The driver among the compact cars: Golf GTI EDITION 50

Summer 1975, a weekend like any other at the Nürburgring. Another one of the countless races is held in the "Green Hell". The pace car: an ordinary Volkswagen Golf. But it is unusually fast on the road. And in retrospect, it is something very special. Because the spectators rightly wonder why the VW is travelling so damn fast. The name GTI did not yet exist, but the black stripes above the side skirts that would later become so characteristic were already there. A few weeks later, Volkswagen revealed the secret of the model and unveiled a study of the 182 km/h Golf GTI as a world premiere at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt. The planned 5,000 units become 461,690 Golf GTIs of the first series. The rest? That's history.

We jump to the year 2026 and the eighth generation of the Golf is already here. More than 2.5 million GTIs have been built. And to mark the anniversary, Volkswagen is treating itself and us to the EDITION 50, a number that is more than just a nostalgic quote or even a retro game. It is the logical continuation of the original idea, which was brought to the automotive world by a few engineers back then.

More power and more control

Under the bonnet is the familiar engine from the EA888 generation, but compared to the current GTI Clubsport, it gains another 25 hp, and even 60 hp compared to the normal GTI. The 2.0-litre turbo relies on a broad torque plateau and delivers its 420 Newton metres early and consistently. Supplemented by thermal management and water-cooled exhaust gas routing, the efficiency typical of the Golf is also retained: the engine is not only more powerful, but also more intelligent. The 7-speed DSG transmits the power without drama, while the electronically controlled front axle differential lock distributes it with precision. In addition to power, controllability is the second key objective – performance that you don't have to manage, but can utilise.

Those who want something more uncompromising can order the Performance package. Less weight thanks to a titanium exhaust system and exclusive forged wheels. Lowered suspension, stiffer bearings, semi-slicks – and: a rear axle with modified tie rod connection. The car is tougher, more direct, more focussed – and noticeably closer to everyday trackday driving. In short:

Those who want something more uncompromising can order the Performance package. Less weight thanks to a titanium exhaust system and exclusive forged wheels. Lowered suspension, stiffer bearings, semi-slicks – and: a rear axle with modified tie rod connection. The car is harder, more direct, more focussed – and is noticeably closer to everyday trackday driving. In short: there is no more understeer, as the GTI proves on the racetrack in Castellolí near Barcelona. Brake, turn in and the GTI goes round the bend. The progressive steering in combination with the revised suspension conveys agility, but also safety at the limit. The Golf's basic values are clearly noticeable - but turned up to eleven on a scale of ten.

Visible anniversary, noticeable substance

Optically, the EDITION 50 deliberately stays close to the Clubsport: sharper bumpers, 19-inch wheels with red accents, dark logos, black tailpipes, subtle "GTI 50" signets. Not a loud costume, but a self-confident understatement. There are also Matrix LED headlights, 3D tail lights and exclusive colours such as Dark Moss Green Metallic or classic Tornado Red – small references to the car's own DNA. All in all, the EDITION 50 is exactly what you would expect from an anniversary model of this calibre: More engine, more chassis intelligence, more technical depth. A GTI that takes its own promise seriously – and raises it to a new level.