Volkswagen Golf GTI EDITION 50
2.5 million units sold in the 50 years since its debut
The GTI, which was introduced in the first Golf in 1976, has sold over 2.5 million units in markets around the world over the course of successive generations.
Volkswagen unveiled the new Golf GTI Edition 50 at the 2025 Nürburgring 24 Hours race. The Golf GTI is one of the world’s most successful compact sports cars, having sold more than 2.5 million units worldwide since the first generation. As this epoch-making model celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, Volkswagen has decided to sell a limited edition model that focuses on driving pleasure.
Production of the limited edition model will begin at the Wolfsburg plant in Germany at the end of 2025, with deliveries to customers commemorating the 50th anniversary of the car’s launch in the first quarter of 2026. Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer commented on the Golf GTI Edition 50:
“For 50 years, the Golf GTI has been more than just performance and driving pleasure in the Volkswagen range. It’s a lifestyle that connects fans all over the world, and that’s why the Volkswagen brand is so strong.”
“Today, we celebrate half a century of GTI passion with the Golf GTI Edition 50, the fastest and most powerful production Volkswagen ever made. One thing is for sure: the GTI will live on in the future. No compromises there.”
The most powerful and fastest Golf GTI ever
The 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder TSI turbo engine’s maximum output has been increased to 325 PS, and it set a Volkswagen’s fastest time at the Nürburgring of 7 minutes 46.13 seconds.
The Golf GTI Edition 50 is based on the Golf GTI Clubsport’s 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder TSI turbo engine, which has been specially tuned to deliver a maximum output of 325 PS (239 kW), an increase of 25 PS. Maximum torque has also been increased from 400 Nm in the Golf GTI Clubsport to 420 Nm.
The vehicle height has been lowered by 15mm from the base GTI. It has been optimized to match the increased power and torque, and the chassis has also been specially tuned. If you select the optional “Performance Package”, a DCC sports chassis with special settings, a front differential lock, and progressive steering will be installed.
The newly developed Bridgestone tires offer high grip and low rolling resistance, and are approximately 1.1 kg lighter than standard tires. The dedicated forged aluminum wheels weigh 8 kg each, approximately 3 kg lighter than standard 19-inch wheels. The adoption of an Akrapovic titanium exhaust system also contributes to a weight reduction of 11 kg.
In April 2025, Volkswagen development driver Benjamin Leuchter conducted a time attack on the Nürburgring Norrschleife, recording the fastest time of a Volkswagen production model: 7 minutes 46.13 seconds. After completing the time attack, Leuchter praised the Golf GTI Edition 50, saying, “I can confidently say that this is the most precise and sporty Volkswagen I have ever driven. It reminds me of the Golf GTI Clubsport S, which was launched in 2016.”
Exclusive interior and exterior with “GTI 50” accents in various areas
The car is equipped with exclusive interior and exterior features, including a multi-function leather sports steering wheel with a special GTI 50 badge.
The cockpit is reminiscent of a racing car competing in the Nürburgring 24-hour race, with special red seat belts, special checked sports seats, special racing green lines, and synthetic velour trim. The newly designed multi-function leather sports steering wheel features the GTI 50 logo.
The “GTI 50” logo is also featured on the roof spoiler and the inside of the exterior mirrors. The special door sill trim, black painted roof, and black exterior mirror housings are also exclusive to the Golf GTI Edition 50. The side members also feature side stripes with a color gradient from black to Tornado Red, further emphasizing the car’s sporty character.
Exterior colors include “Pure White,” “Moonstone Gray,” and “Grenadilla Black Metallic,” as well as the limited-edition “Dark Moss Green Metallic” and “Tornado Red.” Tornado Red has been a popular color symbolizing Volkswagen’s high-performance models since 1986.
