by Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 Sets a Record at the Nürburgring
Volkswagen is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Golf GTI with a special Edition 50 version, which has become the brand’s fastest production model on the Nürburgring track. The car set a time of 7:46.13, which is an impressive result for a front-wheel-drive car. The official presentation of the novelty will take place on June 20 during the 24 Hours of Nürburgring race.
However, this time turned out to be insufficient to beat the record of the Honda Civic Type R, which posted a result 1.25 seconds better. Despite this, the Golf GTI Edition 50 is significantly faster than previous hot Golf versions, such as the Clubsport S and R 20 Years Edition.
Technical Features of the Record-Setting Golf
The full technical specifications of the Edition 50 will be released later, but Volkswagen confirmed that the record-breaking car was equipped with the optional Performance Package. This package includes special chassis tuning, 19-inch alloy wheels, and Bridgestone Potenza semi-slick tires developed specifically for this model.
“Three years ago, I couldn’t even imagine that I would be able to so clearly surpass the time of the Golf R in a front-wheel-drive GTI,” said driver Benny Leuchter, who was at the wheel during the record attempt.
The release of the Golf GTI Edition 50 is scheduled for 2026, coinciding with the anniversary of the debut of the first Golf GTI in 1975. While the original model had a 1.6-liter engine producing 109 hp, the new version will get a 2.0-liter turbocharged unit, the power of which is expected to be significantly higher.
This result is especially impressive considering the record was set in non-ideal weather conditions. It demonstrates significant progress in chassis tuning and the overall performance of Volkswagen’s front-wheel-drive sports cars. Although the Civic Type R remains the leader, the achievement of the Golf GTI Edition 50 indicates that the German manufacturer continues to raise the bar for hot hatches.
