VW Produced a GTI That Outshines the Golf R
Gruppe C Photography/Volkswagen
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There are certain automotive facts that remain unquestioned. For instance, Porsche will never create a faster Cayman than a 911. Similarly, the Golf R is recognized as the premier model among Volkswagen's hot hatches, while the GTI represents the entry-level option. However, it seems VW deemed the 50th anniversary of the GTI a valid reason to diverge from convention, as they recently introduced the GTI Edition 50, which not only matches the all-wheel-drive Golf R in performance but actually outpaces it as the quicker hatchback around the Nürburgring.
The GTI Edition 50 enhances the GTI Clubsport, a variant not available in the United States. The standard GTI here produces 241 horsepower, whereas the Clubsport generates 295 hp. VW has increased this output by an additional 30 horsepower for the Edition 50, bringing it to a competitive 320 hp, just 8 hp less than the R. It's important to note, however, that since the GTI features front-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive, the Edition 50 is likely to be significantly lighter. While VW did not provide exact figures, a typical GTI weighs around 300 pounds less than the R, which is substantial on the Nürburgring.
This is a promising start, but VW hasn't stopped there for this commemorative GTI. An optional performance package introduces a tuned suspension with adaptive mounts, increased spring rates, and a ride height that’s 5 mm lower than a standard GTI. It also includes—let's be honest, this is the key enhancement—semi-slick Bridgestone Potenza Race tires. These tires offer greater grip and are lighter than the standard options, and the forged wheels they rest on weigh about 6.6 pounds less per corner.
Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50. Gruppe C Photography/Volkswagen
The exciting outcome of these upgrades is not just a faster GTI but Volkswagen claims it is the quickest production car they’ve ever taken around the Nordschleife. Earlier this month, racer and VW development driver Benjamin Leuchter achieved a lap time of 7:46.13 in the GTI Edition 50. In 2022, Leuchter completed a lap in a Golf R in 7:47.31; however, that measurement utilized a different, shorter standard for a full lap of the track. When you take that into consideration, this new GTI didn’t just surpass the Golf R’s time by a second—it eclipsed it by six seconds.
Considering all this, if we evaluate purely on speed, the GTI Edition 50 (when equipped properly) surpasses the Golf R. While I usually take paid endorsements with a grain of salt, Leuchter's description of it as “the most precise and sporty Volkswagen [he's] ever driven” carries weight. After all, VW is still working to sell Golf Rs.
Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50. Gruppe C Photography/Volkswagen
Beyond performance, there are additional treats within. Many enthusiasts adore the classic plaid of the GTI seats, but the Edition 50 introduces a new style featuring plaid bolsters and a more detailed pattern on the main fabric, along with “GTI” embossed in tiny pinpricks on the upper seatback. Additionally, the seat belts come in red. I appreciate the entire design. You may notice a touch of green in the upholstery, as one of the colors VW is offering for this special edition is Dark Moss green metallic. While we don’t have images of it yet, any fast car in green is deserving of celebration.
Here’s Leuchter piloting a prototype GTI Edition 50 around the Nürburgring to set its record lap. Gruppe C Photography/Volkswagen
Volkswagen has yet to disclose how many units of this super GTI it plans to produce or what the pricing will be. Even more disappointing is that Volkswagen of America informed us that, "as it stands," the Edition 50 will not be available here. This is not particularly surprising, considering we’re already missing the Clubsport, but it is still disheartening.
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VW Produced a GTI That Outshines the Golf R
The GTI Edition 50 features Golf R power, semi-slick tires, and an improved suspension, all of which contributed to it surpassing the Golf R's fastest lap at the Nürburgring.