What we know!

On the track, the GTI laid down an impressive 07:46:13, making it the quickest road-legal VW to ever lap the famed circuit. This is a clear hint of the performance that is to come once the production model is available. To that end, expect chassis tweaks, unique Bridgestone Potenza semi–slick tires and forged 19-inch alloy wheels.

But while the GTI Edition 50 is the quickest road-going VW, it is just shy of the quickest front-driver record, which belongs to the current Civic Type R. That lapped at 07:44.881. But keep in mind the GTI Edition 50 is still three seconds faster than the previous-generation Golf GTI Clubsport S and a second quicker than the Golf R 20 Years Edition. In fact, the newcomer is even faster than both of those Golfs, as the GTI Edition 50 completed the longer 20.8-kilometer (12.9-mile) layout. That is because the earlier lap times were recorded on the 20.6-kilometer (12.8-mile) configuration, which omits a 200-meter (656-foot) section. That shorter layout excludes the straight segment of the old start/finish near the T13 stands. That being said, on this version of the track, the special edition lapped the Nurburgring in just 7 minutes and 41.27 seconds.

Although the GTI Edition 50 now stands tall, it is still not quite at the level of the Honda Civic Type R, which trails by 1.25 seconds.

We also don’t know much more about the GTI Edition 50 than this impressive time, but the GTI did see a refresh this year, taking power to 241 hp. All else will be revealed later this month when VW makes its official unveiling. What we do know is that the lap time was set by a near-production test vehicle equipped with a Performance Package.

Power upgrades are also yet to be revealed, but for reference, the standard Golf GTI makes 261 hp from its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. That same four-cylinder, codenamed “EA888 LK3 evo4” is tuned to 296 hp in the GTI Clubsport, but that variant is not sold in the U.S. What is confirmed, though, as part of onboard footage, is that the test car utilized a dual-clutch automatic transmission, which is likely considering that the GTI lost its manual gearbox with the

launch last year of the Mk8.5. In addition, the Golf R has gone DSG-only, though lesser variants of the compact hatch are still offered as a stick in Europe.

When it comes to a face off, the only one that may challenge the GTI Edition 50 is the Golf R Clubsport, provided it comes to be. But regardless, the ID.R will still remain the fastest VW to make the lap at Nurburgring.

Record-setting with performance surely linked to an upcoming production model, the GTI Edition 50 is all things exciting. For those who love speed, this one reached an all-time high – a clear sign of greatness! See what’s in store down the line!