 

By March 1975, Toni Schmücker, Chairman of the Board of Management, approved the project, and it debuted in June 1976 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. While plans called for 5,000 units to be built, it proved far more popular.

Over the decades, the Golf GTI gained more power and engine choices. But it wasn’t until the launch of the fifth-generation Golf GTI in 2005 that Volkswagen offered a GTI with anything other than a manual gearbox. For the first time, a dual clutch transmission was optional. 

The camel’s nose was under the tent.

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• Source: https://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2023/08/the-last-manual-transmission-volkswagen-golf-gti/