*This content was translated by AI.
Volkswagen's Golf GTI Edition 50 has set a new record in the front-wheel-drive Yangsan car category at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany.
Volkswagen Korea announced on May 12, 2026, that the Edition 50 model, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Golf GTI, completed the 20.832km Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in 7 minutes 44.523 seconds, becoming the fastest front-wheel-drive Yangsan car on this course. This record is also the best ever among Volkswagen Yangsan models.
The record-breaking run was driven by racing driver and Volkswagen test and development driver Benjamin Leichter. Benjamin Leichter stated, "Even on the rough road surfaces and jump sections of the Nordschleife, the Golf GTI Edition 50 demonstrated stable driving with excellent output and flexible tuning."
The Golf GTI Edition 50 delivers a maximum output of 325 horsepower (PS), accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 270 km/h. This model features a body lowered by 15mm compared to the standard Golf, based on a MacPherson strut front axle and 4-link rear axle structure, and is equipped with DCC Adaptive Chassis Control as standard to enhance driving stability. The record-setting vehicle was fitted with the optional GTI Performance Package Edition 50, which includes a dedicated tuned chassis with an additional 5mm lowering, a titanium R-performance exhaust system, 19-inch alloy wheels, and Bridgestone Potenza Race semi-slick tires with specifications 235/35 R19 91Y.
First launched in 1976, the Golf GTI pioneered the "hot hatch" genre by combining front-wheel drive with powerful performance, establishing itself as a representative lifestyle icon for Volkswagen with cumulative sales exceeding 2.5 million units. In Korea, the Golf has also established itself as a representative imported hatchback model. As of March 2024, cumulative domestic sales reached 50,089 units, making it the first imported compact hatchback to surpass 50,000 units in sales.
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*This content was translated by AI.
