Volkswagen GTI Roadster Vision Gran Turismo: design process revealed in new video
Volkswagen has released a behind-the-scenes video showcasing the creation and virtual performance of the GTI Roadster Vision Gran Turismo, built exclusively for Gran Turismo 6.
Volkswagen has published a new video offering a detailed look inside the development of the GTI Roadster Vision Gran Turismo, the dramatic open-top concept designed specifically for the Gran Turismo 6 video game. The clip, released in June 2014, focuses on the design process and shows the car in virtual action, highlighting the German brand’s approach to digital concept vehicles.
The GTI Roadster Vision Gran Turismo was first unveiled in May 2014 as part of the Vision Gran Turismo project, which invited manufacturers to create one-off models for Polyphony Digital’s racing simulator. Volkswagen’s entry stands out for its extreme proportions, supercar cues and a clear visual link to the Golf GTI lineage, albeit reimagined without a roof and with a track-focused stance.
Technical details and design features
Under the virtual bonnet, the GTI Roadster Vision Gran Turismo is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged TSI VR6 engine producing 503hp (375kW) and 665Nm of torque. Power is delivered to all four wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission and Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system, providing the sort of performance figures that would place it firmly in supercar territory if it were a production model.
The car’s bodywork is constructed from carbon fibre, keeping virtual weight to a minimum and allowing for dramatic styling. Key elements include a prominent rear wing, centre-mounted dual exhausts and 20-inch alloy wheels. The interior, as glimpsed in the video, is stripped back and racing-inspired, with deep bucket seats and a minimalist dashboard dominated by digital readouts.
A digital-only concept for Gran Turismo 6
Unlike previous GTI concepts, the Roadster was never intended for road use or series production. Instead, it was developed as a digital showpiece for Gran Turismo 6, allowing players to experience a radical interpretation of the GTI ethos in the virtual world. The project gave Volkswagen’s designers freedom to experiment with proportions and technology unconstrained by real-world homologation or production costs.
The video released by Volkswagen documents both the digital design process and the car’s virtual performance. It also serves as a promotional tool for the brand’s involvement in the Vision Gran Turismo initiative, which has seen similar contributions from other manufacturers including Nissan and Hyundai. Readers interested in other Vision Gran Turismo concepts can view the Nissan Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismoand Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismofor comparison.
