This is the fastest Volkswagen production model on the Nordschleife track
Volkswagen's upcoming hot hatch, the Golf GTI Edition 50, has made headlines even before its official launch by becoming the fastest road-legal VW to lap Germany's Nrburgring Nordschleife. Professional racing driver Benny Leuchter clocked a lap time of 07:46.13 minutes, making the upcoming special edition GTI the most capable front-wheel-drive Volkswagen on the iconic 20.8-kilometre track.Set to debut globally on June 20, 2025, during the 24-hour race weekend at the Nrburgring, the Golf GTI Edition 50 marks the 50th anniversary of the GTI nameplate, with customer deliveries expected to begin in 2026. Volkswagen says the new model represents the 'pure GTI idea' — a combination of powerful front-wheel drive, precise chassis tuning, and track-honed performance.advertisementA new Nrburgring benchmark
The upcoming special edition GTI the most capable front-wheel-drive Volkswagen on the iconic 20.8-kilometre track.
According to Volkswagen, the record-setting GTI was equipped with an optional performance package, featuring a specially developed performance chassis, 19-inch Bridgestone Potenza Race semi-slick tyres, and lightweight forged wheels. This setup, Leuchter said, was key to the car's ability to handle the Nrburgring's demanding corners, undulating surfaces, and high-speed sections.
'It's truly impressive how easily this Volkswagen can be moved so quickly over the Nordschleife,' said Leuchter. 'The entire set-up allows you to drive the ideal line with high precision. Even in difficult weather, the GTI remained stable across the entire track.'Historic leap in GTI performance
Benny Leuchter clocked a lap time of 07:46.13 minutes.
advertisementThis isn't the first time Leuchter has set records in a GTI. Back in 2016, he lapped the Nrburgring in a Golf GTI Clubsport S (310PS) in 07:49.21 minutes, and in 2022, he set a 07:47.31 record in the all-wheel-drive Golf R 20 Years. However, the Edition 50's lap, which includes the 200 meters between grandstand T13's start and finish lines, is a more holistic measure. Excluding that distance (to match prior laps), the GTI Edition 50's lap is even quicker: 07:41.27 minutes, as seen in the on-board footage.'Three years ago, I wouldn't have thought a front-wheel-drive GTI could beat the Golf R's time so decisively,' said Leuchter. 'That it happened — in less-than-ideal weather — speaks volumes about this car's potential.'A celebration of GTI legacyWhile final specs are yet to be confirmed, the Golf GTI Edition 50 is expected to be the most powerful production GTI to date. It will arrive with exclusive design elements and advanced performance upgrades to celebrate five decades of one of the world's most iconic hot hatches.Until its commercial release in 2026, the Edition 50 will be listed in the "Pre-Series Models" category in the Nrburgring official records.Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine
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