Golf GTI Edition 50: Volkswagen has unveiled the most powerful production GTI yet

In 2026, the Golf GTI will celebrate its 50th anniversary and the brand is marking this special occasion with an outstanding special model. With a power output of 239 kW (325 hp), the Golf GTI Edition 50 makes history as the most powerful production Golf GTI to date.

Here's What We Know

Volkswagen has equipped the special model with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine - a 221 kW (300 hp) modification of the power unit from the Golf GTI Clubsport. With the efforts of Volkswagen's engineering team, the power output has been increased to 239 kW (325 hp). This is 44 kW (60 hp) more than in a conventional Golf GTI in the basic configuration. The maximum torque of the Edition 50 has been increased to 420 Nm. In comparison, the Golf GTI Clubsport has a maximum torque of 400 Nm, while the Golf GTI produces 370 Nm.

The chassis of the Golf GTI Edition 50 has been adapted to the higher power output. After a change in suspension settings (MacPherson at the front and multi-lever at the rear), the anniversary model is now 15 mm lower than the base configuration.

The cherry on the cake is the optional GTI-Performance package. For those who like an even sportier style (and are willing to part with a tidy sum), Volkswagen will offer the optional GTI Performance package with an even stiffer chassis and minus five millimetres of ground clearance. The GTI-Performance package comes with Bridgestone Potenza Race semi-slicks on 19-inch Warmenau forged discs and a lightweight R-Performance exhaust system with titanium muffler.

Weighing just 8kg per rim, the forged rims are around 3kg lighter than standard 19-inch rims. The special Bridgestone tyres are 1.1 kg lighter than the standard Golf GTI tyres. In addition, the Akrapovič titanium exhaust system saves a further 11kg.

On the outside and inside of the hatchback there are many reminders that this is the anniversary version of the model. Five body colours are planned for the Golf GTI Edition 50: in addition to the characteristic Pure white, there are Moonstone grey, Grenadilla black metallic and - exclusively for the anniversary model - Dark Moss green metallic and Tornado red. The latter was exclusive to iconic models such as the Golf II GTI 16V, Golf III VR6 and Golf VII GTI TCR.

Production of the Golf GTI Edition 50 is scheduled to start in Wolfsburg at the end of 2025 so that the cars will be delivered to their future owners as soon as possible in time for the start of their anniversary year from the first quarter of 2026.

Source: Volkswagen