GTI dynamics. It is in the GTI’s DNA to effortlessly transfer maximum power to the road. This was also the case with the Golf GTI EDITION 50: its dynamically tuned DCC sports chassis, the electronically controlled front differential lock and the agile and precise progressive steering deliver dynamic performance in its purest form, even in the standard base configuration of the Golf GTI EDITION 50. Like the Golf GTI Clubsport, it also offers an additional driving profile as standard: Special mode. The drive, steering and the DCC sports chassis, which is standard in the EDITION 50, are consistently tuned to the special features of the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Volkswagen test and development driver Benny Leuchter (D) highlighted the Golf GTI’s outstanding potential on the Nürburgring Nordschleife track in a production-ready test vehicle equipped with the GTI Performance Package EDITION 50 optionally available for the anniversary model: Leuchter completed the Nordschleife in 07:46:125 minutes – never before had a road-legal Volkswagen been faster at the Nürburgring.
GTI Performance package. The exclusive GTI Performance Package EDITION 50, which is only available for the anniversary model, reduces the Golf GTI’s weight by approx. 25 kg and offers an additional boost to driving dynamics with its upgraded chassis. The Performance package was developed for dedicated drivers who want to drive their Golf GTI EDITION 50 on a racetrack as part of a track day, for example. The GTI Performance Package EDITION 50 includes a particularly lightweight Volkswagen R exhaust system with titanium tailpipes, also lighter 19-inch Warmenau forged wheels (20 per cent lower unsprung masses), modified swivel bearings on the front axle with adapted camber (for more direct steering response and even better tracking), further lowering by 5 mm due to stiffer springs (less body movements when steering) and adapted suspension bearings (optimised response). Overall, the anniversary model with the GTI Performance Package EDITION 50 is 20 mm lower than the base configuration of the Golf. The standard 235/35 semi-slick tyres in this case are always paired with the package. In Germany, the semi-slick tyres can also be purchased separately without the GTI Performance Package EDITION 50 as special equipment.
GTI engine. The engine of the first Golf GTI in 1976 was already a lightweight four-cylinder unit that powered the front axle. Both of these things are still true today. And yet the 81 kW (110 PS) naturally aspirated engine in the original GTI and the 239 kW (325 PS) powerful turbocharged engine in the Golf GTI EDITION 50 no longer have anything else in common technically except for the number of cylinders. The state-of-the-art and efficient engine of the anniversary model – the legendary, powerful four-cylinder engine from the EA888 LK3 evo4 engine family – is an enhancement of the drive system from the Golf GTI Clubsport (221 kW/300 PS). Thanks to internal engine measures, the engine specialists increased the output of the Golf GTI EDITION 50 by a further 25 PS. Compared to the traditional Golf GTI in the basic configuration (195 kW/265 PS), this is an additional 60 PS. The maximum torque has also been increased: It rose to 420 Nm (Golf GTI Clubsport: 400 Nm; Golf GTI: 370 Nm). The drive power is transmitted by means of the seven-speed direct shift gearbox and the electronically controlled front differential lock. When the driver requests full power, the Golf GTI EDITION 50 accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds. The top speed is 270 km/h.
GTI exterior. Various refinements characterise the exterior of the GTI anniversary model. Distinctive: Clubsport-look bumpers and black 19-inch Queenstown GTI alloy wheels, whose diamond-cut upper side is finished in a contrasting red glaze varnish. The black wheels are optionally available with diamond-cut light surfaces. The visually frozen red GTI logo in the centre of the wheel is also legible when the wheels are rotating, as the centre wheel trim does not rotate with them. ‘GTI 50’ lettering on the exterior of the two-piece roof spoiler and on the insides of the exterior mirrors, darkened VW logos, a special decor of the door sills, privacy glazing in the rear and black tailpipes complete the exterior individualisation. Standard on board the Golf GTI EDITION 50: the IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights and 3D LED tail light clusters with dynamic turn signal.
GTI colours. Black has been a typical colour for the compact sports car since the first Golf GTI. On the Golf GTI EDITION 50, the side members, front grille and front spoiler, outer areas of the two-piece roof spoiler, rear diffuser and the exterior mirror caps are finished in high-gloss black. The five exterior colours of the Golf GTI EDITION 50 are visually coordinated with the add-on parts and individualised GTI wheels. Exclusively for the anniversary model, the two paint finishes Tornado Red and Dark Moss Green metallic are each offered with a black roof. The colour Tornado Red is reminiscent of the Golf II GTI, in which this rich red replaced the early Mars Red of the first GTI generations and became one of the GTI’s classic colours for many years. In addition, the standard Pure White and the optional Moonstone Grey (both with black roof) as well as Grenadilla Black metallic (optional) are available. As always in red: the crossbar in the radiator grille and above the headlights. Illuminated in white: the light strip below and the VW logo.
GTI interior. Like the Golf GTI and Golf GTI Clubsport, the Golf GTI EDITION 50 is equipped with sports seats. And they have also been customised. Elegant: the new distinctive Clark GTI 50 seat design. The upper area, including the head restraints integrated into the front seats, is finished in grey ArtVelours Eco with red GTI lettering. The classic check pattern is used on the seat centre panels. However, this has been completely modified: the checks are significantly larger and reduced to an asymmetrically positioned cross. The sides of the seat padding, on the other hand, have a fine and very subtle check pattern. Even the loop for the rear centre armrest comes with this check fabric. One of the many other subtle refinement details: new green stripe in the check pattern, which precisely matches the new exterior colour Dark Moss Green metallic. The topstitching on the seats is red. The interplay of all the elements makes a high-quality, iconic and sporty impression. Other customised GTI insignia in the interior include the centre bar of the multifunction leather sports steering wheel featuring the GTI 50 logo. The steering wheel clips sport a new design in Dark Anodised (dark aluminium). The topstitching of the steering wheel is similarly finished in black. As a contrast, the exclusive seat belts are completely in red. Also in red for the first time are the rubber pads of the accelerator and brake pedal. In addition, the interior door handles, which normally have a chrome look, have a Dark Anodised finish. The sill panel mouldings are customised with the GTI 50 logo. The vehicle key also features the GTI 50 logo.
GTI collectors’ items. They enjoy cult status: the Golf GTI anniversary models. No. 1 of these in 1996 was the special edition 20 Years of the GTI based on the Golf III GTI. Another collector’s item has followed every five years since: in 2001, the now legendary 25 years of the GTI (Generation IV) made its debut – legendary because this absolutely puristically styled anniversary model anchored the turbocharged engine in the current heritage of the Golf GTI. The distinctive Edition 30 (Generation V) followed in 2006, Edition 35 (Generation VI) in 2011, Clubsport and Clubsport S (Generation VII) in 2016 and Edition 45 (Generation VIII) in 2021. They have all long been collectors’ items, as they are always highly customised and only produced for a limited time.
