A prototype of VW’s sportiest ID.3 Neo has been spotted testing in Germany. Replacement for the old 322 hp ID.3 GTX could get the GTI badge this time. Mostly undisguised Neo test car has an ID. Polo GTi-style lower front bumper. Volkswagen only recently unveiled the heavily updated ID.3 Neo, but one important version was conspicuously absent. While buyers can currently choose from three sensible powertrains, there’s still no replacement for the departed ID.3 GTX. That now looks set to change. Related: VW Spent Years Removing Knobs From Its Cars, The ID.3 Neo Puts Them Back Our spy photographers have caught what they’re calling the first ID.3 Neo GTX prototype testing on public roads. Whether it actually reaches production wearing a GTX badge is another matter entirely. Baldauf At first glance, the prototype doesn’t look dramatically different from the standard ID.3 Neo. But that’s partly because VW appears to be hiding its work. The lower front intake is disguised though we can still make out it has the same mouth-like shape as the new ID. Polo GTi. And the rear bumper features camouflage covering what looks like a redesigned diffuser section. The fact that VW gave the hot electric Polo the GTI name is a strong indicator that the most performance-focused ID.3 Neo will get the same honor. Either way, the recipe is likely to remain familiar. Unlike the front-wheel-drive ID. Polo GTI, the ID.3 sits on VW’s older MEB architecture with a rear-mounted motor driving the back wheels. That would give it a layout no GTI has ever enjoyed before if it really does get that badge. 322 HP At A Minimum The most likely outcome is a carryover of the old electric GTX hardware. That would mean up to 322 hp (326 PS) and 402 lb-ft (545 Nm) of torque, and a 5.6-second zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) time. The old GTX achieved 373 miles (600 km) of WLTP range from its 79 kWh battery, but VW might squeeze a few more miles out for the refresh. The standard ID.3 Neo currently tops out at 228 hp (231 PS) and offers up to 391 miles (630 km) of range. It also introduced sharper styling, a redesigned dashboard, improved materials, larger screens, and, perhaps most importantly, a return to physical buttons after years of complaints about touch controls. That interior overhaul should carry straight across to the hot version, but hopefully with plenty of plaid upholstery and red detailing.Look for a European debut later this year, but as with the old GTX and new ID. Polo GTI, this updated electric hot hatch will be off-limits to Americans. Baldauf
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