Volkswagen to unveil 50th anniversary Golf GTI at Nurburgring 24h
Two Golf GTI Clubsport race cars will compete in the N24 Special edition model to honour five decades of the front-wheel drive hot hatch Volkswagen has confirmed plans to unveil a celebratory Golf GTI model at the Nürburgring 24-hour race in June, marking 50 years of the genre-defining hot hatchback. While full details remain under wraps, the 50th-anniversary edition of Volkswagen’s most iconic performance model is expected to be based on the recently updated Golf GTI Clubsport, featuring unique badging and styling touches that pay tribute to its heritage. It is not yet known whether Volkswagen will introduce any power upgrades for the commemorative model. The current Golf GTI Clubsport is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 330bhp - 34bhp more than the standard Golf GTI - along with 295 lb ft of torque. This provides it with 0-62mph time of 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 166mph when equipped with the optional Race package, all delivered to the its front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and mechanical locking differential. By contrast, the first Golf GTI, launched in 1975, got its verve from its low 810kg kerb weight. Its 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine produced 109bhp and 101 lb ft of torque, modest by today’s standards, but enough to propel it from 0-62mph in 10.0 seconds and on to a 114mph top speed, paired with a four-speed manual gearbox. As with the original, the 50th-anniversary model is expected to feature classic GTI design elements, including tartan upholstery and red-themed interior accents. Beyond the Golf GTI unveiling, Volkswagen says will also showcase the latest Golf R, Golf R Variant and Golf R Black Edition at a fan event during the Nürburgring 24-hour race weekend from 19 to 22 June. Volkswagen’s presence at the 2025 Nürburgring 24 hour race will won’t just be about road cars, with two Golf GTI Clubsport race cars set to compete in the enduro.
Two Golf GTI Clubsport race cars will compete in the N24Special edition model to honour five decades of the front-wheel drive hot hatch
Volkswagen has confirmed plans to unveil a celebratory Golf GTI model at the Nürburgring 24-hour race in June, marking 50 years of the genre-defining hot hatchback.
While full details remain under wraps, the 50th-anniversary edition of Volkswagen’s most iconic performance model is expected to be based on the recently updated Golf GTI Clubsport, featuring unique badging and styling touches that pay tribute to its heritage.
It is not yet known whether Volkswagen will introduce any power upgrades for the commemorative model. The current Golf GTI Clubsport is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 330bhp - 34bhp more than the standard Golf GTI - along with 295 lb ft of torque. This provides it with 0-62mph time of 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 166mph when equipped with the optional Race package, all delivered to the its front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and mechanical locking differential.
By contrast, the first Golf GTI, launched in 1975, got its verve from its low 810kg kerb weight. Its 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine produced 109bhp and 101 lb ft of torque, modest by today’s standards, but enough to propel it from 0-62mph in 10.0 seconds and on to a 114mph top speed, paired with a four-speed manual gearbox.
As with the original, the 50th-anniversary model is expected to feature classic GTI design elements, including tartan upholstery and red-themed interior accents.
Beyond the Golf GTI unveiling, Volkswagen says will also showcase the latest Golf R, Golf R Variant and Golf R Black Edition at a fan event during the Nürburgring 24-hour race weekend from 19 to 22 June.
Volkswagen’s presence at the 2025 Nürburgring 24 hour race will won’t just be about road cars, with two Golf GTI Clubsport race cars set to compete in the enduro.
