WOLFSBURG: The Golf GTI Edition 50 has set a new benchmark for Volkswagen in the compact segment: the 239kW (325PS) anniversary model is the fastest front-wheel drive production vehicle on the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
The Golf GTI Edition 50 – with racing driver and Volkswagen test and development driver Benjamin Leuchter at the wheel – took only 7:44.523 minutes to complete the 20.832-km lap on the legendary racetrack.
“The Nordschleife is unique with its bends, very different sections, bumps and even jumps,” explains Leuchter.
“And the same is true for this GTI: with impressive power, a very neutral set-up and at the same time the ability to take any bumps in its stride. The Golf GTI Edition 50 is therefore more than just an anniversary model: it shows what performance in the compact segment can feel like when technical expertise, passion and 50 years of GTI history come together.”
With its new record time, the Golf GTI Edition 50 underscores its exceptional position as the most powerful and dynamically precise production Golf GTI.
The Golf GTI Edition 50 is also faster than all previous Volkswagen production models on the Nordschleife.
The fastest lap of the Golf GTI Edition 50 was completed in good weather conditions.
With an output of 239kW (325PS), acceleration from 0 to 100kph in 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 270kph, the model is predestined for this track.
A MacPherson front axle and a four-link rear axle form the basic layout of the chassis.
Overall, the anniversary model is 15mm lower than a classic Golf and is equipped as standard with DCC adaptive chassis control.
It is even sportier with the optionally available GTI Performance package Edition 50, which includes a specially tuned chassis lowered by another five mm, a lightweight R-Performance exhaust system with rear silencers in titanium, as well as 19‑inch forged alloy wheels and size 235/35 R19 91Y Bridgestone Potenza Race semi-slick tyres.
The most powerful Golf GTI production model was equipped with this Performance package on its fast lap at the Nürburgring.
