The GTI for a new era: 50 years after the debut of the first GTI, Volkswagen is now presenting the first all-electric model with the world-famous badge – the completely newly developed ID. Polo GTI with an output of 166 kW (226 PS). It is a powerful and highly agile compact sports car that passes the 100 km/h mark from a standstill in 6.8 seconds – but at the same time is suitable for everyday driving. Like with the first GTI in 1976, the drive power of the new ID. Polo GTI is also transferred to the wheels via the front axle – a maximum of 290 Newton-metres that is available at lightning speed. This power is perfectly proportioned thanks to the electronically controlled front differential lock equipped as standard. The world premiere of the ID. Polo GTI took place today, Friday, at the 24h race at the Nürburgring. Pre-sales are scheduled to start in Germany this autumn at a price of just under 39,000 euros.

Pure GTI in all areas. With its clear design, GTI features and powerful front-wheel drive, the ID. Polo GTI continues the legacy of the first Golf GTI from 1976. These unique hereditary characteristics have been visually and technically reinterpreted. In addition to the front differential lock, the standard technical equipment includes the adaptive DCC sports suspension and progressive steering specially developed for the GTI. Furthermore, the ID. Polo GTI’s high output of 166 kW (226 PS) and maximum torque (290 Nm) are generally available at all times to deliver particularly dynamic handling and that unique GTI feeling. As a result, the first electric GTI also feels like a quintessential GTI.

Another new feature is the GTI driving profile, which is activated by a button on the sports steering wheel. All drive and chassis systems (including the power delivery of the electric motor, the standard-equipment progressive steering and the adaptive DCC sports chassis also on board as standard) are switched to maximum sportiness with a single click. The cockpit also changes to a specific colour and graphics scheme.

52 kWh battery and DC charging with a particularly constant charging curve. The APP290 drive system is responsible for propulsion of the ID. Polo GTI. This system is supplied with power by the nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery with an energy content of 52 kWh (net). It enables a WLTP range of up to 424 km and can be charged at DC stations with up to 105 kW. Thanks to a particularly constant charging curve, the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in about 24 minutes at a DC quick-charging station.

A GTI at first glance. A GTI from Volkswagen embodies clear design – timeless, with balanced proportions and powerful. This was already the case with the first Golf GTI in 1976 and was just as true for the first Polo GTI in 2006. The new ID. Polo GTI seamlessly follows on from this. In terms of body layout, it follows the new Volkswagen Pure Positive design language, creating a compact sports car with a clear and powerful stance atop its standard-equipment 19-inch alloy wheels. The iconic red stripe is a distinctive feature at the front. It has served as a hallmark of this sporty brand since the first Golf GTI. On the ID. Polo GTI too, the stripe stretches over almost the entire width, with a 3D GTI logo incorporated on the left. An LED light strip, the illuminated VW badge and the new standard-equipment IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights are positioned above this as a horizontal bar. The air intake with a characteristic GTI honeycomb pattern is located slightly lower down. Two red-painted vertical elements are incorporated in the outer areas. Their design resembles the towing eyes from motor sports.

GTI silhouette and rear end. The ID. Polo GTI silhouette is powerful and clear. It reveals the most well-known Volkswagen design feature: the C-pillar inspired by the first Golf. This states clearly that this is a Volkswagen. A stabilising element is the straight-lined window shoulder, and the rear end also has a striking design: as a unique feature, the GTI is equipped with a roof spoiler that is divided in the middle. The ID. Polo GTI’s light design is characterised by the standard-equipment IQ.LIGHT version of the tail light clusters, each with two outer three-dimensional LED elements. On the GTI, the transparent areas between them and the VW logo are also illuminated in red. The two-part black rear diffuser has a muscular appearance. In short: even without the three legendary letters on the rear, this model is clearly recognisable as a GTI.

GTI interior. Red and black dominate the interior of the ID. Polo GTI. The colours can be found in a number of features in the cockpit landscape. These include the contrasting red topstitching on the new GTI sports steering wheel and the red marking incorporated in the steering wheel rim at 12 o’clock, similar to the marking commonly used in motor sports. A narrow red stripe also extends across the entire width of the dash panel. Red topstitching is also used in the doors and on the front outer edges of the standard-equipment premium sport seats (front) and rear seats. The inner surfaces of the seats are upholstered in a fabric that reinterprets the legendary tartan check of historic GTI models. The red GTI emblem is integrated into the integral head restraints on the front sports seats. This can also be found – illuminated – on the multi-function sports steering wheel. The two paddles for adjusting the recuperation level are another new steering wheel feature.

GTI also with retro display. The cockpit landscape in the ID. Polo GTI has a clear and balanced layout. The Digital Cockpit – the digital instruments – and the infotainment display are arranged on one visual axis. The Digital Cockpit measures 26 cm (10.25 inches) across the diagonal and offers different display views. If the driver uses the View button on the steering wheel to activate the retro display, for example, the instruments are transformed into the style of a late Golf I. The infotainment system touch display located in the centre of the dash panel measures 32.77 cm (12.9 inches) across the diagonal and is as large as a premium tablet. If the retro display is active, graphic details in the style of the Golf I are also displayed here. An example of this is the track display for songs, which is then shown as a cassette – the portable form of music storage popular in the 1980s.

GTI space miracle. The ID. Polo GTI is also a small space miracle thanks to the particularly compact drive modules: this means passengers have 19 mm more interior space available than in the Polo GTI with combustion engine (MQB). The interior width and headroom have also increased, while the luggage compartment volume has grown by more than 25 per cent – from 351 to 441 litres. When the rear seat backrests are folded down, the load capacity increases to 1,240 litres (Polo MQB: 1,125 litres). This extra space makes the ID. Polo GTI more of a dynamic all-rounder than any of its predecessors. The detachable ball coupling offers additional variability: with a drawbar load of 75 kg, this can easily hold a bicycle carrier with two e-bikes. Thanks to a towing capacity of up to 1.2 tonnes (braked, 12 per cent gradient), this small Volkswagen can also pull motorbikes on a trailer, for example.

GTI optional equipment. Optional equipment for the ID. Polo GTI includes features such as a high-end sound system from Harman Kardon with a music output of 425 Watts and 10 speakers, including a centre speaker for clear voice transmission, and a subwoofer. Also available as an option: a large panoramic sunroof. One new feature for this segment is the pneumatic massage function for the electrically adjustable 12-way front seats. For drivers who prefer a particularly dynamic experience, a 19-inch premium sports tyre (235/40/19), the Bridgestone Potenza Sport specifically developed for the ID. Polo GTI, will be available as an option.

Connected Travel Assist with traffic light recognition. Thanks to MEB+ and the latest software, the ID. Polo GTI comes with a large number of state-of-the-art assist systems as standard. Assist systems such as the next generation of Travel Assist will be additionally available as optional equipment. Since the system uses online data, it has been renamed ‘Connected Travel Assist’. The system for assisted lateral and longitudinal guidance can now also detect red traffic lights and automatically brake the ID. Polo GTI to a standstill within the system limits. Another new feature is one-pedal driving for rapid deceleration through control of the accelerator alone.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

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

It will be a race weekend all about the three legendary red letters: Volkswagen is celebrating 50 years of the GTI at the 24h Nürburgring (14-17 May 2026) – marking half a century of driving pleasure and motorsport passion. At the same time, the Volkswagen brand is opening a new chapter in the anniversary year and will unveil the new ID. Polo GTI in the unique atmosphere at the Nürburgring on Friday. For the first time, an all-electric model will bear the renowned GTI badge. However, the world premiere is just one highlight of this special GTI weekend: just one day later, three Golf GTI Clubsport 24h cars will compete in the world-famous endurance race.

The largest motorsport event in Germany with an estimated 280,000 spectators is the ideal location for the GTI anniversary weekend: the world premiere of the sporty ID. Polo GTI is scheduled to take place in the Ring-Boulevard in front of a large crowd of motorsport fans.

Volkswagen also has ambitious goals on the racetrack and is entering two Golf GTI Clubsport 24h in the GTI anniversary design in the SP4T class of the 24-hour marathon. Car number 50 will be driven by race car driver and VW test and development driver Benjamin Leuchter (D), eight-time FIA World Rallycross Champion Johan Kristoffersson (S) and Nürburgring specialists Heiko Hammel (D) and Nico Otto (D) – with the aim of achieving a class victory for the third time in a row. Fabian Vettel (D), Timo Hochwind (D) and Jonathan Mogotsi (ZA) and Nico Otto will compete in the second Golf GTI Clubsport 24h with car number 76. In addition, another Golf GTI Clubsport 24h with car number 10 will race in the SP3T class, with former German national soccer team player Max Kruse (D), Christoph Lenz (D), Matthias Wasel (D) and Jens Dralle (D) behind the wheel. All three Golf GTI Clubsport 24 cars will be prepared and entered by Max Kruse Racing from Duisburg (D).

Ready for the long distance and the challenge. The Golf GTI Clubsport 24h with an output of 397 PS (291 kW) has been further enhanced compared with last year. Active gearbox cooling is a new feature on board, for example – one of many measures to achieve maximum reliability in the 24-hour endurance test. In addition, the calibration of the engine has been fine-tuned. When it comes to weight, the GTI relies on lightweight construction: just as the doors were made of carbon fibre composite starting in 2025, the boot lid is now also made of the same material. In total, the GTI weighs only 1,200 kg (without driver) – the best prerequisites for both agility and speed. In addition, the race chassis has been adapted in nearly every aspect to handle the GTI Clubsport 24h’s immense power and the extreme stresses imposed by the winding and undulating Nordschleife. All three Golf GTI Clubsport 24h are powered by the innovative E20 fuel. It is made from 60 per cent renewable raw materials, offers top performance and helps to reduce CO₂ emissions.

From show car to parade – Volkswagen will spotlight the GTI and performance. On the public presentation area in the Ring-Boulevard of the Nürburgring, Volkswagen will not only unveil the new electric ID. Polo GTI at the race weekend, but also other high-performance models from Volkswagen. Another highlight will be the Golf R 24H show car, which will give a first glimpse of the Volkswagen race car for the 24h race at the Nürburgring in 2027. Shortly before the start of the endurance race, historic GTI models will take centre stage: around 40 Volkswagen GTIs from all eight generations will take to the Nordschleife track in a parade to greet the many fans lining the circuit – and the new ID. Polo GTI will naturally be there too.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

01. Golf GTI Clubsport 24h - race car

02. ID. Polo GTI - near-production vehicle. The model is not yet available for sale

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

04. Golf R 24H - show car

05. ID. Polo GTI - Near-production concept vehicle. The model is not yet available for sale. Preliminary forecast values: Combined power consumption 16.4-14.4 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions 0 g/km; CO₂ class: A

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