Issues decelerate a bit whenever you attain 50. Except you are the Volkswagen Golf GTI, that’s. A not-quite-final prototype of the Version 50 of the venerable sizzling hatch, celebrating the GTI’s semicentennial subsequent yr, simply smashed the Wolfsburg outfit’s file across the Nürburgring. VW check driver Benny Leuchtner ripped by means of the circuit in simply 7:46:13, which not so way back solely elite efficiency automobiles may dream of doing.
That is fairly spectacular by itself, however the brand new Golf one way or the other discovered a method to make it even higher. VW’s earlier finest time round Nordschleife was a couple of second slower at 7:47:31, additionally set by Leuchtner within the Golf R in 2022. A front-wheel-drive GTI beating an all-wheel-drive R by that a lot is one thing particular. However there’s extra! Seems the R again in 2022 began on a distinct level of the monitor than the GTI in 2025; Volkswagen says that, accounting for the distinction, the GTI really did it in a positively blistering 7:41:27, or six whole seconds quicker than the R. As typical, somebody forgot to inform the GTI that hatchbacks simply aren’t alleged to be that quick.
Coming to a racetrack close to you in 2026
The Golf GTI Version 50 ought to go on sale subsequent yr, proudly sporting the laurels of Volkswagen’s quickest manufacturing automobile across the ‘Ring. However it is not VW’s quickest automobile interval, because the experimental ID.R racing EV nonetheless holds that crown and certain will not give it up for an extended whereas. That monster lapped the Nürburgring in simply 6:05:34, or much less time than it takes me to get away from bed within the morning.
Nonetheless, you will really be capable to purchase an Version 50, which ought to depend for one thing. Whereas VW hasn’t introduced the ultimate specs for it but, they’ve said that it is going to be probably the most highly effective manufacturing GTI ever. For reference, the present GTI makes 241 horsepower out of (what else however) a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4. The present Golf R, which the Version 50 simply schooled, has 328 hp.
In equity, the Version 50 that set the file was outfitted with the optionally available Efficiency bundle, which provides the GTI a stiffer chassis and custom-made 19-inch semi-slicks from Bridgestone. Honest to say that for the monitor hounds amongst you, that is Volkswagen’s most interesting automobile ever.
