VW Golf GTI Edition 50: The Most Powerful Production Model Yet
Marking 50 years of GTI, VW’s Edition 50 hits 325hp, laps Nürburgring in 7:46, and arrives early 2026 with bold style and sharper handling.
Volkswagen has just unveiled another special new car – the Golf GTI Edition 50. This car is marking the near 50th anniversary of the Golf GTI, which lands in 2026. This new model, first raced at a 24-hour race at the Nürburgring track, is the most powerful GTI ever offered new from the factory. Volkswagen has said that it will begin manufacturing these vehicles by the end of the year and that people will be able to have them by early 2026.
In the process, VW’s engineers have beefed up this Edition 50’s 2.0-litre turbo-petrol up nicely. Now, it’s producing 325 horsepower (PS). This is a substantial leap from the base model, which produces 265 horsepower. The engine delivers more pulling power as well, which has been raised to 420 Nm. It’s greater than the normal GTI (370 Nm) and even the Clubsport derivative (400 Nm). The vehicle is also lowered to the ground by as much as 15 mm from the alterations made in the car’s suspension.
On top of that, during testing, the Golf GTI Edition 50 managed to lap the iconic Nurburgring track in little over 7 minutes and 46 seconds. That was performed by Volkswagen test driver Benjamin Leuchter. This is the quickest a production Golf has ever lapped that circuit. The benefits of a better-functioning suspension system also contribute to the performance of the car. It employs a double wishbone configuration up front and multi-link technology in the rear.
An optional GTI Performance package is available for the Edition 50. This package makes the frame of the car stiffer and lowers it by an additional 5 mm. It also adds special Bridgestone Potenza Race tires mounted on lightweight 19-inch Warmenau wheels. The car’s performance is further enhanced by the fact that it sports a titanium exhaust that saves 11 kgs.
Outside, the Edition 50 is distinguished by red brake components, a shiny black roof, and dark-hued side mirrors. It also sports a black-to-red stripe on the side, a racing color. There is
GTI 50 badges adorn the spoiler, door sills, and even the insides of the mirrors. The tailpipes are black. The interior features traditional tartan seats and accents of green, as well as red seat belts. They are also made of soft, synthetic material.
The new steering wheel is leather-wrapped and flat-bottomed. The seven-speed automatic transmission is also fitted with GTI 50 badges and paddles for gear changing. Volkswagen was also keen to make the interior lighter. Everything from the trim on the steering wheel to the materials themselves was deliberately selected to help the car feel less cramped and be more fun to drive. The tires and the wheels even contribute to this, as the car is approximately 1.1 kg per tire and 3 kg per wheel lighter than standard GTI parts.
The exterior will be available in five colors: Pure White, Moonstone Grey, and Grenadilla Black Metallic. Occasionally, two of the special colors are also available: Dark Moss Green Metallic and Tornado Red. Both colors have appeared in several potent VW models since the 1980s, for example, the Golf II GTI 16V or Golf VII GTI TCR.
