The Golf GTI is one of the most successful compact sports cars in the world with more than 2.5 million sold to date.
In time for its 50th birthday next year, Volkswagen is launching a special model with a focus on driving pleasure in the form of the Golf GTI EDITION 50.
“For 50 years, the GTI has stood for more than just performance, precision and driving pleasure at Volkswagen: it is a way of life that unites our fans all over the world – and an essential element of what makes us so strong as a brand,” said Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand.
“With the fastest and most powerful production model to date, we are celebrating half a century of GTI passion.”
Volkswagen is equipping the special model with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine – a modification of the drive unit from the Golf GTI Clubsport with 296 bhp.
Thanks to internal engine measures, the Volkswagen engine team have succeeded in increasing the output of the Golf GTI EDITION 50 to 321 bhp – compared with the classic Golf GTI in the basic configuration with 261 bhp. Maximum torque of the EDITION 50 has been increased to 420 Nm.
The chassis of the Golf GTI EDITION 50 has been further refined and adapted to the higher power. A MacPherson front axle and a four-link rear axle form the basic layout. Overall, the anniversary model is 15 mm lower than the basic configuration.
For those who like it even sportier, Volkswagen will offer the optional GTI Performance package with Performance chassis exclusively for the Golf GTI EDITION 50. Due to higher spring rates, the natural frequency at the front and rear axles has been increased by around 20 per cent. This results in better support characteristics, a much more direct response and a lower tendency to roll and pitch. With further lowering by 5 mm, the Golf GTI EDITION 50 is 20 mm lower than the standard Golf.
And to prove these tweaks work, VW sent professional racing driver Benjamin Leuchter recently rounded the 21km long Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit in 7:46 minutes – the fastest lap ever completed in a production Golf on the circuit known as the ‘Green Hell’.
Production is expected to begin later this year, with first deliveries expected in early 2026. No pricing details yet but expect to pay around £45,000 and more to get your hands on this latest and perhaps last chapter in VW motoring history. With the rise of EVs, the days of petrol-powered hot hatches are surely numbered.