The Volkswagen Golf GTI is approaching its 50th anniversary. The first generation of the legendary hatchback from Wolfsburg debuted in 1976 and is considered one of Volkswagen’s most successful models.
German auto giant Volkswagen plans to introduce a new special edition of the compact sports car, the Golf GTI, next June at the Nürburgring 24 Hours race. The car will be a “special sports model.”
Volkswagen has not yet released any official information, and the media is speculating, which may or may not be correct. However, what is known is that the new design of the Golf GTI has already led to the birth of a Clubsport version, which is more powerful than the standard version.
The Clubsport version features a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine producing 300 hp, 35 hp more than the base GTI, and increased torque to 400 Nm (+30 Nm). It remains to be seen whether the special edition will be based on the Clubsport or the standard GTI.
If Volkswagen decides to move away from the Clubsport and increase its power even further, there will be room for improvement. The TSI engine could reach 328 hp, as already happens in the Golf R. If this happens, the GTI could become one of the most powerful front-wheel-drive cars ever.
Although Volkswagen is working with Rivian on the ninth-generation Golf, which will be electric only, the current generation could remain in production for a long time.
The German company has not ruled out keeping the Golf 8 in the lineup until 2035, the final date for the phasing out of conventional gasoline engines.
An all-electric GTI is expected in the coming years, based on the ID.2, the compact battery-powered car Volkswagen is developing. Officials from the German company previously announced plans to launch a fully electric GTI version 9.
The Golf GTI appears to be continuing its evolution without losing its rugged, powerful, and fast spirit. The 50th anniversary celebration could be the last major celebration of the European sports car icon before the final transition to electric.
One thing is certain: this special edition won’t be cheap. In Germany, the Clubsport already costs 50,000€, while the Golf R Black Edition could reach 60,000€.
Volkswagen has also not ruled out the launch of a future Golf R Clubsport, which would be priced even higher.
