Upcoming Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 Sets Nurburgring Record For Fastest VW

Volkswagen Golf GTI has completed 50 years of its existence and is celebrating it with Edition 50. Along with it, now the hot hatch has become the fastest production car of the brand to lap the Nurburgring Nordschleife. Set to be officially introduced on June 20 at the Nurburgring 24 Hours race, the car has recorded a lap time of 7:46.13 on the German track. This also makes it faster than the Golf R 20 Years Edition.

With this record in its name, the Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 based on the Golf GTI Mk8.5 is 3 seconds faster than the previous-generation Golf GTI Clubsport S completing the 20.8 km layout. This is 200 meter more than the shorter layout of the track which excludes the straight segment of the old start/finish line.

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While the GTI Edition 50 has secured its status as the top Volkswagen, it still lags behind the Honda Civic Type R by 1.25 seconds. This comes while the car is facing a potential departure from Europe due to stricter emission laws, the Japanese hot hatch retains its title as the quickest front-wheel-drive vehicle at the Nordschleife. More than two years ago, the CTR accomplished the complete 20.8-kilometer (12.9-mile) circuit in 7 minutes and 44.88 seconds.

While the details of the vehicle are yet to be revealed, it is known that the lap record was set by a near-production test vehicle equipped with an optional performance pack. This kit comes with lighter forged wheels, bespoke Bridgestone Potenza race semi-slick tires and tweaks in the chassis.

It is to be noted that the standard version of the Golf GTI comes with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder which makes 216 hp of power. The unit comes paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a mechanical limited-slip differential.