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Volkswagen unveils most powerful Golf GTI yet in 50th anniversary tribute
Volkswagen is marking 50 years of the Golf GTI with a special edition that also happens to be the most powerful production GTI yet.
The new Golf GTI Edition 50 was revealed during the Nürburgring 24 Hours and is set to go into production at the end of 2025, with deliveries expected in early 2026.
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Power comes from a 2l turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 239kW and 420N.m. That's a 44kW jump over the standard GTI, and it edges past the Golf GTI Clubsport, which makes 221kW.
Power is sent through a seven-speed DSG transmission. Chassis changes include a 15mm drop compared with the standard GTI, with further tweaks available through an optional Performance Package. That setup lowers the car by an additional 5mm, stiffens the springs, and adds revised suspension mounts. Volkswagen says the adjustments improve turn-in and stability under load. Sebastian Willmann, head of chassis development at VW, says the Edition 50 builds on lessons from the Golf VII GTI Clubsport. 'We managed to further increase front axle grip while maintaining neutral, agile handling,' he says.
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Fitted with the optional package, the car gets 19-inch forged wheels weighing 8kg each, wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza Race semi-slicks. A lightweight Akrapovič titanium exhaust saves another 11kg over the standard system. Volkswagen development driver Benjamin Leuchter drove the Edition 50 around the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7:46.13, the fastest recorded lap for a production Golf. 'It's the most precise and sporty Volkswagen I've ever driven,' he says. Visual cues include GTI 50 badging on the mirrors and spoiler, a black roof, and a gradient side stripe in Tornado Red, a colour with GTI heritage.
Inside, the cabin gets the usual GTI plaid seats with red belts, a GTI 50-branded steering wheel, and green contrast stitching. Five colours will be available: Pure White, Moonstone Grey, Grenadilla Black, Tornado Red, and a model-exclusive Dark Moss Green Metallic. Production will take place in Wolfsburg, where the GTI story began nearly five decades ago.
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The post Volkswagen's Golf GTI Edition 50 Is Most Powerful (239 KW!) GTI Yet appeared first on CAR Magazine.
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