The Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 has made headlines by becoming the fastest production-based VW model to complete a lap at the Nürburgring, outperforming even the more powerful Golf R model. This special edition, based on the current Mk8.5 Golf GTI, recorded an impressive lap time of 7 minutes and 46.13 seconds on the 12.94-mile Nordschleife circuit.
Set shortly before the upcoming 2025 Nürburgring 24 Hours, where it will be officially revealed on June 20, the GTI Edition 50 is expected to be the last of the traditional combustion-engine GTIs before the transition to electric models.
Notably, this new hot hatch has eclipsed the lap time previously set by the Golf R 20 Years, a 328bhp limited edition that finished in 7 minutes and 47.31 seconds in 2022. The new GTI Edition 50 has also moved closer to the front-wheel-drive Nürburgring lap record of 7 minutes and 44.88 seconds, established by the Honda Civic Type R in 2023.
The lap was executed by Benny Leuchter, VW’s experienced development and race driver. He noted that the conditions on the track were challenging, as the lap was completed during a brief window following hours of rain. “The Fuchsröhre was particularly treacherous, and there was standing water on many other parts of the circuit,” he explained, highlighting the skill required to achieve such a remarkable time under those circumstances.
This achievement showcases Volkswagen’s commitment to performance and innovation, even as the automotive industry moves towards electric vehicles. The buzz around the GTI Edition 50 indicates that there remains a strong demand for high-performance combustion engine models, making its upcoming release in 2026 a highly anticipated event for enthusiasts.