Major car brand to discontinue range of performance EVs after just two years… but could ‘rebrand’ iconic model
A MAJOR car brand is set to discontinue its entire range of performance EVs – after just over two years.
However, that doesn’t mean the end of its sporty electric motors, with some of its most iconic models still set for the EV treatment.
German giants Volkswagen have revealed they will retire its GTX branding for EVs – to make way for its first electric GTI and R models.
The surprising move will likely mean VW will no longer launch cars in the GTX line, although there doesn’t appear to be a plan to rebadge any of its current range.
In an interview with Autocar, VW CEO Thomas Schafer confirmed the branding will be phased out.
He said: “GTX is the performance brand of the MEB [platform], but we’ll work our way back to GTI and R in the next products going forward.”
The GTX badge was first introduced in 2021 for VW’s range-topping versions of the ID4 and ID5 SUVs, and has since been used across the ID family – including the ID3, ID7 and ID Buzz.
Schafer also hinted to Autocar that VW is looking into the future of the traditional GTI brand.
Last year, the German manufacturer revealed its ID GTI concept – an electric successor to the iconic Golf GTI hot hatch due to go on sale in 2027.
It is not yet known whether the badge will be rolled out to other electric VWs, which is currently only for souped-up versions of the Polo and Golf.
Schafer added: “The question is: how do we position GTI? GTI is traditionally performance and front-wheel drive.”
VW isn’t the only brand looking to change the way it names its motors, as BMW have recently revealed a tweak to 50 years of tradition.
And elsewhere, petrolheads have been urged to look into a modern classic hot hatchback that’s “fun to drive” and won’t break the bank.