This Is the Most Powerful Volkswagen GTI Ever

Already the fastest Volkswagen around the Nürburgring, the Golf GTI Edition 50 is now also the most potent car from Wolfsburg to wear the Grand Touring Injection badge. It remains front-wheel drive, but now packs nearly as much power as the all-wheel-drive Golf R. This special version takes the GTI formula beyond 300 horsepower for the first time, surpassing the 296-hp Clubsport. Speaking of forbidden fruits, VW tells us its new hardcore version isn’t coming stateside either.

So, what is America missing out on? Well, VW is leveling up its already feisty FWD hatch yet again. The GTI Edition 50 boosts its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine to 320 horsepower, just eight shy of the Golf R, while matching its 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque. As with all recent performance versions of the compact hatchback, there is, unfortunately, no six-speed manual gearbox. The most powerful GTI to carry a license plate is only offered with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The stronger EA888 evo4 engine, paired with the DSG, enables a sprint to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.5 seconds, making it 0.1 seconds quicker than the Clubsport. It takes 16.8 seconds to reach 124 mph (200 km/h), cutting 1.6 seconds off the time set by the previously most track-focused GTI. Top speed remains unchanged at an electronically limited 168 mph (270 km/h).

There’s more to the GTI Edition 50 than its upgraded engine. If customers opt for the GTI Performance Package, VW lowers the ride height by 0.8 inches (20 millimeters) compared to a standard Golf. The pack includes “high-performance” pivot bearings on the front axle, along with stiffer transverse links and strut mountings for sharper steering. At the rear, it features double-shear hub carriers and revised suspension mounts.

To sweeten the deal, the package sheds nearly 66 pounds (30 kilograms) thanks to 19-inch forged wheels and an Akrapovič titanium exhaust. Part of the diet also includes the bespoke Bridgestone Potenza Race semi-slick tires, the same ones used to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7 minutes and 41.27 seconds. Other upgrades include revised software for the progressive steering and standard adaptive chassis control (DCC).

58

Source: Volkswagen

Visually, the Golf GTI Edition 50 doesn’t stray far from the formula. Besides the new wheels with red accents, it features a special logo on the edges of the rear spoiler. VW paints the roof and side mirrors black and adds dark trim around the exhaust tips. There’s also a side stripe that fades from black to Tornado Red. Other available body colors include Moonstone Grey, Pure White, Grenadilla Black, and the exclusive Dark Moss Green.

Interior changes are minimal, featuring red seatbelts, dark anodized aluminum door handles, and additional GTI 50 logos, including one on the key fob. The seats come wrapped in the familiar checkered pattern and have fake velour accents along with a green stripe. Despite being a top-tier GTI, extras like the head-up display and navigation still come at a higher cost.

VW hasn’t announced pricing, but it’s sure to cost more than a GTI Clubsport with the Performance Package and semi-slick tires, which starts at an already eye-watering €54,330 at home in Germany.

8

While the Golf GTI Edition 50 is the most powerful production GTI ever, it’s still overshadowed by the outrageous Golf GTI W12-650 concept. Unveiled at the Wörthersee show in 2007, it featured a twin-turbo 6.0-liter engine from the Bentley Continental GT. The mid-mounted monster produced 641 hp, paired with a gearbox from the Phaeton.

An excellent example of a parts bin special from the VW Group, the bonkers W12 concept took the rear axle and brakes from a Lamborghini Gallardo, while the front brakes came from an Audi RS4. Despite the GTI name, the widebody beast, which could hit 202 mph (325 km/h), was actually rear-wheel drive.