Jetta GLI 40th Anniversary Edition: A Salute to the Past
Embracing its roots, the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 40th Anniversary Edition will be quite the exclusive offering. As a tip of the hat to its inception year, only 1,984 units of this special edition model will be produced for U.S. shores. It's a discrete homage to the model's heritage, one that undeniably adds a certain charm to this German performance sedan.
Sleek and Sharp Exteriors
The commemorative model will be offered in three alluring exterior colors: Pure Gray, Pure White, and Rising Blue. Complementing these colors is a series of blackout details running from the nose to the tail of the vehicle. The stark contrast between these darkened features and the GLI’s iconic red trim is hard to miss. The 18-inch wheels, dressed in a black ten-spoke design, harmonize perfectly with the black grille, mirror caps, door handles, and spoiler. This creates a visually coherent design that is at once both sleek and sharp.
40th Anniversary Interior Flourishes
Inside, the 40th-anniversary details truly come to life. The seats, cloaked in embossed molecular cloth, offer an exclusive fabric arrangement in each unit, providing a distinct identity for every one of the 1,984 cars. The engraved cupholders house the GLI logo in one and the emblematic '1984' in the other. Moreover, the seat tags and front door sills bear the distinctive “GLI 40” inscription, and the steering wheel features a unique “40” clip at the six o’clock position. These subtle nods to the Jetta GLI's lineage help create a sense of uniqueness within the cabin.
Performance Under the Hood
The 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 40th Anniversary Edition is no slouch when it comes to performance, inheriting the attributes of the current GLI Autobahn. Its turbocharged EA888 2.0-liter engine generates 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Both six-speed manual and seven-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmissions are on offer. A list of performance features enthusiasts have grown fond of in the Jetta are all present: larger brakes, a Sport HMI performance monitor, VAQ electronically-controlled torque-sensing limited-slip differential, XDS® electronic differential lock, the DCC® adaptive damping system, and a sport exhaust.
Arrival and Pricing
The 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 40th Anniversary Edition comes with a starting MSRP of $28,085 for the manual transmission variant and $28,885 for the model equipped with the DSG transmission. Keep in mind an additional $1,150 for destination. This celebratory Jetta GLI edition is expected to grace dealership floors later this summer.
Wrapping Up the Celebration
As the 40th year of the Jetta GLI's existence unfolds, Volkswagen has striven to blend performance, nostalgia, and exclusivity in this special model. Whether the 40th Anniversary Edition lives up to the Jetta GLI legacy and the expectations of enthusiasts, it's undeniable that the effort to pay homage to the past while driving into the future is commendable.
-Ed
2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 40th Anniversary Edition
