Volkswagen’s 40th anniversary Jetta GLI is being announced. And this 2024 Jetta GLI special edition is a mix of cool and clever with an accent on heritage and exclusivity.
For forty years GLI has been remaining true to its original intention. Beginning in 1984 it promised to deliver ‘accessible German performance’ by way of a ‘GTI with a trunk.’ So it’s appropriate for 2024 VW celebrates four decades of affordable driving fun with something special. And we think they hit the nail on the head with the 40th anniversary Jetta GLI.
⇒ iDriveSoCal’s VW dealer is Ontario Volkswagen
What’s In Store – 40th Anniversary Jetta GLI
Volkswagen puts out a solid product no matter what model or trim configuration we’re talking about. Its attention to detail in the areas of fit and finish has been attracting car lovers for generations.
So complimenting that has always been easy for the European carmaker to accomplish. Add a few upholstery tags and accent badges. Emboss something here. Adjust something there. And bingo! You’ve got a highly desirable special edition vehicle. One that will likely be sought after by enthusiasts and collectors for years to come.
Of course, that’s what Volkswagen is doing. But oh, with a cool twist, we’ll share in a bit.
40th Anniversary VW Jetta GLI
Interior Badging And Accents
Inside is where we find many of our favorite 40th-anniversary identifiers.
There are uniquely embossed 40th-anniversary seats. A ’40’ clip in the six o’clock version of the flat bottom steering wheel. Cupholders that are engraved with ‘GLI’ and ‘1984’ (GLI’s inaugural year). Plus ‘GLI 40’ seat tags are Volkswagen subtle but always super-cool. Also ‘GLI 40’ door sills.
What’s it Look Like?
But Volkswagen gives the 40th anniversary Jetta GLI character as well.
Exclusive ‘GLI 40’ side badges adorn each front quarter panel. Further, the 40th anniversary Jetta GLI comes in three colors. Pure white, pure gray, or Rising Blue. ( Not sure if that will reflect GTI’s recent Cornflower Blue which is an awesome color scheme. Especially with the GTI’s red accents.)
Blackout detailing is included in the front and rear of the vehicle. Also 18-inch black 10-spoke rims. Plus the spoiler, mirror caps, and door handles will all be black.
Mechanically Speaking – 2024 VW Jetta GLI Anniversary Edition
Similar to the GLI Autobahn for 2024. The 40th Anniversary edition receives a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Putting out 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.
It’s being offered in both automatic and manual transmissions. And the manual is a six-speed. While the automatic trans is a seven-speed dual-clutch.
Only 1,984 being made for the US
Special Twist For Jetta GLI 40th Anniversary Edition
So here’s the special twist we mentioned at the top of this article. There’s a limited number of these 40th Anniversary Editions being made.
How many you ask? 1,984 to be exact – for the United States. And that’s in honor of its first year in production – 1984.
With an MSRP starting at $28,085, not including destination, we expect these Jetta GLIs will be hard to grab. But dealers like our friends at Ontario Volkswagen will be flooring them later this summer.
However, if you’re aim is to make one yours then you should probably contact them and reserve one.
