Volkswagen's Golf GTI Edition 50 Achieves Top Lap Speed at Nürburgring
Volkswagen Sets a New Benchmark at Nürburgring
Following Xiaomi's achievement of the fastest production electric vehicle lap at the legendary Nürburgring, Volkswagen celebrates a significant milestone on the same challenging track. While not breaking an absolute record, the forthcoming Golf GTI Edition 50 has emerged as the quickest VW-branded car to navigate the demanding German circuit.
This upcoming front-wheel-drive hot hatch clocked a lap time of 7 minutes and 46.13 seconds, surpassing the Golf R 20 Years Edition by over a second. Additionally, it outpaced the previous-generation Golf GTI Clubsport S by more than three seconds. Notably, the GTI Edition 50 achieved even faster times by completing the extended 20.8-kilometer (12.9-mile) layout.
Understanding the Lap Time Improvement
Earlier records were set on a slightly shorter 20.6-kilometer (12.8-mile) configuration, which excluded a 200-meter (656-foot) segment. This omitted the straight near the T13 stands' old start/finish line. On the full track, the special edition recorded a remarkable lap of 7 minutes and 41.27 seconds.
Competitive Landscape: Still Chasing the Type R
Despite securing the title of VW's fastest at the Nürburgring, the GTI Edition 50 trails the Honda Civic Type R by 1.25 seconds. The Japanese hot hatch, facing potential withdrawal from the European market due to stringent emission standards, remains the fastest front-wheel-drive vehicle on the Nordschleife. Just over two years prior, the Civic Type R completed the full 20.8-kilometer (12.9-mile) circuit in 7 minutes and 44.88 seconds.
Anticipating the Official Release
Volkswagen is set to officially reveal its most rapid GTI variant on June 20. The impressive lap time was achieved by a near-production prototype equipped with an optional Performance Package, featuring lighter forged wheels, custom Bridgestone Potenza Race semi-slick tires, and unspecified chassis enhancements.
Details on engine upgrades remain undisclosed. For context, the standard Golf GTI produces 261 horsepower from its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, while the GTI Clubsport variant boosts this to 296 horsepower. The test vehicle utilized a dual-clutch automatic transmission, aligning with the GTI's shift away from manual gearboxes in the Mk8.5 iteration released last year. Similarly, the Golf R has transitioned to a DSG-only transmission, although manual options remain available in lower trims within Europe.
Future Prospects and Records
The only potential challenger within the VW lineup could be the Golf R Clubsport, should it reach production. Nevertheless, the ID.R electric racer continues to hold the overall Nürburgring lap record for Volkswagen, with an astonishing time of just 6 minutes and 5 seconds, making it a formidable benchmark for any road-legal model to approach.
Source: Volkswagen