22 What does GTI, GLI and so on mean?
Description
This article is from the Watercooled VWs General FAQ, by Jan Vandenbrande with numerous contributions by others.
22 What does GTI, GLI and so on mean?
A:
L = Luxe (base model)
LS = Luxe Special, couple more do-dads
GT = Grand Tourisme, better equipped & usually a larger engine than
the "L" series
GL = Grand Luxe (geared for more luxury), basically == GT
GTI/GLI = Originally, the fuel injected version of a GT/GL which means it
produced a lot more power. With most cars FI, the GTI/GLI
designation means a more powerful engine than a GT/GL model,
sometimes also with a better suspension. Note that originally,
GLI != Jetta, as the case in the USA.
SL = Serie Limite' (limited series), like the Karmann series in US.
Really a variation on a GT.
GTX = Same as GTI but used in Europe and elsewhere.
G40/60 = GT version with VWs G-type supercharger. The number is the width
of the G-charger (lader in D) coil in millimeters. For those who
aren't aware, the G40 is used on some Polos, the G60 on Passats
and Corrados.
VR6 = Cars based on the new staggered 6 cylinder engine (in-line-V-6).
SLC = Sport Luxury Coupe, the VR6 equipped Corrado in the US.
Syncro = VWs version 4WD distributes its torque with a "visco-gear"
(It's a special silicone gel that stiffens if the relative
motion (shear) increases)
VWs 4WD is designed by Steyr-Puch, an Austrian Company and not
by Audi.
Originally, all European VWs were carbureted, except those with the "I" or
"i" and a few rare cases with an "E" for "Einspritzung", designation which had
a more powerful fuel injected engine, a "GT" set-up, and some more sporty
equipment (suspension, gauges).
In the US, VW switched over to FI first with the '76 limited
edition Super Scirocco and in 77 to the rest of VW's watercooled
cars, and in Europe a bit later (with mono-throttle FI) which meant that
all cars really counted as "I" models.
GTI/GLI now just means that the car has a more powerful engine and a
sportier set-up.
Note also that the US, only gets the two top of the line VWs from their
larger mass produced series (but not the Polo).
Certain special models, such as the Golf G60 Synchro, the US will never
see.
In Europe, VWs came with anywhere from 1100, 1300 to 2900 cc engines. The
US never saw the 1100 & the 1300's and only sees a slightly scaled down
version of the 2900.
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