Going, going, gone!
It is the last year for the GTI’s manual transmission, with the iconic Golf losing its stick shift option after 2024. What does that mean? Those wishing to get one themselves need to act quickly! You have until the end of the 2024 model year, at which time VW will offer a special-edition Golf GTI 380. This special package will be fitted to every 2024 stick-shift GTI as a send-off of sorts to the do-it-yourself gearbox.
A look back/ahead!
Among the original hot hatchbacks, the GTI Golf has a history that traces back to 1976. Since that time, the vehicle has always offered a manual transmission, in fact only coming solely as a stick shift in those early years. Automatics were made optional in later years, ultimately morphing into what was higher-tech, quicker shifting dual-clutch autos of the late 2000s.
Down the line, the automatic transmission will surely outlive the former manual, with this retirement a significant announcement heading into 2024. Not only will the transmission die off, but other changes within a special edition 380 include the addition of adaptive dampers, gloss-black 19-inch wheels, a black-painted roof and door mirror and a golf-ball-dimpled shift knob.
The GTI’s six-speed manual will be survived by what is an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This also applies to the higher-output Golf R, and means that others ridding of stick-shift availability includes the Civic Type R, Toyota’s GR Corolla and Hyundai’s Elantra N.
What remains!
While it doesn’t include the stick shift, a founding member of the hot hatch club still remains. The GTI 380 edition is available on all of the 2024 GTI’s manual-transmission-offering trim levels. That spans the entry-level S to the SE and all the way to the range-topping Autobahn.
This special edition pays homage to the loss of the manual option with a golf-ball “inspired” manual shift knob inside, as well as honeycomb accents. The S and SE trims feature classic plaid cloth seats, with leather seating surfaces coming standard for the Autobahn trim and optional on the SE trim.
Cost-wise, the vehicle will run about $33,635 for the S; $38,435 for the SE; and $41,775 for the Autobahn.
Along with normal array of paint options, the GTI 380 will be presented with the unique exterior shade of Graphite Gray Metallic. This special edition sits atop black 19-inch wheels which come wrapped in summer performance rubber as a standard feature.
A blacked-out roof and side-view mirrors and adaptive dampers on the Autobahn model are now among the standard features for all manual 2024 GTI’s. The cabin also remains unchanged with the special edition also featuring the same turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine which produces 241 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.
The 380 is a gift of sorts to enthusiasts who have demonstrated a commitment and love for the manual-equipped GTI for more than four decades.
What’s in a name? The “380” comes from the Mk8’s (eighth generation) internal model code and is a nod to the fourth-gen GTI 337 special edition, sold in 2002 and which borrowed the internal code from Mk1 GTI.
Why the change?
The departure of the manual transmission is due to several factors. First, emissions regulations in Europe are becoming more and more strict, and the GTI pumping out slightly more carbon dioxide than the automatic version does not help matters.
There are also financial considerations. By removing the manual option, VW can now streamline the GTI’s assembly line and realize a cost savings as a result.
On sale and with a starting price of $32,485 for the GTI 380 S, $37,285 for the SE and $40,625 for the Autobahn, there are still plenty of options to enjoy with the Golf. Reserve yours today!
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