The highly anticipated GTI Fan Festival in Wolfsburg has concluded, leaving attendees with unforgettable memories of an event filled with car showcases, engaging activities, and a strong sense of community. Held from July 26 to 28 around the Volkswagen Arena, the festival attracted GTI enthusiasts from around the world including representatives from the Middle East, uniting over 700 GTI and R owners under the theme “Icons Coming Home.”
The weekend event kicked off with a vibrant atmosphere, transforming the area into a GTI Fan Festival. It also featured a wide array of activities designed for fans, by fans, including vehicle presentations, stage shows, and club meets. Prominent figures such as Volkswagen’s Head of Design Andreas Mindt, motorsport legends Benny Leuchter, Strietzel Stuck, and Jochi Kleint shared their personal GTI stories during motoring talks.
A highlight of the festival was the display of GTI models spanning nearly 50 years, from the first Golf GTI introduced in 1975 to the latest GTI variants of the ID. models, including the ID. GTI Concept. This historical showcase offered a nostalgic journey through the evolution of the iconic GTI brand.
Tuning enthusiasts were thrilled by influencer Jean Pierre Kraemer’s presentation of his ‘Thunder Bunny’ and the special Volkswagen show cars. Volkswagen Motorsport also displayed some of their most spectacular models, alongside unique trainee-modified vehicles. The event culminated on Sunday afternoon with a car parade featuring around 200 GTI and R models, captivating the audience with a stunning display of automotive excellence.
The festival catered to all ages, with special activities for children, including a kids trail, bungee trampoline, racing simulators, stadium tours, and football-related activities in the Wölfli Ecke area. Food trucks, the famous Volkswagen currywurst, live music, and a performance by singer-songwriter Michael Schulte added to the festive atmosphere.
One of the standout features of the festival was the sneaker customisation booth, where visitors could purchase limited-edition GTI-themed sneakers or have their own sneakers customised on-site. Volkswagen Accessories & Lifestyle also presented the new GTI Collection, featuring a specially wrapped GTI Clubsport equipped with event-specific accessories.
The GTI Fan Festival not only celebrated the iconic cars but also highlighted the passion and camaraderie within the GTI community. With a blend of nostalgia, innovation, and community spirit, the event truly embodied the essence of the GTI legacy.
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