Volkswagen is preparing to celebrate the Golf GTI's near 50th anniversary with a special edition that will debut at the Nürburgring 24-hour race in June, well ahead of the actual date in 2026. While details are scarce, the company has confirmed that it will be a “sports special model”, leaving enthusiasts to speculate about its potential upgrades.
With the Golf GTI Mk8 facelift already spawning a 300-horsepower Clubsport variant, the basis for the anniversary edition remains a mystery. It is unclear whether the new model will build on the Clubsport's improvements or be based on the standard GTI.
If the Clubsport is any indication, a power increase seems likely. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine has the potential for further tuning, considering it delivers 333 hp. in the Golf R. However, the GTI's characteristic front-wheel drive configuration is expected to remain, potentially creating one of the most powerful front-wheel drive cars on the market.
Despite the discontinuation of the manual gearbox in the facelifted GTI, some enthusiasts are holding out hope for such a transmission in the special edition. However, this remains only a wish.
The price is expected to be significant, considering the already premium price of the Clubsport. With the Golf R Black Edition reaching €60,000 in Germany, the anniversary model could surpass the GTI's price range.