It was Volkswagen's first large-scale music sponsorship deal: as the main sponsor, they supported the European tour of the British band led by front man Phil Collins, which produced the mega-hit "I can't dance" in 1992. 23 concerts in 14 countries, from the end of June to the beginning of August. The highlight was three sold-out Genesis concerts in Hanover, which were fully equipped by Volkswagen to promote their collaboration. More than 20,000 Volkswagen employees applied for tickets (without discounts) – the most successful employee campaign ever! The elaborate sponsorship deal actually had a different goal: Volkswagen wanted to spice up its then somewhat dusty brand image by working with the rock band to inspire younger customers.
The Polo and Golf Cabriolet Genesis: the summer hits of '92
And this succeeded impressively: from the start of sales in May 1992, the Genesis special models were in high demand – even among employees of the factory. The exclusive shade of violet touch pearl effect became THE trend colour in Wolfsburg that summer and could be seen everywhere. Of course, with such a musically inspired special model, one thing was particularly important: good sound. In the Polo Coupé and Golf Cabriolet there was literally something in your ears, thanks to the Genesis sound system with its gamma radio system and a total of ten (!) speakers. There were two 3-way systems at the front, two 2-way systems in the rear, each as active speakers with 8 x 20 watts, a cassette player or (for an extra charge of DM 625.00) even a CD player and, in the case of the Polo, a roof aerial as standard – in 1992 there was no better sound than in the Genesis, at least ex works. This was already evident on the Wolfsburg assembly line, where, after the radio system was installed, the entire Polo production line in Hall 10 was rumoured to have been filled with sound from the freshly manufactured vehicles...
Speaking of finances, the Polo Coupé Genesis was available with 55 hp and a four-speed transmission from DM 23,345, while the more powerful 75 hp engine and even the G40 with 113 hp were also available. The Golf Cabriolet Genesis costed at least DM 39,445 – exclusively with 98 hp and optionally with a five-speed manual transmission or three-speed automatic transmission.
Exclusive extras: a treat for the eyes and ears
The special model came in a Genesis look on the outside and inside. The characteristic Genesis lettering can be found on the side panels and bonnet, each in violet and turquoise. One-piece BBS aluminium rims in a cross-spoke design – in the Polo in 5.5 x 13" with 175/60 tyres and in the Golf Cabriolet in 6 x 15" with 195/50 tyres – harmonised perfectly with the paint finish in violet-touch pearl effect (Code L C4U). The bumpers and exterior mirror housings in the body colour, colour glazing and a black VW symbol in the radiator grille rounded off the visual appearance perfectly. The Polo Genesis also had white turn signals and black and red tail lights like the G40, while the Golf Cabriolet had a black fabric top. The sports seats and trim in the interior were adorned with a specially designed fabric called "Sound", with stylised electric guitars, keyboards and drums. The headrests and floor mats were provided with Genesis lettering, as well as the purple clasp on the three-spoke sports steering wheel (for Polo G40 and Golf Convertible with a leather ring). To match this, the first owner received a key ring with Genesis lettering next to the VW symbol – a special rarity today.
The special Genesis model: still in the charts as an oldie
Apparently, Volkswagen had succeeded once more with the Polo Genesis and Golf Cabriolet Genesis in meeting the tastes of customers and catching the zeitgeist equally perfectly. The Genesis special models have long been sought-after collectors' items and many former owners like to think back to these special vehicles. Their look, their equipment and, last but not least, the connection with a popular rock band make them unique. Among Volkswagen fans, the Polo and Golf Cabriolet Genesis are probably among the greatest hits of the nineties, which have lost none of their appeal even after more than thirty years. Evergreens in the best sense of the word! We at Volkswagen Classic Parts still have some parts for these two models in our range – take a look!
