The Golf GTI EDITION 50 has set a new benchmark for Volkswagen in the compact segment: the 239 kW (325 PS) anniversary model is the fastest front-wheel drive production vehicle on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The Golf GTI EDITION 50 – with racing driver and Volkswagen test and development driver Benjamin Leuchter at the wheel – took only 7:44.523 minutes to complete the 20.832-kilometre lap on the legendary racetrack. With its new record time, the Golf GTI EDITION 50 underscores its exceptional position in the Volkswagen model range – as the most powerful and dynamically precise production Golf GTI. The Golf GTI EDITION 50 is also faster than all previous Volkswagen production models on the Nordschleife.

The anniversary model with a motorsport touch. The fastest lap of the Golf GTI EDITION 50 was completed in good weather conditions in the Eifel: with an output of 239 kW (325 PS), acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 270 km/h, the model is predestined for this track. A MacPherson front axle and a four-link rear axle form the basic layout of the chassis. Overall, the anniversary model is 15 mm lower than a classic Golf and is equipped as standard with DCC adaptive chassis control. It is even sportier with the optionally available GTI Performance package EDITION 50, which includes a specially tuned chassis lowered by another five millimetres, a lightweight R-Performance exhaust system with rear silencers in titanium as well as 19‑inch forged alloy wheels and size 235/35 R19 91Y Bridgestone Potenza Race semi-slick tyres. The most powerful Golf GTI production model was equipped with this Performance package on its fast lap at the Nürburgring.

GTI with impressive performance level. Benjamin Leuchter knows the Golf GTI EDITION 50 down to the smallest detail and knows the Nordschleife like the back of his hand. “The Nordschleife is unique with its bends, very different sections, bumps and even jumps,” explains Leuchter. “And the same is true for this GTI: with impressive power, a very neutral set-up and at the same time the ability to take any bumps in its stride. The Golf GTI EDITION 50 is therefore more than just an anniversary model: it shows what performance in the compact segment can feel like when technical expertise, passion and 50 years of GTI history come together.”

Five decades of GTI: three letters that have made history. Since 1976, the name GTI has been synonymous at Volkswagen with pure driving pleasure and a unique, unmistakable lifestyle. The recipe for success has remained the same over generations: a powerful drive, precise chassis tuning, systematic use of front-wheel drive, an understated and athletic design language and unrestricted everyday usability. This basic idea has been developed further in every GTI generation and adapted to new technical possibilities. More than 2.5 million GTI models have been produced worldwide to date. Volkswagen is now faithfully continuing this tradition with the Golf GTI EDITION 50 anniversary model. As the most powerful production Golf GTI so far, it combines the classic GTI virtues with the latest chassis and drive technology – and has added another chapter to GTI history with its record-breaking drive on the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Volkswagen has developed a new full hybrid drive that combines temporary electric driving with high efficiency and a long range. The new drive system is scheduled to be used in the Golf Hybrid and T-Roc Hybrid from the fourth quarter of the year. The new hybrid models are not dependent on charging cables and charging infrastructure: the energy for the electric drive phases is recovered on board these Volkswagen models by means of recuperation and using a turbocharged petrol engine in combination with a generator. The new full hybrid system will in future be offered in two output levels and offers reduced fuel consumption compared with a mild hybrid drive. Volkswagen will present the details of the new drive system in the Austrian capital Vienna as part of the International Vienna Motor Symposium (22 to 24 April 2026).

The full hybrid drive offers numerous advantages: compared with a simpler mild hybrid, it enables a higher proportion of electric driving and thus lower emissions and consumption values as well as reduced fuel costs. In comparison with an externally rechargeable plug-in hybrid drive, the purchase costs of the full hybrid are lower, and it requires no charging infrastructure. Taking the Golf as an example, the new hybrid system can be identified by the designation ‘Hybrid’ and closes the gap here between the mild hybrid, which is already available as ‘eTSI’, and the plug-in hybrids. These can be ordered in the Golf under the label ‘eHybrid’ or as a sporty GTE. Volkswagen is thus using an even wider spectrum of electrified drive systems, enabling it to offer a suitable drive solution for every usage scenario and every customer in addition to the all-electric ID.models.

Innovative hybrid module. The new hybrid drive powers the front axle. Its fundamental components are the hybrid module, the turbocharged petrol engine (TSI) and the lithium-ion battery. The hybrid module includes, among other things, an electric motor as the drive motor, a second electric motor as a generator, power electronics, a differential and a one-speed gearbox as well as an electronically controlled multiplate clutch with its own control unit, which is used to engage and disengage the TSI in the drive train. An electric A/C compressor and an electric brake servo are also integrated in the front end. The high-voltage battery, matched to the hybrid drive with NMC cells and with a capacity of 1.6 kWh (gross) usual for HEV vehicles, is integrated into the vehicle floor at the rear of both the Golf and 
the T-Roc.

Three operating modes. Volkswagen has designed the interaction between the turbocharged petrol engine (1.5 TSI evo2), two electric motors and high-voltage battery to achieve a good balance of efficiency, dynamics and comfort. The electric motor responsible for the drive power replaces or supports the turbocharged petrol engine in all those phases in which it offers additional efficiency. For example, the Golf Hybrid and T-Roc Hybrid therefore often run on electric power alone, making them very quiet when moving off, at low speeds and thus in urban traffic.

The drive system offers three operating modes that are automatically activated by the vehicle depending on the usage profile:

• Propulsion by electric motor – driving at low speeds powered using the electric motor alone, the TSI is switched off.
• Serial drive – electric motor plus generator: driving with electric motor. The TSI is active but decoupled in order to generate energy for the electric motor via a generator in an optimal operating window and thus extend the electric range.
• Parallel drive – petrol engine and electric motor – the TSI is active as the primary drive system from around 60 km/h on country roads and motorways; the electric motor supports the turbocharged engine, for example, as a booster when accelerating. 

Three driving profiles. The driver will be able to choose between three driving profiles on board the new Golf Hybrid and T-Roc Hybrid: Eco, Comfort and Sport. In the Eco driving profile, the maximum system output is limited to 70 per cent and the boost function is deactivated to reduce energy consumption. The Comfort profile does not limit the system output and allows boosting. In the Sport driving profile, the sporty characteristics are achieved by the drive changing earlier to serial mode so that full power is made available quickly.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Volkswagen R will take part in the 24h Nürburgring in 2027. For this purpose, the brand from Warmenau is developing an all-wheel drive Golf R for the racetrack together with Max Kruse Racing. A new show car already provides a first glimpse of the spectacular racing car. The race participation marking the 25th anniversary of the Volkswagen R brand is a clear commitment to the brand’s roots: the ‘R’ is derived from ‘racing’ – and taking part in the race will make this aspiration visible in competition.

Since the introduction of the Golf R32 in 2002, Volkswagen R has stood for the sportiest and most powerful production vehicles of the Volkswagen brand. The close link to motorsport and the concept of ‘racing’ is an integral part of the brand’s DNA. “The 24h Nürburgring is the toughest test for us under real competitive conditions,” says Reinhold Ivenz, Head of Volkswagen R. “The Nürburgring is also our test and development track, and we will meet people at the 24h race who share our passion for performance – which is why the project is a perfect match for Volkswagen R.”

A racing version of the current Golf R with all-wheel drive designed for the demanding requirements of the Nordschleife will be developed for the race. Volkswagen is now giving a first glimpse of the racing car with a show car that will be presented to the public in the Ring Boulevard at the Nürburgring. "With the Golf R 24H show car, we are making our vision for 2027 tangible at an early stage. The preparatory work for the real racing car has already begun. Even though we don’t want to reveal much about the technology yet: fans of the 24h Nürburgring can look forward to the most spectacular Golf R to date,” continues Reinhold Ivenz.

After three years with the Golf GTI Clubsport, Volkswagen is opening a new chapter in the 24h Nürburgring with the Golf R 24H. Long-standing partner Max Kruse Racing continues to be an important part of the project. On the team side, co-founder Benjamin Leuchter is responsible for the programme – as a test and development driver, he is also significantly involved in the fine-tuning of the sportiest Volkswagen production models. The aim of the race participation is to demonstrate the performance of Volkswagen R in competition, to test technical development under racing conditions and to take cooperation with Max Kruse Racing to a new level.

About Volkswagen R. The roots of the Volkswagen R brand lie directly in motorsport: the ‘R’ was derived from the term ‘Volkswagen Racing’. The first R logo was also graphically based on this origin. The first production version of this new performance model series was the particularly sporty Golf R32 in 2002, which set new standards with a 3.2-litre VR6 engine, all-wheel drive and the first direct shift gearbox in the Golf class. The model positioned itself clearly above the GTI product line and laid the foundation for the further development of the R brand.

Since then, Volkswagen R has established itself as an independent premium performance brand within Volkswagen. Powerful drives, precisely tuned chassis and innovative technologies – in combination with the 4MOTION all-wheel drive – characterise the R models. The appearance of the R models is rounded off by sporty understatement: a deliberately restrained, independent design with clear and characteristic R accents in combination with high-quality materials. In motorsport, Volkswagen R has achieved great success in the past with four Rally World Championship titles with the Polo R WRC and several electric records with the ID.R sports car. And even without a classic works team, motorsport is firmly anchored in the DNA of Volkswagen R: findings from test and development drives and the experience of racing drivers such as Benjamin Leuchter continue to flow into the development of the R models right up to the present day.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

01. Concept car. The vehicle is not offered for sale

02. Golf R - combined energy consumption: 8.3-8.1 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 188-183 g/km; CO₂ class: G

03. Golf GTI Clubsport - combined energy consumption: 7.5-7.3 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 171-166 g/km; CO₂ class: F

04. Golf GTI Clubsport 24h - race car

05. Golf GTI EDITION 50 – Combined energy consumption: 7.9-7.6 l/100 km; Combined CO₂ emissions: 179-173 g/km; CO₂ class: G–F

Everything is new in the ID.3 Neo! The successor to the ID.3 is celebrating its world premiere with a new name and has been extensively enhanced and upgraded. The exterior features include a new vehicle front design based on Volkswagen’s “Pure Positive” design language and a new light design. The interior impresses with a redesigned cockpit landscape with intuitive controls, embedded in interior materials at the level of the next-higher class. The new efficient drive system of the ID.3 Neo – combined with the largest of the three available batteries – additionally enables ranges of up to 630 km (WLTP). Pre-sales of the electric compact model will start in Germany and many European markets tomorrow, Thursday, 16 April 2026.

Martin Sander, Member of the Board of Management responsible for Sales, Marketing and After Sales: “We have developed the new vehicle generation based on the motto ‘True Volkswagen’ and have consistently placed the benefits for our customers at the centre of our actions. In addition to the long range, models such as the ID.3 Neo impress with a superior, timeless design that provides long-lasting pleasure, high quality for a noticeably first-class driving experience and technical perfection that can always be relied on. This is complemented by particularly intuitive operation, which makes everyday driving easier and more convenient”.

In addition to many standard assist systems (such as Lane Assist, Front Assist and the turning brake function), the electric compact model has been given a bandwidth of new functions thanks to the latest software generation. These include, for example, the enhanced Connected Travel Assist with traffic light recognition (optional) as well as one-pedal driving, where the vehicle recuperates until it comes to a standstill. In addition, as with all new ID. models, it is now possible to supply power to external devices – from electric barbeques to e-bikes – with an output of up to 3.6 kW directly from the high-voltage battery using the vehicle-to-load function.

New design clarity. The exterior of the ID.3 Neo reflects the True Volkswagen philosophy in the form of newly designed vehicle front end with a continuous light strip and illuminated logo. The design reflects the Volkswagen “Pure Positive” design language defined by Andreas Mindt, Chief Designer of the brand and Group. As with classic Volkswagen compact models, the roof, rear spoiler and boot lid are painted in the vehicle colour, which makes the ID.3 Neo appear longer, flatter and more dynamic.

High-quality, clear, intuitive operation – 100% Volkswagen. As soon as the doors of the ID.3 Neo are opened, it is obvious that the new model is characterised by a completely new level of quality and clarity. This can be seen in the high-quality materials that have a pleasant feel, the clear horizontal layout of lines and surfaces, new ergonomic and self-explanatory controls, easy-to-grip buttons and intuitive controllers for central functions. The multifunction steering wheel has also been completely redesigned with a rim that is flattened at the top and bottom and clearly structured button panels. The new Infotainment system (Innovision) with 26.0-cm (10.25-inch) Digital Cockpit and a 32.8-cm (12.9-inch) central display impresses with its fluid graphics and easy operation.

New high-efficiency drive. The drive system of the ID.3 Neo is a new development. It offers higher torque and lower consumption than the previous motors. As a result, ranges of up to 630 km (WLTP) are possible in the ID.3 Neo. At the launch, the new model will be available in three equipment lines (Trend, Life and Style) and with three power outputs, as well as three different battery sizes. The three electric drive motors develop an output of 125 kW (170 PS), 140 kW (190 PS) and 170 kW (231 PS). The 125-kW version is paired with a battery with an energy content of 50 kWh (net). It is the standard configuration of the ID.3 Neo Trend. The ID.3 Neo Life and ID.3 Neo Style will also be optionally configurable with a 58-kWh battery (net) and 140 kW as well as a 79- kWh battery (net) with 170 kW. The batteries with an energy content of 50 and 58 kWh have a DC charging capacity of up to 105 kW at a constant high level at DC quick-charging stations, while the 79 kWh version has a charging capacity of up to 183 kW.

Additional services. The new ID. models have the new Innovision Infotainment system on board. A new app store has also been integrated into the In-Car Shop of the new infotainment system, which allows functions and services to be activated or extended digitally, flexibly and on a vehicle-specific basis. As with a smartphone, popular apps from areas such as audio, video streaming, parking, charging and gaming are available for download here.

Many equipment options. The optional equipment includes an augmented reality head-up display, a large panoramic sunroof, 360-degree Area View, a massage and memory function for the front seats, a premium sound system from Harman Kardon, the memory function for Park Assist Pro and a removable bracket for mounting a bicycle carrier for tow bars (up to 75-kg tow bar load).

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

02. Range determined on the rolling road test bed in accordance with the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) in the most range-favourable equipment variant. The actual WLTP range values may differ depending on the equipment. The actual range achieved under real conditions varies depending on the driving style, speed, use of comfort features or auxiliary equipment, outside temperature, number of passengers/load and topography

03. ID.3 Neo (125 kW) - Combined power consumption 13.9-14.9 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions 0 g/km; CO₂ class: A

04. ID.3 Neo (140 kW) - Combined power consumption 13.9-14.9 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions 0 g/km; CO₂ class: A

05. ID.3 Neo (170 kW) - Combined power consumption 14.4-15.7 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions 0 g/km; CO₂ class: A

06. Maximum possible charging capacity. The charging behaviour of different charging stations can differ, even if their kW capacity is the same. In addition to a charging station’s kW output, the maximum charge current also influences the amount of energy that flows. Furthermore, the ambient temperature, battery temperature and charge level influence the maximum possible charging capacity. The specified maximum charging capacity is calculated under WLTP conditions at a temperature of approx. 23 °C and a charge level from five per cent. If these variables change, the charging capacity may deviate from the specified standard value