The 50th anniversary edition of the VW Golf GTI has set a new record for the fastest front-wheel-drive production car at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, beating the Honda Civic Type R by less than a half-second. The GTI Edition 50, driven by professional racer and Volkswagen development driver Benjamin Leuchter, completed the 12.94-mile track in 7 minutes and 44.523 seconds.
The Honda Civic Type R previously held the record with a time of 7 minutes and 44.881 seconds. The Renault Mégane R.S. Trophy-R came in third with a time of 7 minutes and 45.399 seconds. The GTI Edition 50's record-breaking run was made possible by its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, which produces 321 horsepower.
View Price on AmazonThe GTI Edition 50 also features a specially tuned suspension setup with adaptive dampers and a lowered ride height, as well as an available Performance package that shaves off about 55 pounds. The car also comes with semi-slick tires, which were presumably equipped on the record-breaking model. The GTI that set the record is not like the one currently sold at VW dealerships in the United States, which has a less powerful engine producing 241 horsepower.
The GTI Edition 50 is a limited-edition model that celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Golf GTI. It is available in select markets and comes with a range of unique features, including a distinctive exterior design and a premium interior. The car's record-breaking run at the Nurburgring Nordschleife is a testament to its performance capabilities and handling.
Source: caranddriver.com
