Volkswagen has revealed the Golf GTI Edition 50 to celebrate 50 years of the GTI badge. With 321hp, unique styling, and a Nürburgring lap time of 7:46.13, it’s the fastest production Golf ever made.
Volkswagen has officially revealed the specifications of the upcoming Golf GTI Edition 50, a special-edition model built to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic GTI badge. The production of this limited-run hatchback will commence later this year, with deliveries expected to begin in early 2026. However, Volkswagen has yet to disclose how many units will be available.
Marking a significant performance leap, the Edition 50 is powered by a retuned 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, shared with the Golf GTI Clubsport but uprated to produce 321 bhp and 420 Nm of torque — an increase of 25 bhp and 20 Nm over the Clubsport. Paired with a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission, the car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds, making it the fastest production Golf GTI to date.
The Golf GTI Edition 50 recently clocked a lap time of 7:46.13 minutes at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, making it the fastest production Golf and the quickest Volkswagen-badged vehicle to lap the legendary 20.832 km track.
For enthusiasts looking for an even sharper driving experience, Volkswagen will offer an optional GTI Performance Package. This pack further lowers the ride height by 5 mm (on top of the 15 mm drop over the standard Golf), includes revised suspension tuning, and equips the car with Bridgestone Potenza Race semi-slick tyres mounted on 19-inch Warmenau forged wheels. The highlight, however, is the Akrapovič titanium exhaust system, which not only enhances sound but also sheds 11 kg from the car’s weight. The package also features updated software for the progressive steering system and adaptive chassis control (DCC) for enhanced handling.
In terms of design, the Edition 50 gets exclusive styling elements. On the outside, the hatchback sports GTI Edition 50 badging, a black-painted roof, black mirror caps, black tailpipe trims, and a bold side stripe that fades from black to Tornado Red — a colour long associated with performance Volkswagens. The GTI 50 logo also appears on the roof spoiler and within the wing mirrors.
The interior continues the theme with check-patterned sport seats that feature Racing Green accents, red seatbelts, and synthetic velour trim for a premium, motorsport-inspired feel. A new multifunction leather steering wheel carries the GTI 50 logo and integrates paddle shifters, reinforcing the performance DNA of the model.
Volkswagen will offer the Golf GTI Edition 50 in five exterior colours: Pure White, Moonstone Grey, Grenadilla Black Metallic, and two exclusive shades — Tornado Red and Dark Moss Green Metallic.
While the Golf GTI Edition 50 is yet to be confirmed for India, it represents a celebration of one of Volkswagen’s most iconic nameplates, blending legacy and cutting-edge performance in a single package.
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