When it was released in 2000, the Volkswagen Lupo GTI was quickly hailed as the spiritual successor to the first Golf GTI, launched in 1976. And it wasn't hard to see why… like this one, the Lupo GTI was small, light and featured a 1600 cm3 inline four-cylinder, exactly the same capacity as the first Golf GTI.
The numbers reflected that approximation. The 1.6 engine, which powered the forgotten and contemporary Polo GTI, debited 125 hp at 6500 rpm and 152 Nm at 3000 rpm — 15 hp and 12 Nm more than the first Golf GTI. Numbers that compensated for the increase in weight of Lupo compared to Golf — 975 kg vs 810 kg — allowing for better performance. Until now, music for our ears…
The 100 km/h in the Volkswagen Lupo GTI were fulfilled in 8.2s (-0.9s) and the maximum speed reached the 205 km/h (+23 km/h). Numbers perfectly matched with contemporary machines such as the Peugeot 106 GTI.
New bumpers, widened tracks, exclusive 15" wheels
war on weight
Being of a more modern design, the extra weight was perfectly justified by the superior structural integrity and more safety and comfort equipment. However, it did not stop the German brand from taking measures to keep the weight at reasonable levels. In what way? Aluminum was used for the bonnet, doors and fenders.
So much commitment Volkswagen… we like that.
This bet on reduced weight was a delightful contrast to the reality in the industry. It was during this period that cars began to grow immeasurably and gain weight faster than us between Christmas and New Year.
Interior without much difference to the other Lupo.
dress up
The Lupo's signature styling was enriched with a layer of sporting intent: wider lanes and 15-inch wheels more convincingly filled the flared fenders; the full-color front bumper incorporated three well-defined air intakes; and at the rear the addition of a dual center tailpipe alone was reason to gain a slew of fans.
The ground clearance reduced by 20 mm and a new rear spoiler — something subtle for these days — completed the Lupo's excellent visual adaptation to its more sporting purposes. Compare with the complex and tortuous contemporary reality, where even models without sporting pretensions are visually much more aggressive…
effective but captivating
The 20 mm less ground clearance mentioned was a reflection of specific shock absorbers and springs, which greatly contributed to the good dynamic reputation of the model. The Volkswagen Lupo GTI was a fast and efficient machine, but at the same time exhilarating to drive.
I'm already looking forward to looking for one on a classifieds site…
It got even more exciting when two years after it was launched, the five-speed manual transmission was replaced with a six. Change that, as a result of close relationships, made it easier to keep the engine at its ideal speed — engine with excellent medium and high speeds —, “pulling” by our right foot.
The term “pocket rocket” could not find a better accomplice than the Volkswagen Lupo GTI.
About “Remember this one?”. It is the section of Razão Automóvel dedicated to models and versions that somehow stood out. We like to remember the machines that once made us dream. Join us on this journey through time, weekly here at Razão Automóvel.