All posts by Francis Mitterrand

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Volkswagen Unveils the Golf GTI EDITION 50: A Bold Celebration of 50 Years of GTI Legacy

Volkswagen is celebrating five decades of GTI heritage with a thrilling new special edition: the Golf GTI EDITION 50. Marking the 50th anniversary of one of the world’s most iconic compact sports cars, this commemorative model raises the bar on performance, precision, and driving excitement.

Since its debut in 1976, the Golf GTI has captured the hearts of over 2.5 million drivers worldwide. Now, as it enters its sixth decade, Volkswagen is unveiling the most powerful and dynamic GTI to date. “With the fastest and most powerful production model to date, we are celebrating half a century of GTI passion,” said Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand. “GTI will naturally live on in the future – without any compromises.”

At the heart of the Golf GTI EDITION 50 is a tuned 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 239 kW (325 PS) and 420 Nm of torque. This marks a 60 PS increase over the standard GTI and outperforms even the GTI Clubsport. Complementing the power boost is a finely tuned chassis based on the revered Golf VII GTI Clubsport, with newly developed semi-slick tires, enhanced progressive steering, and a lowered suspension for maximum grip and agility.

Sebastian Willmann, Head of Chassis Development at VW, emphasized the depth of engineering behind the car: “We’ve taken 50 years of GTI knowledge and created a vehicle that feels more intuitive and precise than ever before.”

The result is a car that’s not just fast – it’s record-breaking. In April 2025, professional racing driver Benjamin Leuchter lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7:46.13 minutes – the fastest time ever achieved by a production Golf. “It’s the most precise and sporty Volkswagen I’ve ever driven,” Leuchter stated.

For drivers craving even more, VW offers the optional GTI Performance package. This includes a further-lowered suspension, Akrapovič titanium exhaust system, ultra-light forged wheels, and high-performance Bridgestone Potenza Race semi-slicks—cutting unsprung weight while boosting handling precision.

Design-wise, the EDITION 50 fuses heritage and modern flair. Red seat belts, classic check-pattern upholstery, and special Racing Green accents meet exclusive GTI 50 branding across the interior and exterior. Five distinct color options, including the iconic Tornado Red, round out the special edition’s bold aesthetic.

With the Golf GTI EDITION 50, Volkswagen pays tribute to a sports car icon while charting an uncompromising course into the future of performance driving. It’s more than a car—it’s a celebration of 50 years of GTI spirit.

Source: Volkswagen

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Volkswagen Unveils the Golf GTI EDITION 50: A Bold Celebration of 50 Years of GTI Legacy
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Mercedes-Benz Adjusts Course, Maintains Dual Gas-Electric Lineup

Just days after Audi revealed it would extend the life of its gasoline-powered cars beyond its original timeline, Mercedes-Benz has made a similar course correction, signaling a broader hesitation within the German auto industry about a full transition to electric vehicles (EVs).

Mercedes-Benz Group CEO Ola Källenius acknowledged in an interview with Auto Motor und Sport that the company is revising its strategy and will continue offering internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles for longer than previously planned. “Electrified high-tech internal combustion engines will remain on offer for longer than we originally expected,” Källenius said, emphasizing a dual-track approach combining gasoline and electric technologies.

Mercedes had earlier committed to shifting to an all-electric lineup “where market conditions allow” by 2030. However, Källenius now argues that a mixed powertrain strategy is the most practical path forward in light of slower-than-expected consumer adoption of EVs. “In the current situation, I think the most rational approach is for an established manufacturer like Mercedes to do both technologies and not neglect either one,” he added.

This shift mirrors a broader trend among legacy automakers scaling back aggressive electrification timelines, prompting concerns about the overall health of the EV market. Some observers have interpreted these moves as evidence of waning interest in electric cars.

However, data tells a different story.

Despite challenges faced by individual automakers — including a 23% year-over-year drop in EV sales for Mercedes-Benz in 2024 — the electric vehicle sector remains in growth mode. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global EV sales surged by more than 25% in 2024, totaling around 17 million units.

Further momentum is expected this year. BloombergNEF’s annual Electric Vehicle Outlook projects a 25% rise in sales of plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles in 2025, with nearly 22 million units anticipated to hit the roads. Much of this growth, however, is concentrated in China, where market conditions, government policies, and consumer preferences significantly differ from those in Europe.

Industry analysts caution against drawing sweeping conclusions based on moves by a few automakers. While it’s clear that some carmakers are struggling to meet ambitious EV targets, the global trend still points toward electrification — albeit with regional variations and a slower pace than some had hoped.

As Mercedes-Benz and other automotive giants recalibrate their timelines, the road to a fully electric future appears less linear than once envisioned, but still firmly underway.

Source: Mercedes-Benz, Auto Motor und Sport

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Toyota Prepares for a New Era: 13th Generation Corolla Set to Debut by 2027

Toyota’s iconic Corolla, the world’s best-selling car, is gearing up for a bold transformation. The Japanese automaker is expected to unveil the 13th generation of the Corolla between 2026 and 2027, marking a significant evolution in design, technology, and efficiency for the legendary model.

While official details remain under wraps, reports from Japanese media outlets suggest that the new Corolla will feature a radical aesthetic overhaul inspired by Toyota’s latest design language, seen on the new Prius and C-HR models. Expect sleek, horizontally stretched light clusters, a sharper, more aerodynamic silhouette, and a redesigned rear end featuring thin taillights connected by a modern light bar.

The front fascia will likely boast a more compact grille, recessed for a cleaner appearance, paired with a sportier bumper design defined by taut and dynamic lines. The evolutionary design reflects Toyota’s intent to keep the Corolla fresh and relevant amid intensifying competition in the global compact car segment.

As per tradition, the Corolla’s 13th generation will be offered in multiple body styles—including sedan, hatchback, and wagon—ensuring broad market coverage. However, not all markets will receive the full lineup, with some versions potentially limited to specific regions.

Inside the cabin, a digital revolution is on the horizon. The new Corolla is expected to feature a fully digital instrument cluster and a larger, high-resolution central screen supporting both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In a major tech leap, Toyota may introduce an AI-based voice assistant capable of natural, intuitive interactions—bringing the Corolla in line with the industry’s move toward smarter, more connected driving experiences.

Under the hood, full hybrid powertrains will remain at the core of the Corolla’s offering, likely enhanced for greater performance and fuel efficiency. Rumors also point to the possible addition of a plug-in hybrid variant, with an electric-only range of over 100 km—an ambitious move aimed at matching or exceeding rivals in the electrified compact segment.

Perhaps the most tantalizing prospect is the potential arrival of the high-performance GR Corolla in European markets. Although not yet confirmed by Toyota, sources suggest this variant could be built in the UK, powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine delivering over 300 horsepower and equipped with all-wheel drive. If realized, it would mark the first time a GR (Gazoo Racing) model is produced outside of Japan—a historic milestone for the brand.

As the Corolla approaches its 60th anniversary, the forthcoming generation seems poised to blend tradition with innovation. With bolder styling, cutting-edge technology, and an eye toward sustainability, the next Corolla may once again set new standards in the global compact car market.

Source: Toyota