Volkswagen to unveil 50th anniversary Golf GTI at Nurburgring 24hr

Volkswagen has confirmed plans to unveil a celebratory Golf GTI exemplary astatine the Nürburgring 24 Hours contention successful June, marking 50 years of the genre-defining hot hatchback.

While afloat details stay nether wraps, the 50th-anniversary variation of Volkswagen’s astir iconic show exemplary is expected to beryllium based connected the precocious updated Golf GTI Clubsport, featuring unsocial badging and styling touches that wage tribute to its heritage.

It isn't yet known whether Volkswagen volition present immoderate powerfulness upgrades for the commemorative model. The existent Golf GTI Clubsport is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 330bhp - 34bhp much than the modular Golf GTI - on with 295 lb ft of torque. This provides it with 0-62mph clip of 5.6 seconds and a apical velocity of 166mph erstwhile equipped with the optional Race package, each delivered to the its beforehand wheels done a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and a mechanical locking differential.

By contrast, the archetypal Golf GTI, launched successful 1975, got its verve from its debased 810kg kerb weight. Its 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol motor produced 109bhp and 101 lb ft of torque – modest by today’s standards but, paired with a four-speed manual gearbox, capable to propel it from 0-62mph successful 10.0sec and connected to a 114mph apical speed.

As with the original, the 50th-anniversary exemplary is expected to diagnostic classical GTI plan elements, including tartan upholstery and reddish interior accents.

Beyond the peculiar Golf GTI unveiling, Volkswagen volition besides showcase the latest Golf R, Golf R Estate and Golf R Black Edition astatine a instrumentality lawsuit during the N24 play (19-22 June).

And the company's beingness astatine the 2025 N24 won’t conscionable beryllium astir roadworthy cars: two Golf GTI Clubsport contention cars are acceptable to vie successful the enduro.