Golf taken to excess at Wörthersee

Volkswagen fans can usually expect a treat at Austria's annual GTI Wörthersee tuning event, and this year was no exception.

The event, which has attracted thousands of Volkswagen enthusiasts since its inception in 1982, has previously played host to such breathtaking concepts as the GTI W12-650 (2007), Golf Estate RaVe 270 (2008) and, named after the event itself, Golf GTI Wörthersee in 2009.

This year, Volkswagen unveiled two models: the limited edition GTI Adidas, and its suitably named Golf GTI Excessive concept.

The Golf GTI Excessive concept adds a revised suspension setup -- include firmer springs, shock absorbers and a wider track -- while a lightweight, free-flowing exhaust subtly boosts engine output levels. GTI Excessive also scores bigger brakes and BBS alloy wheels.

Aesthetically, changes include a new grille and front spoiler, LED daytime running lamps, beefier side sills, wheel arch extensions and a chunky rear spoiler that glows fire-red under brakes.

"The focus here is on extreme precision in the definition of shapes, radii and straight lines, as though cut with a razor blade," Volkswagen said in a statement.

"The add-on parts themselves are slender and light on the one hand, yet noticeably stable as well; they appear as though carved from a single block."

Such high precision, visually styled spoilers have never before been transferred to a production model, and for all those GTI fans out there, the news is promising. Volkswagen said that although the car itself will remain a concept, the body kit could soon appear in the Volkswagen Original Accessories catalogue -- if enough fans embrace it.

The other entrant, dubbed Golf GTI Adidas, is a three-door only special edition that will go on sale in Europe from next month.

The Golf GTI Adidas carries the name of Germany's famous sportswear brand with small badges denoting the model featured on its B-pillars.

GTI plaid upholstery with a black finish and red side bolsters sport the trademark Adidas triple strip down the middle while DSG-equipped models also score an old-school golf ball-textured gear knob. The limited edition Golf also adds bespoke 10-spoke alloy wheels.

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