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Golf GTI EDITION 50 Achieves Record Time As Fastest Volkswagen Production Model On Nordschleife
Volkswagen is set to unveil the Golf GTI EDITION 50 on 20 June 2025, during the 24-hour race at Nürburgring. This model celebrates the 50th anniversary of the iconic sports car. Although it will officially launch in 2026, it has already made history. Racing driver Benny Leuchter completed a lap at Nürburgring in just 07:46:13 minutes with this vehicle, setting a new record for Volkswagen road-approved cars.
The Golf GTI EDITION 50 is designed to embody the essence of the GTI concept, combining powerful drive and precise chassis with front-wheel drive. Benny Leuchter, who has been involved in testing and tuning Volkswagen models, remarked on how effortlessly the car handled the Nordschleife track. "The new Golf GTI EDITION 50 is a statement with which Volkswagen expresses the pure GTI idea – the combination of superior drive power and highly precise chassis with front-wheel drive – more effectively than ever before," he stated.
This special edition will offer an optional Performance package featuring a performance chassis and lightweight 19-inch semi-slick Potenza Race tyres from Bridgestone. These tyres are mounted on lightweight forged wheels, reducing unsprung and rotating masses significantly. Leuchter noted that this package was crucial for achieving the record time. "The record car was equipped with this package – that was the decisive factor in my opinion," he added.
Leuchter's experience with previous Volkswagen models adds context to his achievement. Nearly a decade ago, he set a record with a Golf GTI Clubsport S3 at Nürburgring, clocking in at 07:49:21 minutes. In 2022, he improved his time using an all-wheel-drive Golf R 20 Years, finishing in 07:47:31 minutes. The latest record includes a complete lap time of 07:46:13 minutes for the Golf GTI EDITION 50.
The official lap time for this model includes an additional distance not counted in previous records. However, onboard camera footage shows a comparable lap time of 07:41:27 minutes. Leuchter expressed surprise at surpassing his previous records with a front-wheel-drive vehicle under challenging weather conditions. "Three years ago, I wouldn’t have thought that I could ever beat the lap time of the outstanding Golf R2 with a front-wheel drive Golf GTI1 as clearly as I have now," he said.
The Golf GTI EDITION 50 will remain listed under "Pre-Series Models" until it becomes available for order. This near-production concept car showcases Volkswagen's commitment to innovation and performance excellence.
Volkswagen's Global Presence
Volkswagen Passenger Cars operates globally, producing vehicles across 28 locations in 12 countries. In 2024, they delivered approximately 4.8 million cars worldwide, including popular models like Polo and Tiguan as well as electric ID family vehicles. With around 170,000 employees globally, Volkswagen continues its ACCELERATE strategy to become a leader in sustainable mobility.
The unveiling of the Golf GTI EDITION 50 marks another milestone for Volkswagen as it continues to push boundaries in automotive performance and innovation.
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