There are few auto shows that are designed solely to show off creativity, individuality, and custom taste in vehicles that come even close to the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) show. With the show in full swing, dozens of manufacturers, aftermarket outfitters, and industry leaders have gathered to show off their newest creations. Included in the celebration of performance is a lineup from Volkswagen, which is making its mark with a Jetta GLI with wild looks and 350 horsepower.
This Is Not The First High-Powered Jetta VW Has Built
Volkswagen has a habit of creating incredibly powerful versions of their cars to showcase at SEMA, many using the Jetta GLI platform. For the newest GLI Performance concept, VW has added a bevy of performance and visual upgrades to help the Jetta stand out and celebrat the brand's motorsport heritage. Fitted with new wheels, a widebody kit, and much more, this GLI makes a massive statement of the brand’s dedication to speed.
Wide Fenders Make The Jetta GLI Look Incredibly Mean
The Jetta GLI Performance concept looks much more aggressive than any VW product in the past 20 years. The fenders have all been widened nearly an inch and fitted with rear-facing functional vents to aid in brake cooling. The wide stance and revised front grille, installed to make room for a larger intake system for the upgraded engine, certainly make for an imposing presence.
This GLI Is Much More Than Just Looks
Volkswagen did not stop with just appearance changes. Similar to the Bonneville Salt Flats top speed build from 2019, the Jetta has been fitted with grippier tires and a set of Aerodiscs over new Rotiform wheels. These reduce drag and, more importantly, they cover the massive six-piston brakes installed by RacingLine. These fifteen-inch brake rotors help stop the car with its heavily upgraded engine, which is up a whopping 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque from the factory figures. Fitted with an upgraded cold air intake, intercooler, oil cooler, and oil management kit, the car was turned up well past the factory capabilities could ever reach.
This Driver-Focused GLI Looks Equal Parts Classic And Modern
To tie the car together, VW’s design center added some old-school flair to the interior. With a slick black shift knob mated to the six speed manual transmission, the driver and passenger rest in some classic-styled Recaro Pole Position seats that would look at home in a Radwood Jetta GLI. To match the exterior, the GLI was finished with custom decals over the red paint job it wore from the factory. The end result - the most aggressive Jetta GLI ever built with the looks to match.