86 to 87 GT differences (2.3 v. 2.2)

[Kwattro at aol.com]

In a message dated 02-01-17 11:28:16 EST, you write:

<< IIRC the US spec 87.5 CGT had a few more distunguishing marks, - apart
 from the normal differences between the UK and US spec's (e.g. bumpers,
 engine, catalysts etc) doesn't it have a digital dash and different seats?
 
     I'd be interested if someone a bit more up on model features could
 remind us what the CGT history was in UK and US. What a thread that could
 end up being!
  >>

Talking US cars here....
It's more difficult to tell the 2.3's from the 2.2's than you guys are 
indicating.  The digital dash was standard on the 86 Comm. Ed, which had body 
color spoiler and mirrors - thereby making it easy to mistake as a 87.5.  
Also, the 86 had an optional digital dash and all of the interiors were 
possible to get optionally (including red leather), so the interior can't 
tell the difference.  One of my 86's had analogue, the current one has the 
digital dash.  Also, it seems that some early 87 non-2.3's had body color 
spoiler and mirrors in the US.  I've seen 'em, and so have others.  

What does this mean? 

 It means that you have to look under the hood or in the rear wheels to 
really tell the difference.  The only other difference that can be noted, I 
believe,  is that half of the window trim is body color, unlike the 86 and 
early 87.  Before that, it's black.  Of course, this won't help on the 
graphite or black cars.  Also, it should be noted that the 87.5 is not a 
special build, other than we think of it that way.  The 87.5 was supposed to 
be the 88 and carry on, but the model line then changed.  Yes, it was a half 
year hot-rod, but for all intents and purposes the only special build GT was 
the 86 Comm. Ed., which really wasn't that special anyways, unless you like 
red leather.  Hope this helps.  Any other questions regarding the GT's?

Later!
Carter J
Kwattro at aol.com
1986 4000CS Quattro (Princess)
1986 Coupe GT (The Beast)