Volkswagen ID.2 nears production looking much like the pint-size EV concept
The Volkswagen ID.2 is getting awfully close to production, but the Polo-size EV is yet to be confirmed for Australian release despite previous indications it would be sold here.
With Volkswagen Australia's on again, off again plans for the long-awaited Golf-size ID.3 hatch now cancelled at least in its current generation, there seems little chance of smaller electric models, such as the ID.2, finding their way to our shores.
The company's local arm had previously said the ID.2 would come to Australia, it was "just a matter of when".
The ID.2 emerges just days after Cupra Australia confirmed the Born, the ID.3's twin-under-the-skin, was now discontinued Down Under, although it maintained "planning for the next evolution of the Born – including the performance VZ – continues".
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
This latest Volkswagen ID.2 prototype was spied on the streets outside the Nurburgring racetrack, and is wearing just the thinnest of disguises.
There are printed covers around the headlights, and tail-lights that give the impression that the car is a humble Polo, but a peek a little more closely and you can see it is basically the 2023 ID. 2all concept (bottom) brought to life.
Sheetmetal changes seem to be limited a simpler bonnet design, and some extra creases on the lower door. There are also larger flagpole-style wing mirrors, and a lightly revised front bumper with a wider and taller lower air intake.
Don't be fooled by the rear door handle stickers. Like the concept, the production car's rear door handles are hidden in the window frame to create the impression of a three-door hatch.
It's unclear what the production version of the ID.2 will be known as, with Martin Sander, the Volkswagen brand's chief of marketing and sales, confirming earlier this year that all new EV models "will get proper names again".
With the concept measuring 4050mm long – a few millimetres less than the Polo – it's possible the ID.2 may be christened ID.Polo or Polo EV.
Reverting to "proper names" follows on from a declaration in 2023 by Andreas Mindt, Volkswagen's head of design, that the marque would ditch the current rounded, cab-forward design of the ID cars for something more normal and traditional for its next-generation EVs.
Whatever it's called, the ID.2 rides on the Volkswagen Group's MEB Entry architecture, which will also underpin the Skoda Epiq and Cupra Raval.
While the larger MEB platform that serves as the basis of most of the automaker's EVs is rear-wheel drive by default, MEB Entry is a front-wheel drive architecture.
At launch, MEB Entry will support 38kWh and 56kWh batteries, with the latter having DC fast-charging up 125kW and a range of around 450km.
In Europe, pricing for the ID.2 is expected to start under €25,000 (A$44,450), meaning it will compete against the Citroen e-C3 and Renault 5 E-Tech.
MORE: Everything Volkswagen
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The Volkswagen ID.2 is getting awfully close to production, but the Polo-size EV is yet to be confirmed for Australian release despite previous indications it would be sold here.
With Volkswagen Australia's on again, off again plans for the long-awaited Golf-size ID.3 hatch now cancelled at least in its current generation, there seems little chance of smaller electric models, such as the ID.2, finding their way to our shores.
The company's local arm had previously said the ID.2 would come to Australia, it was "just a matter of when".
The ID.2 emerges just days after Cupra Australia confirmed the Born, the ID.3's twin-under-the-skin, was now discontinued Down Under, although it maintained "planning for the next evolution of the Born – including the performance VZ – continues".
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
This latest Volkswagen ID.2 prototype was spied on the streets outside the Nurburgring racetrack, and is wearing just the thinnest of disguises.
There are printed covers around the headlights, and tail-lights that give the impression that the car is a humble Polo, but a peek a little more closely and you can see it is basically the 2023 ID. 2all concept (bottom) brought to life.
Sheetmetal changes seem to be limited a simpler bonnet design, and some extra creases on the lower door. There are also larger flagpole-style wing mirrors, and a lightly revised front bumper with a wider and taller lower air intake.
Don't be fooled by the rear door handle stickers. Like the concept, the production car's rear door handles are hidden in the window frame to create the impression of a three-door hatch.
It's unclear what the production version of the ID.2 will be known as, with Martin Sander, the Volkswagen brand's chief of marketing and sales, confirming earlier this year that all new EV models "will get proper names again".
With the concept measuring 4050mm long – a few millimetres less than the Polo – it's possible the ID.2 may be christened ID.Polo or Polo EV.
Reverting to "proper names" follows on from a declaration in 2023 by Andreas Mindt, Volkswagen's head of design, that the marque would ditch the current rounded, cab-forward design of the ID cars for something more normal and traditional for its next-generation EVs.
Whatever it's called, the ID.2 rides on the Volkswagen Group's MEB Entry architecture, which will also underpin the Skoda Epiq and Cupra Raval.
While the larger MEB platform that serves as the basis of most of the automaker's EVs is rear-wheel drive by default, MEB Entry is a front-wheel drive architecture.
At launch, MEB Entry will support 38kWh and 56kWh batteries, with the latter having DC fast-charging up 125kW and a range of around 450km.
In Europe, pricing for the ID.2 is expected to start under €25,000 (A$44,450), meaning it will compete against the Citroen e-C3 and Renault 5 E-Tech.
MORE: Everything Volkswagen
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The Volkswagen ID.2 is getting awfully close to production, but the Polo-size EV is yet to be confirmed for Australian release despite previous indications it would be sold here.
With Volkswagen Australia's on again, off again plans for the long-awaited Golf-size ID.3 hatch now cancelled at least in its current generation, there seems little chance of smaller electric models, such as the ID.2, finding their way to our shores.
The company's local arm had previously said the ID.2 would come to Australia, it was "just a matter of when".
The ID.2 emerges just days after Cupra Australia confirmed the Born, the ID.3's twin-under-the-skin, was now discontinued Down Under, although it maintained "planning for the next evolution of the Born – including the performance VZ – continues".
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
This latest Volkswagen ID.2 prototype was spied on the streets outside the Nurburgring racetrack, and is wearing just the thinnest of disguises.
There are printed covers around the headlights, and tail-lights that give the impression that the car is a humble Polo, but a peek a little more closely and you can see it is basically the 2023 ID. 2all concept (bottom) brought to life.
Sheetmetal changes seem to be limited a simpler bonnet design, and some extra creases on the lower door. There are also larger flagpole-style wing mirrors, and a lightly revised front bumper with a wider and taller lower air intake.
Don't be fooled by the rear door handle stickers. Like the concept, the production car's rear door handles are hidden in the window frame to create the impression of a three-door hatch.
It's unclear what the production version of the ID.2 will be known as, with Martin Sander, the Volkswagen brand's chief of marketing and sales, confirming earlier this year that all new EV models "will get proper names again".
With the concept measuring 4050mm long – a few millimetres less than the Polo – it's possible the ID.2 may be christened ID.Polo or Polo EV.
Reverting to "proper names" follows on from a declaration in 2023 by Andreas Mindt, Volkswagen's head of design, that the marque would ditch the current rounded, cab-forward design of the ID cars for something more normal and traditional for its next-generation EVs.
Whatever it's called, the ID.2 rides on the Volkswagen Group's MEB Entry architecture, which will also underpin the Skoda Epiq and Cupra Raval.
While the larger MEB platform that serves as the basis of most of the automaker's EVs is rear-wheel drive by default, MEB Entry is a front-wheel drive architecture.
At launch, MEB Entry will support 38kWh and 56kWh batteries, with the latter having DC fast-charging up 125kW and a range of around 450km.
In Europe, pricing for the ID.2 is expected to start under €25,000 (A$44,450), meaning it will compete against the Citroen e-C3 and Renault 5 E-Tech.
MORE: Everything Volkswagen
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The Volkswagen ID.2 is getting awfully close to production, but the Polo-size EV is yet to be confirmed for Australian release despite previous indications it would be sold here.
With Volkswagen Australia's on again, off again plans for the long-awaited Golf-size ID.3 hatch now cancelled at least in its current generation, there seems little chance of smaller electric models, such as the ID.2, finding their way to our shores.
The company's local arm had previously said the ID.2 would come to Australia, it was "just a matter of when".
The ID.2 emerges just days after Cupra Australia confirmed the Born, the ID.3's twin-under-the-skin, was now discontinued Down Under, although it maintained "planning for the next evolution of the Born – including the performance VZ – continues".
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
This latest Volkswagen ID.2 prototype was spied on the streets outside the Nurburgring racetrack, and is wearing just the thinnest of disguises.
There are printed covers around the headlights, and tail-lights that give the impression that the car is a humble Polo, but a peek a little more closely and you can see it is basically the 2023 ID. 2all concept (bottom) brought to life.
Sheetmetal changes seem to be limited a simpler bonnet design, and some extra creases on the lower door. There are also larger flagpole-style wing mirrors, and a lightly revised front bumper with a wider and taller lower air intake.
Don't be fooled by the rear door handle stickers. Like the concept, the production car's rear door handles are hidden in the window frame to create the impression of a three-door hatch.
It's unclear what the production version of the ID.2 will be known as, with Martin Sander, the Volkswagen brand's chief of marketing and sales, confirming earlier this year that all new EV models "will get proper names again".
With the concept measuring 4050mm long – a few millimetres less than the Polo – it's possible the ID.2 may be christened ID.Polo or Polo EV.
Reverting to "proper names" follows on from a declaration in 2023 by Andreas Mindt, Volkswagen's head of design, that the marque would ditch the current rounded, cab-forward design of the ID cars for something more normal and traditional for its next-generation EVs.
Whatever it's called, the ID.2 rides on the Volkswagen Group's MEB Entry architecture, which will also underpin the Skoda Epiq and Cupra Raval.
While the larger MEB platform that serves as the basis of most of the automaker's EVs is rear-wheel drive by default, MEB Entry is a front-wheel drive architecture.
At launch, MEB Entry will support 38kWh and 56kWh batteries, with the latter having DC fast-charging up 125kW and a range of around 450km.
In Europe, pricing for the ID.2 is expected to start under €25,000 (A$44,450), meaning it will compete against the Citroen e-C3 and Renault 5 E-Tech.
MORE: Everything Volkswagen
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
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"There are some technical things with the GTI Clubsport – engine and suspension variations that we need to make sure we have clearances for the Australian market." "As we continue through the lifecycle, there are always opportunities for us to look at, special editions in particular, but typically they tend to be performance editions as well – GTI special edition or a Golf R special edition that [we have done in the past]. "Along those lines there might be an opportunity [for the Clubsport], but we need to investigate it in more detail." The GTI Clubsport would give Volkswagen a more direct competitor to track-focused competition like the Honda Civic Type R, as well as the now-defunct Renault Megane R.S. Naturally, you can throw the aforementioned Cupra Leon in there as well. No doubt part of the brand's initial hesitation to bring the GTI Clubsport to Australia is the presence and popularity of the all-wheel drive Golf R. Given the new GTI is priced from $58,990 and the R from $70,990 (both before on-road costs), it's a fairly narrow window for what is a niche product to sit in. For reference, the GTI Edition 50's 7:46:13 Nordschleife record is within striking distance of the 2023 Type R's 7:44:881 and 2019 Megane R.S. Trophy R's 7:45:39 times. The record holder for compact vehicles, however, is the Golf's cousin the Audi RS3 – which holds a 7:33:123 best time. Stay tuned to CarExpert for our coverage of the GTI Edition 50's reveal on June 20 MORE: Volkswagen mulling hardcore Golf GTI for Australia MORE: Everything Volkswagen Golf Content originally sourced from: The Volkswagen Golf GTI turns 50 next year, and to celebrate the German auto giant has created its fastest-ever production model around the famed Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit. 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"The start and finish for the measurement were at the beginning and end of the grandstand, respectively; the approximately 200 meters in between were not counted. "The official lap time of 07:46:13 for the Golf GTI Edition 50 includes this distance. For better comparability, a look at the on-board camera installed during the record run provides a time of 07:41:27 for the comparable lap." While full details of the GTI Edition 50 are still to be revealed – i.e. power figures and performance claims – VW says the production model due to launch in 2026 will be available with a Performance package, which brings a "performance chassis and particularly lightweight 19-inch semi-slick Potenza Race tyres from Bridgestone… which have been specially developed for the car." The forged alloy wheels are said to "noticeably reduce the unsprung and rotating masses", which according to Mr Leuchter were "a decisive factor" in setting the record lap time. VW's claim that the Edition 50 is "the most powerful production GTI to date" indicates the commemorative edition will eclipse the power and performance of even the GTI Clubsport, which isn't available in Australia but on sale in overseas markets like Europe and the UK. Equipped with a 221kW/400Nm 'evo4' iteration of Volkswagen's venerable 'EA888' 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport can dash from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 267km/h when optioned with the Race Package. Drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. Sound familiar? A version of the same drivetrain powers the flagship Cupra Leon VZx in Australia. Speaking with CarExpert at the recent local launch of the new Mk8.5 Golf range, general manager for product at Volkswagen Australia, Arjun Nidigallu, said the German brand's local arm is actively looking into how the GTI Clubsport could fit into the local lineup. "[There's] a bit more work to do, but it's certainly something we will look into later in the lifecycle as an opportunity," Mr Nidigallu told CarExpert. "There are some technical things with the GTI Clubsport – engine and suspension variations that we need to make sure we have clearances for the Australian market." "As we continue through the lifecycle, there are always opportunities for us to look at, special editions in particular, but typically they tend to be performance editions as well – GTI special edition or a Golf R special edition that [we have done in the past]. "Along those lines there might be an opportunity [for the Clubsport], but we need to investigate it in more detail." The GTI Clubsport would give Volkswagen a more direct competitor to track-focused competition like the Honda Civic Type R, as well as the now-defunct Renault Megane R.S. Naturally, you can throw the aforementioned Cupra Leon in there as well. No doubt part of the brand's initial hesitation to bring the GTI Clubsport to Australia is the presence and popularity of the all-wheel drive Golf R. Given the new GTI is priced from $58,990 and the R from $70,990 (both before on-road costs), it's a fairly narrow window for what is a niche product to sit in. For reference, the GTI Edition 50's 7:46:13 Nordschleife record is within striking distance of the 2023 Type R's 7:44:881 and 2019 Megane R.S. Trophy R's 7:45:39 times. The record holder for compact vehicles, however, is the Golf's cousin the Audi RS3 – which holds a 7:33:123 best time. Stay tuned to CarExpert for our coverage of the GTI Edition 50's reveal on June 20 MORE: Volkswagen mulling hardcore Golf GTI for Australia MORE: Everything Volkswagen Golf Content originally sourced from: The Volkswagen Golf GTI turns 50 next year, and to celebrate the German auto giant has created its fastest-ever production model around the famed Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit. Dubbed "the most powerful production GTI to date", the 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 celebrates half a century of the iconic hot hatch nameplate, and will officially debut at the Nurburgring 24-hour race on 20 June. This week, company race driver Benny Leuchter set a 7 minute 46.13 second lap around the Nurburgring Nordschleife, making the GTI Edition 50 the fastest Volkswagen production model on the iconic 20.8km German circuit. It beat the 2022 Golf R 20 Years by over a second, the previous VW record holder with a 7 minute 47.31 second time – again with Mr Leuchter at the wheel. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. WATCH: Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 sets the fastest Nurburgring lap time by a VW "For both of the aforementioned records, the timed lap on the Nürburgring Nordschleife started flying in front of grandstand T13," Volkswagen says in its media release. "The start and finish for the measurement were at the beginning and end of the grandstand, respectively; the approximately 200 meters in between were not counted. "The official lap time of 07:46:13 for the Golf GTI Edition 50 includes this distance. For better comparability, a look at the on-board camera installed during the record run provides a time of 07:41:27 for the comparable lap." While full details of the GTI Edition 50 are still to be revealed – i.e. power figures and performance claims – VW says the production model due to launch in 2026 will be available with a Performance package, which brings a "performance chassis and particularly lightweight 19-inch semi-slick Potenza Race tyres from Bridgestone… which have been specially developed for the car." The forged alloy wheels are said to "noticeably reduce the unsprung and rotating masses", which according to Mr Leuchter were "a decisive factor" in setting the record lap time. VW's claim that the Edition 50 is "the most powerful production GTI to date" indicates the commemorative edition will eclipse the power and performance of even the GTI Clubsport, which isn't available in Australia but on sale in overseas markets like Europe and the UK. Equipped with a 221kW/400Nm 'evo4' iteration of Volkswagen's venerable 'EA888' 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport can dash from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 267km/h when optioned with the Race Package. Drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. Sound familiar? A version of the same drivetrain powers the flagship Cupra Leon VZx in Australia. Speaking with CarExpert at the recent local launch of the new Mk8.5 Golf range, general manager for product at Volkswagen Australia, Arjun Nidigallu, said the German brand's local arm is actively looking into how the GTI Clubsport could fit into the local lineup. "[There's] a bit more work to do, but it's certainly something we will look into later in the lifecycle as an opportunity," Mr Nidigallu told CarExpert. "There are some technical things with the GTI Clubsport – engine and suspension variations that we need to make sure we have clearances for the Australian market." "As we continue through the lifecycle, there are always opportunities for us to look at, special editions in particular, but typically they tend to be performance editions as well – GTI special edition or a Golf R special edition that [we have done in the past]. "Along those lines there might be an opportunity [for the Clubsport], but we need to investigate it in more detail." The GTI Clubsport would give Volkswagen a more direct competitor to track-focused competition like the Honda Civic Type R, as well as the now-defunct Renault Megane R.S. Naturally, you can throw the aforementioned Cupra Leon in there as well. No doubt part of the brand's initial hesitation to bring the GTI Clubsport to Australia is the presence and popularity of the all-wheel drive Golf R. Given the new GTI is priced from $58,990 and the R from $70,990 (both before on-road costs), it's a fairly narrow window for what is a niche product to sit in. For reference, the GTI Edition 50's 7:46:13 Nordschleife record is within striking distance of the 2023 Type R's 7:44:881 and 2019 Megane R.S. Trophy R's 7:45:39 times. The record holder for compact vehicles, however, is the Golf's cousin the Audi RS3 – which holds a 7:33:123 best time. Stay tuned to CarExpert for our coverage of the GTI Edition 50's reveal on June 20 MORE: Volkswagen mulling hardcore Golf GTI for Australia MORE: Everything Volkswagen Golf Content originally sourced from: The Volkswagen Golf GTI turns 50 next year, and to celebrate the German auto giant has created its fastest-ever production model around the famed Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit. Dubbed "the most powerful production GTI to date", the 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 celebrates half a century of the iconic hot hatch nameplate, and will officially debut at the Nurburgring 24-hour race on 20 June. This week, company race driver Benny Leuchter set a 7 minute 46.13 second lap around the Nurburgring Nordschleife, making the GTI Edition 50 the fastest Volkswagen production model on the iconic 20.8km German circuit. It beat the 2022 Golf R 20 Years by over a second, the previous VW record holder with a 7 minute 47.31 second time – again with Mr Leuchter at the wheel. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. WATCH: Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 sets the fastest Nurburgring lap time by a VW "For both of the aforementioned records, the timed lap on the Nürburgring Nordschleife started flying in front of grandstand T13," Volkswagen says in its media release. "The start and finish for the measurement were at the beginning and end of the grandstand, respectively; the approximately 200 meters in between were not counted. "The official lap time of 07:46:13 for the Golf GTI Edition 50 includes this distance. For better comparability, a look at the on-board camera installed during the record run provides a time of 07:41:27 for the comparable lap." While full details of the GTI Edition 50 are still to be revealed – i.e. power figures and performance claims – VW says the production model due to launch in 2026 will be available with a Performance package, which brings a "performance chassis and particularly lightweight 19-inch semi-slick Potenza Race tyres from Bridgestone… which have been specially developed for the car." The forged alloy wheels are said to "noticeably reduce the unsprung and rotating masses", which according to Mr Leuchter were "a decisive factor" in setting the record lap time. VW's claim that the Edition 50 is "the most powerful production GTI to date" indicates the commemorative edition will eclipse the power and performance of even the GTI Clubsport, which isn't available in Australia but on sale in overseas markets like Europe and the UK. Equipped with a 221kW/400Nm 'evo4' iteration of Volkswagen's venerable 'EA888' 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport can dash from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 267km/h when optioned with the Race Package. Drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. Sound familiar? A version of the same drivetrain powers the flagship Cupra Leon VZx in Australia. Speaking with CarExpert at the recent local launch of the new Mk8.5 Golf range, general manager for product at Volkswagen Australia, Arjun Nidigallu, said the German brand's local arm is actively looking into how the GTI Clubsport could fit into the local lineup. "[There's] a bit more work to do, but it's certainly something we will look into later in the lifecycle as an opportunity," Mr Nidigallu told CarExpert. "There are some technical things with the GTI Clubsport – engine and suspension variations that we need to make sure we have clearances for the Australian market." "As we continue through the lifecycle, there are always opportunities for us to look at, special editions in particular, but typically they tend to be performance editions as well – GTI special edition or a Golf R special edition that [we have done in the past]. "Along those lines there might be an opportunity [for the Clubsport], but we need to investigate it in more detail." The GTI Clubsport would give Volkswagen a more direct competitor to track-focused competition like the Honda Civic Type R, as well as the now-defunct Renault Megane R.S. Naturally, you can throw the aforementioned Cupra Leon in there as well. No doubt part of the brand's initial hesitation to bring the GTI Clubsport to Australia is the presence and popularity of the all-wheel drive Golf R. Given the new GTI is priced from $58,990 and the R from $70,990 (both before on-road costs), it's a fairly narrow window for what is a niche product to sit in. For reference, the GTI Edition 50's 7:46:13 Nordschleife record is within striking distance of the 2023 Type R's 7:44:881 and 2019 Megane R.S. Trophy R's 7:45:39 times. The record holder for compact vehicles, however, is the Golf's cousin the Audi RS3 – which holds a 7:33:123 best time. Stay tuned to CarExpert for our coverage of the GTI Edition 50's reveal on June 20 MORE: Volkswagen mulling hardcore Golf GTI for Australia MORE: Everything Volkswagen Golf Content originally sourced from:
7NEWS
18 hours ago
- 7NEWS
2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 beats R round the 'Ring
The Volkswagen Golf GTI turns 50 next year, and to celebrate the German auto giant has created its fastest-ever production model around the famed Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit. Dubbed 'the most powerful production GTI to date', the 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 celebrates half a century of the iconic hot hatch nameplate, and will officially debut at the Nurburgring 24-hour race on 20 June. This week, company race driver Benny Leuchter set a 7 minute 46.13 second lap around the Nurburgring Nordschleife, making the GTI Edition 50 the fastest Volkswagen production model on the iconic 20.8km German circuit. It beat the 2022 Golf R 20 Years by over a second, the previous VW record holder with a 7 minute 47.31 second time – again with Mr Leuchter at the wheel. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. WATCH: Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 sets the fastest Nurburgring lap time by a VW 'For both of the aforementioned records, the timed lap on the Nürburgring Nordschleife started flying in front of grandstand T13,' Volkswagen says in its media release. 'The start and finish for the measurement were at the beginning and end of the grandstand, respectively; the approximately 200 meters in between were not counted. 'The official lap time of 07:46:13 for the Golf GTI Edition 50 includes this distance. For better comparability, a look at the on-board camera installed during the record run provides a time of 07:41:27 for the comparable lap.' While full details of the GTI Edition 50 are still to be revealed – i.e. power figures and performance claims – VW says the production model due to launch in 2026 will be available with a Performance package, which brings a 'performance chassis and particularly lightweight 19-inch semi-slick Potenza Race tyres from Bridgestone… which have been specially developed for the car.' The forged alloy wheels are said to 'noticeably reduce the unsprung and rotating masses', which according to Mr Leuchter were 'a decisive factor' in setting the record lap time. VW's claim that the Edition 50 is 'the most powerful production GTI to date' indicates the commemorative edition will eclipse the power and performance of even the GTI Clubsport, which isn't available in Australia but on sale in overseas markets like Europe and the UK. Equipped with a 221kW/400Nm 'evo4' iteration of Volkswagen's venerable 'EA888' 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport can dash from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 267km/h when optioned with the Race Package. Drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. Sound familiar? A version of the same drivetrain powers the flagship Cupra Leon VZx in Australia. Speaking with CarExpert at the recent local launch of the new Mk8.5 Golf range, general manager for product at Volkswagen Australia, Arjun Nidigallu, said the German brand's local arm is actively looking into how the GTI Clubsport could fit into the local lineup. '[There's] a bit more work to do, but it's certainly something we will look into later in the lifecycle as an opportunity,' Mr Nidigallu told CarExpert. 'There are some technical things with the GTI Clubsport – engine and suspension variations that we need to make sure we have clearances for the Australian market.' 'As we continue through the lifecycle, there are always opportunities for us to look at, special editions in particular, but typically they tend to be performance editions as well – GTI special edition or a Golf R special edition that [we have done in the past]. 'Along those lines there might be an opportunity [for the Clubsport], but we need to investigate it in more detail.' The GTI Clubsport would give Volkswagen a more direct competitor to track-focused competition like the Honda Civic Type R, as well as the now-defunct Renault Megane R.S. Naturally, you can throw the aforementioned Cupra Leon in there as well. No doubt part of the brand's initial hesitation to bring the GTI Clubsport to Australia is the presence and popularity of the all-wheel drive Golf R. Given the new GTI is priced from $58,990 and the R from $70,990 (both before on-road costs), it's a fairly narrow window for what is a niche product to sit in. For reference, the GTI Edition 50's 7:46:13 Nordschleife record is within striking distance of the 2023 Type R's 7:44:881 and 2019 Megane R.S. Trophy R's 7:45:39 times. The record holder for compact vehicles, however, is the Golf's cousin the Audi RS3 – which holds a 7:33:123 best time.
