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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