06/20/2025
Our Top 10 nerd out on the GTi 50th - we spoke to the team of engineers behind this MQB ‘parts bin special’.
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1) There’s a LOT of engineering love under the body - special suspension geometry, parts seen on the Clubsport S, upgraded spring rates, the strongest strut mounts in the group, etc
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2) Unsprung weight - we think around 17lbs removed due to the wheels and tires.
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3) Speaking of tires - the ones on this car are not the final version, the ‘real’ ones are specific to VW and possibly this model. They will have a special mark as the special OE Porsche tires have.
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4) RED SEAT BELTS! We yell this because very specifically the project leader said this was a direct throwback to the Mk3 Jubilee Edition. That’s cool and we appreciate you Sir.
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5) That seat material pattern. Enough said.
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6) Small details with in a short period of time - the red pedals surprised us, but we dig ‘em. The black door pull handles (probably have a fancy name, “charcoal nightfall” or something but yeah).
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7) That short period of time.. reportedly about one year, from when the 50th anniversary was decided, during which time the engineering and chassis team went to work so that it wasn’t just cosmetic changes.
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8) Gloss black and stickers… not overly done, but enough that you notice. The Mk3 had red stripes on the door trims. The Mk5 had special wheels and lips. We’re not mad it’s relatively subtle.
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9) Horsepower is up - still slightly below the Golf R, but the engineering and passion the team spoke of was clear, and we trust they made the best balance for the chassis which is what our number 9 is. They cared, they really cared.. Especially based on the result..:
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10) This car is faster than any production Golf R, Clubsport S, or anything else factory for sale VW on the ‘Ring. With the same driver. The Clubsport S was special. It had less doors, less seats, it was extreme. This one ‘just’ had the 50th Performance Package. That’s pretty cool.
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And as a bonus - we heard a secret sauce thing about the record lap… the back seats were folded down. Why? Apparently it lowers the centre of gravity. Smart…!
