This yr marks 5 a long time of the long-lasting Volkswagen Golf GTI, and the German model is planning large issues for the nameplate’s large birthday.
Beginning with the Mk1 Golf GTI in 1976, “the world’s most profitable compact sports activities automotive” has offered greater than 2.5 million models throughout no fewer than eight generations thus far.
50 years on, VW says the GTI’s core DNA stays the identical – “[an] agile engine, light-weight front-wheel drive, balanced chassis, completely becoming sports activities seats and crisp, no-frills design”.
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VW has confirmed two main product launches to commemorate this milestone anniversary, the primary being the VW Golf GTI Version 50 – probably the most highly effective manufacturing GTI ever constructed.
Primarily based on the most recent Mk8.5 Golf, the Version 50 boasts a 239kW/420Nm tune of the venerable ‘EA888’ 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, driving the entrance wheels by way of a seven-speed ‘DSG’ dual-clutch computerized.
Zero to 100km/h takes a claimed 5.5 seconds – or 0.4s faster than the usual 195kW GTI presently on sale in Australia – whereas a sharpened chassis sees the Version 50 sit 15mm decrease than the usual GTI, with revised spring charges, steering and Dynamic Chassis Management programs.
The Version 50 can also be the quickest manufacturing Volkswagen to ever lap the famed Nürburgring – in June final yr, firm race driver Benny Leuchter piloted a pre-production Version 50 to a 7 minute 46.13 second lap across the Nordschleife, beating the 2022 Golf R 20 Years by over a second, regardless of the R’s further 6kW and all-paw traction.
Orders for the GTI Version 50 are open in “some European markets” forward of first deliveries later within the yr, although the anniversary mannequin is just “underneath examine” for the Australian market.
“The Golf GTI Version 50 is presently underneath examine by Volkswagen Australia for a neighborhood introduction, pending technical milestones and a enterprise case for the automobile,” a VW Group Australia spokesperson instructed CarExpert final yr.
Ought to it make it Down Below, the Version 50 would be the newest in an extended line of powered-up special-edition Golfs, which embrace the Mk6 GTI Version 35, Mk7 GTI 40 Years, in addition to the Mk7.5 GTI TCR.
You possibly can learn our earlier retrospective function on special-edition Golf GTI fashions right here.
The GTI badge’s fiftieth anniversary can even mark its first foray into the electrified area, with the all-electric ID. Polo GTI to be launched later this yr.
Primarily based on the MEB+ platform – supposed for smaller, extra environment friendly and extra reasonably priced autos, and have a single-motor front-wheel drive configuration – the ID. Polo GTI will sit atop the brand new ID. Polo lineup, powered by a 166kW electrical motor fed by a 52kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) lithium-ion battery pack.
The Polo nameplate, just like the GTI, has simply turned 50, having debuted in 1975. Amidst altering market and regulatory circumstances each in Europe and world wide, VW intends to promote the new-generation ID. Polo alongside an up to date model of the prevailing combustion-powered sixth-generation Polo for a while.
“There will probably be an replace to the combustion Polo. We will proceed to construct combustion-powered vehicles for so long as we have to, there is no such thing as a restrict. The prevailing [MQB-A0] platform is greater than able to that,” Volkswagen’s board member for gross sales, advertising and aftersales, Martin Sander, instructed Auto Specific final month.
Neither the ID. Polo GTI nor customary ID. Polo have been confirmed for the Australian market but, so we’ll have to attend for the worldwide reveal within the hope Volkswagen’s native division has extra to say about its native prospects.
The German auto large has traditionally struggled to get its electrified merchandise to our market in a well timed style up to now, citing varied elements like (lack of) emissions laws, provide shortages, alternate charges, and the like.
Volkswagen’s preliminary vary of ID. merchandise was delayed by various years earlier than the ID.4 and ID.5 SUVs finally arrived following mid-life updates, together with the ID. Buzz electrical folks mover and industrial van.
The Golf-sized ID.3 hatchback by no means made it Down Below both, regardless of being the primary ID. mannequin to make manufacturing and after being earmarked for our market various instances. That stated, Spanish subsidiary Cupra managed to deliver the associated Born EV Down Below, but it surely has since been placed on hiatus.
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