Volkswagen bids farewell to the beloved manual transmission Golf, a choice once cherished by driving enthusiasts worldwide, and to celebrate the send-off for this iconic gearbox VW gives us a special-edition model, the 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI 380, designed exclusively for the North American market.
This limited-edition GTI, only available with a manual transmission, offers a blend of distinctive features and aesthetics. The GTI 380 package includes the DCC adaptive damping system, 19-inch alloy wheels, and striking gloss black accents on the roof panel and door mirror caps. Buyers can select from six existing colors or opt for the exclusive Graphite Gray Metallic finish.
Also, don’t forget that you can get discounted new car pricing with a free quote through qualified local dealer partners.
Inside the GTI 380, a nostalgic touch pays homage to the model’s heritage with a golfball-shaped shift knob, although it remains unseen in Volkswagen’s official images. The S and SE trim levels feature Scalepaper Plaid cloth upholstery, a nod to the GTI’s iconic design, while the Autobahn trim boasts standard leather seats. The high-tech 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with multiple display options continues to adorn the cabin.
Despite its name, the “380” in GTI 380 doesn’t represent its horsepower output. Instead, it originates from the internal code assigned to the eighth-generation Golf by Volkswagen. Under the hood, this special GTI packs the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine found in the regular-production model, delivering 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels.
Enthusiasts eager to get their hands on the 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI 380 will have to act swiftly, as this manual-transmission variant is set to hit the market in the fall. Pricing starts at $32,485 for the base S model, climbs to $37,285 for the SE, and peaks at $40,625 for the top-tier Autobahn model, excluding destination charges. This model year marks the last opportunity to enjoy a manual GTI, as Volkswagen announces its shift to automatic-only transmission options, marking a significant change in the car’s decades-long history.
Interestingly, this decision to discontinue the manual transmission in the GTI has surprised many, considering Volkswagen’s past pride in the model’s relatively high manual transmission adoption rate. It raises questions about the rationale behind this shift. We’ve reached out to Volkswagen for an explanation and will provide updates if we receive further insights.
In a world where automatic transmissions are becoming increasingly prevalent, the 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI 380 serves as both a tribute to the era of manual gearboxes and a reminder of the evolution of automotive technology. It marks the end of an era for the GTI and manual transmission enthusiasts, leaving a legacy of spirited driving and memorable experiences on the open road.
