The Blue Lagoon Jetta GLI is dressed in a retro-inspired ORAFOL Midnight Blue Metallic wrap, but it doesn’t feature any mechanical upgrades.
Every year, Volkswagen showcases a series of concept vehicles to cater to the enthusiast community. This year, the company has revealed its concepts one-by-one, and the first in line is the retro-themed Jetta GLI Blue Lagoon.
The ‘Blue Lagoon’ nomenclature will surely take Volkswagen fans down memory lane. In 2004, the company introduced the limited-edition MK4 Jetta GLI in the US market, and it featured a head-turning blue body paint called Blue Lagoon. To pay tribute to the rare 2004 model, Volkswagen has modified a 2021 Jetta GLI sedan for the annual Enthusiast Fleet.
To begin with, VW has wrapped the modern-day Jetta GLI, initially finished in Deep Black Pearl, to fit the eye-appealing shade of the 2004 edition. Since the company does not have the Blue Lagoon’s original hue, it used the near-identical ORAFOL Midnight Blue Metallic wrap to cover the concept car’s exterior.
“The color is incredible. The Recaros, wheels, and styling changes are amazing, but when you see it outside in the sun, that color is something else,” said Andres Valbuena, former Volkswagen product launch manager.
The modifications aren’t just limited to body paint. VW has acquired various body parts from several providers, including Side skirts and trunk lid spoiler from Air Design, a custom front splitter by Fifteen52, and BBS CH-R 20-inch alloy wheels covered in Continental ExtremeContact Sport tires. Furthermore, H&R Springs Street Performance Coil Overs lower the car to give it a sportier stance.
The retro-themed styling is also present inside, with full leather-upholstery and RECARO sports seats. A weighted golf ball shift knob from Black Forest Industries further enhances the interior’s vintage vibe. However, VW has made no changes to the Jetta Blue Lagoon’s powertrain. It packs a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 228hp and 258lb-ft of torque. Power goes to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission gearbox, enabling the vehicle to go from 0 to 60mph in 6.1 seconds.
Sean Maynard, a VW enthusiast and motorsport marketing specialist, said, “The Jetta GLI has been an enthusiast favorite throughout its 37-year history. Paying tribute to the Mk4 with this build concept celebrates the passion that goes into these vehicles.”
Volkswagen will not add The Jetta GLI Blue Lagoon to its line-up. It’s a one-of-a-kind concept car that will be sent on tour, along with three other Enthusiast fleet models, at various VW events around the US.
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