Volkswagen Celebrates 50 Years of Golf with a Spectacular Showcase at Nürburgring's ADAC 24-Hour Race
Germany's premier motorsport event, the ADAC 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, launches on June 1, with over 200,000 fans set to attend. This year, Volkswagen celebrates the iconic Golf's 50th anniversary by introducing the new Golf GTI Clubsport1, featuring a powerful drive and advanced sports suspension, in a global debut. The event also spotlights the Golf GTI Clubsport 24h, which races in the 24-hour challenge driven by stars like Benny Leuchter and Johan Kristoffersson. The race car numbered 50, showcases alternative fuel power—a nod to Golf's half-century legacy.
At the Ring Boulevard, Volkswagen kicks off the GTI weekend on May 31 by unveiling the Golf GTI Clubsport, its most potent front-wheel-drive model. The redesign features a striking front end, enhanced LED Plus headlights, and an illuminated Volkswagen logo. Aerodynamics get a boost from a large rear spoiler, while the new 19-inch Queenstown3 alloy wheels draw inspiration from the iconic Detroit wheel. Inside, a multifunction leather sports steering wheel and an intuitive new infotainment system heighten the driving experience, complete with IDA voice assistant and Chat GPT integration.
Performance enhancements include an electronically controlled front differential lock and optional DCC adaptive chassis control tailored to the Nürburgring's demanding track. The Golf GTI Clubsport also offers a Special driving profile for optimal performance.
In the race, the Golf GTI Clubsport 24h, prepared by Max Kruse Racing and featuring a turbocharged engine fueled by Shell's innovative bioethanol E20, aims for top performance with its impressive weight-to-power ratio and 450 Nm of torque.
As a prelude to the main event, three classic first-generation Golf GTIs will race in the ADAC 24-hour Classic, celebrating KWL Motorsport's 45th anniversary and 50 years of Golf. These include a powerful 1981 Golf GTI 16S Oettinger and the distinctive 1978 and 1980 models, showcasing GTI's enduring legacy and performance.
