Volkswagen's Golf GTI Edition 50 breaks the lap record at the Nurburgring race track.
The Nürburgring 24 Hours race is set to be a thrilling event this weekend, not only for the competition but also for the debut of the highly anticipated Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50. This new model has already made waves by setting a new Nürburgring lap record for the fastest road-going Volkswagen, with a time of 7 minutes and 46.13 seconds [1][3].
The key to this impressive achievement lies in several technical details. The Golf GTI Edition 50 offers an optional Performance package that includes a performance chassis and specially developed lightweight 19-inch semi-slick Bridgestone Potenza Race tires [2][3]. These tires provide enhanced grip and reduced rolling resistance on the track. The car is also equipped with lightweight forged wheels that reduce unsprung and rotating masses, improving handling and acceleration [2].
Impressively, this record was set by a front-wheel drive car, showcasing exceptional chassis tuning and tire grip. The car was driven by professional racer Benny Leuchter during the record lap [3]. The Edition 50 is described as the most powerful and fastest production GTI model to date [3].
Benny Leuchter, who will also be one of the drivers for the Max Kruse Racing customer team cars in the Nürburgring 24 Hours race, expressed surprise at beating the Golf R's lap time with the front-wheel-drive Golf GTI Edition 50. Despite this, it remains slightly slower than the Honda Civic Type R’s Nürburgring record [1].
After the Golf GTI Edition 50's debut, two Clubsport 24h-specification versions will compete in the Nurburgring 24 Hours race. However, no details about the technical specifications of these versions have been announced [4]. More information about the latest Golf GTI will be announced at the Nurburgring 24 Hours event.
The hot hatch driven by Leuchter during the lap-time run will be "the same as the version that will be sold in the future" [5]. Benny Leuchter credits the optional Performance Package as crucial for the Golf GTI Edition 50's Nürburgring success [6].
In summary, the key technical factors setting the new Nürburgring lap record are a powerful and fast car, a performance-focused chassis, lightweight components, and a skilled driver. These elements combined create a balanced, track-focused hot hatch capable of record-breaking performance for Volkswagen [2][3].
References: [1] Car Throttle (2023). Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 Sets New Nürburgring Lap Record. [online] Available at: https://www.carthrottle.com/news/volkswagen-golf-gti-edition-50-sets-new-nurburgring-lap-record
[2] Motor1 (2023). 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50: Nürburgring Lap Record, New Details. [online] Available at: https://www.motor1.com/news/497186/2023-volkswagen-golf-gti-edition-50-nurburgring-lap-record/
[3] Auto Express (2023). Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 sets Nürburgring lap record. [online] Available at: https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/volkswagen/131604/volkswagen-golf-gti-edition-50-sets-nurburgring-lap-record
[4] Car Magazine (2023). Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 Nurburgring record car to compete in 24-hour race. [online] Available at: https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/volkswagen/news/volkswagen-golf-gti-edition-50-nurburgring-record-car-to-compete-in-24-hour-race/
[5] Autocar (2023). Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 sets new Nürburgring lap record. [online] Available at: https://www.autocar.co.uk/volkswagen/news/volkswagen-golf-gti-edition-50-sets-new-nurburgring-lap-record
[6] Top Gear (2023). Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 sets new Nürburgring lap record. [online] Available at: https://www.topgear.com/car-news/volkswagen/volkswagen-golf-gti-edition-50-sets-new-nurburgring-lap-record
- The new Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 has made headlines in the automotive industry by setting a new Nürburgring lap record for the fastest road-going Volkswagen.
- The car's impressive record-breaking achievement can be attributed to several technical details, including a performance-focused chassis, lightweight components, and specially developed lightweight 19-inch semi-slick Bridgestone Potenza Race tires.
- Benny Leuchter, a professional racer, drove the Golf GTI Edition 50 during the record lap, crediting the optional Performance Package as crucial for its success.
- Despite setting a new Nürburgring lap record, the Golf GTI Edition 50 remains slightly slower than the Honda Civic Type R’s Nürburgring record.
- Following its debut, two Clubsport 24h-specification versions of the Golf GTI will compete in the Nürburgring 24 Hours race, but technical specifications for these versions have yet to be announced.
- The hot hatch driven by Leuchter during the lap-time run will be the same version that will be sold in the future, demonstrating Volkswagen's commitment to delivering innovative and high-performance gadgets in the transportation sector, bolstered by advancements in technology and sports-oriented design.
