The Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 has set a new record for the fastest FWD lap time at the Nurburgring. Driven by Benny Leuchter, Volkswagen’s development and race driver, it set a time of 7 minutes 44.523 seconds, beating the previous record of 7 minutes 44.881 seconds set by the Honda Civic Type R in 2023.
- Golf GTI Edition 50 beat the previous record set by Honda Civic Type R
- The car was made to commemorate 50 years of the original Golf GTI
- With 325hp on tap, Golf GTI Edition 50 is the fastest GTI model ever made
Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 Nurburgring FWD lap record
Volkswagen says the Golf GTI Edition 50 achieved the record in good weather conditions, and the model on track was equipped with the optional GTI Performance Package, which is exclusive to this model. The package brings reworked suspension, lowering the car’s ride height by 15mm, and adds 19-inch forged alloy wheels shod with Bridgestone Potenza Race semi-slick tyres for more grip, less rolling resistance and a 4.4kg weight reduction. It also introduces an R-Performance exhaust system with an Akrapovic titanium exhaust, which reduces overall weight by 11kg. The carmaker claims that the Golf GTI Edition 50 is faster than all previous Volkswagen production models on the Nordschleife.
Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50: All you need to know
The 50 Edition gets several upgrades over the standard GTI
The Edition 50 was revealed to commemorate 50 years of the first Golf GTI. Powering the Edition 50 is the same 2.0-litre TSI engine as the regular model but in a higher tune. Here, it develops 325hp and 420Nm, which is 64hp and 50Nm more than the standard GTI, while retaining the 7-speed DCT gearbox. VW claims a 0-100kph time of 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 270kph. Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) is available on the Edition 50 as standard.
While the overall design remains similar to the standard GTI, it gets GTI 50 badges on the spoiler and tailpipes, a black finish for the roof, outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs) and exhaust, and a contrasting stripe on the lower part of the doors. Inside, you get GTI 50 branding on the steering wheel, sport seats with a check pattern, red seat belts and a unique interior trim.
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