Volkswagen teased the Golf GTI Edition 50 just a few days ago when it confirmed that it had already lapped the Nürburgring racetrack in Germany faster than any other VW before it (in 7:46:13 minutes in case you're interested). Now we have the full details of the special hot hatch, and it's shaping up to be a corker.
Is it more powerful than the standard GTI?
Oh yes. The Edition 50's turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine (VAG engine code geeks: it's the 'EA888 evo4 LK3') produces up to 325hp and 420Nm of torque, significant increases on the base GTI's 265hp and 370Nm, but also usefully more than the GTI Clubsport's 300hp and 400Nm.
Obviously, as is the GTI formula, all power is sent to the front wheels only, though some will lament the lack of a manual gearbox option. A seven-speed, dual-clutch DSG transmission is standard, as is an electronically controlled limited-slip differential that interfaces with the Vehicle Dynamics Manager.
VW quotes a 0-100km/h time of “about” 5.5 seconds and says that the top speed will “probably” be limited to 270km/h. It would seem the car isn't fully homologated.
Has VW's engineers tweaked the chassis?
Yes, though the description of the standard Edition 50 model's chassis is a little vague in the release. The good news is that DCC, VW's adaptive damping system, is fitted by default, as is 'progressive steering', which is Volkswagen-speak for variable-ratio steering.
There's mention of being 15mm lower than the “basic configuration”, but it's not clear if that means the standard GTI or the regular Golf as later in the release the description of the optional 'GTI Performance package with Performance chassis' includes confirmation of another 5mm ride-height drop, making the car “20mm lower than the standard Golf.”
Make of that what you will, but we get a sense that the Edition 50 needs that upgrade package to be notably different to the Clubsport model. It includes new pivot bearings up front that change the camber, 20 per cent higher spring rates, harder bushings, altered suspension mounts and upgraded rear hub carriers.
To make the most of the changes, there are semi-slick Bridgestone Potenza tyres on 'Warmenau' forged-alloy 19-inch rims. The tyres are apparently 1.1kg lighter and the wheels another 3kg lighter, considerably reducing the unsprung mass at each corner of the car. Overall, the GTI Performance package-equipped car is some 30kg lighter.
As ever, there are several driving modes to choose from: Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual will be familiar to all GTI drivers, but the Edition 50 also gets a new Special mode developed at the Nürburgring to cope with such an undulating and bumpy track. Sounds perfect for an Irish back road, too.
Within the Individual setting there's also an S+ mode for the gearbox that allows proper manual selection of the gears (via paddles behind the steering wheel) so that the transmission doesn't ever automatically change up. This is particularly useful on a racetrack.
Is this a stripped-out, track-only car?
Not at all - it's still a practical five-door, five-seat hatchback with all the expected technology and equipment on board, including a 12.9-inch touchscreen with the latest software - and special graphics.
There are special seats for the Edition 50, though, featuring a new take on the characteristic check pattern with a 'Racing Green' line and synthetic velour sections, plus a restyled steering wheel.
Other touches around the cabin include red-and-silver rubber pads for the pedals, unique floor mats, door sill mouldings and even a special key fob.
Is it easy to tell apart from the standard GTI?
It should be. Even the standard Edition 50 gets special wheels. They're 19-inch 'Queenstown' alloys with a distinctive red, glazed finish and the GTI badge at their centre always stays upright, even when the car is in motion.
Meanwhile, the 'GTI 50' logo can be found on the roof spoiler and inner sides of the exterior mirrors. They're painted black, as is the roof and exhaust outlets, while the GTI Performance package comes with an Akrapovič titanium exhaust.
Privacy glass is fitted to the rear windows and there's a black gradient graphic down the sides in case you miss all the other identifiers.
You don't have to have a red car, though, as it's also offered in white, Moonstone grey, Grenadilla black metallic and, unique to this model, Dark Moss green metallic.
How much is the Edition 50 in Ireland?
Your guess is as good as ours. The Golf GTI starts at €59,470, rising to €63,340 for the GTI Clubsport so bank on not far off €70,000 for an Edition 50.