The Volkswagen Golf GTI has never been about sheer numbers. The German automaker has always focused on balance and driving pleasure — which is exactly what has made it one of the most beloved performance compact cars in the world.
That said, the iconic hot hatch is celebrating a major milestone this year: its 50th anniversary. To mark the occasion, Volkswagen has unveiled a new special edition.
More Muscle Under the Hood
For this milestone, the Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 is getting a serious power boost. Engineers have made several tweaks to the car’s 2.0L turbocharged engine, pushing output to an astonishing 320 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. That’s nearly as much as the Golf R (328 hp and 310 lb-ft), and significantly more than the regular GTI’s 261 hp and 273 lb-ft.
Since this is a special edition, Volkswagen had to make a few strategic decisions. As such, the GTI Edition 50 will only be offered with the 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. On the upside, this allows the car to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in under 5.5 seconds. Top speed remains unchanged at 270 km/h.
A Host of Upgrades
It’s not just the engine that got attention for this commemorative edition. The suspension, steering, and various other components have also been upgraded to better handle the increased power and deliver sharper handling. The Edition 50 also gets exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels with a unique design.
Inside, you’ll find a variety of red accents throughout the cabin, along with “50” logos to remind you this is a very special version of the GTI.
Not for Canada!
In Canada, the Golf is only offered in its two high-performance trims: the GTI and the R. So you can imagine our disappointment upon learning that the GTI Edition 50 won’t be coming to Canada. In fact, this special edition is exclusive to the European market, meaning even our American neighbors won’t get access to it.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
