VW GOLF GTI EDITION 50
Celebrating Half a Century of Passion
Images © VOLKSWAGEN AG
Volkswagen has presented the new Golf GTI Edition 50, the most powerful production Golf GTI to date, at the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring (the GTI forthwith won its class in the event) so that this special model can be delivered to customers promptly for the start of its 50th anniversary year.
Production of the exclusive GTI Edition 50, with an output of 239 kW, is scheduled to start in Wolfsburg at the end of this year but at this stage it is not clear whether it will be made available locally in 2026, as the first GTI was only made available in South Africa two years later, in 1978. However, a limited number could be made available due to customer demand.
The Golf GTI is one of the most successful compact sport hatchbacks in the world, with over 2.5 million units produced worldwide to date. With the optional Performance package, the exclusive GTI Edition 50 is the fastest and most powerful GTI to date, as proven by its record lap time of 07:46:13 minutes around the 20.832-kilometre-long Nürburgring Nordschleife racetrack set in April.
The special model is equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine –
modified from the Golf GTI Clubsport delivering 221 kW, with output increased to 239 kW. Compared to the classic Golf GTI in its basic configuration with 195 kW, this is an additional 44 kW. Torque has also increased to 420 Nm, compared with 400 Nm in the Golf GTI Clubsport, while the Golf GTI produces 370 Nm.
The chassis of the GTI Edition 50 has been refined and adapted to the higher power, and the anniversary model stands 15 mm lower than the basic GTI. Volkswagen will also offer an optional GTI Performance package exclusively for the GTI Edition 50. Lowered by another 5 mm, the GTI Edition 50 is 20 mm lower than the standard Golf, and the package comes with size 235 Bridgestone Potenza semi-slick tyres on 19″ Warmenau forged wheels, and a lightweight R-Performance Akrapovič exhaust system with titanium rear silencer.
The Bridgestone tyres provide more grip with less rolling resistance and are around 1.1 kg lighter per tyre than the standard tyres. With a weight of only eight kilograms per rim, the forged wheels are around three kilograms lighter than the standard 19″ wheel rim. In addition, the exhaust system saves a further 11 kg.
EXCLUSIVE INTERIOR EQUIPMENT
Inside, the sporty seats with a check pattern, combined with a line in Racing Green and synthetic velour elements, plus red belts, create a high-quality ambience with a motorsport touch. The newly designed multifunction leather sports steering wheel features trim with the GTI 50 logo.
Outside, the GTI 50 logo stands proud on the roof spoiler and the insides of the exterior mirrors. Other exclusive features include special trim on the door sills, a roof with black paintwork, black exterior mirror housings and black tailpipe trims on the exhaust system. A striking side stripe on the side members with a colour gradient from black to Tornado red additionally underlines the sporty character of the special Golf.
Five exterior colours are planned for the Golf GTI Edition 50: in addition to the characteristic Pure White, the GTI Edition 50 will be available in Moonstone Grey, Grenadilla Black Metallic, and – exclusively for the anniversary model – Dark Moss Green Metallic and Tornado Red.
Tornado Red is the colour that has been synonymous with high-performance Volkswagen vehicles for decades since 1986. Numerous top models of their time have worn the distinctive paint colour, including the Golf II GTI 16V, the Golf III VR6 and the Golf VII GTI TCR.
ASTON MARTIN DBX S
New Flagship for Supercar of SUVs
Images © ASTON MARTIN
Aston Martin has introduced a new DBX flagship, the DBX S. With the dynamic appeal of DBX707 and an engine enhanced by technology transferred directly from the forthcoming Valhalla supercar, DBX S offers a highly engaging and responsive driving experience with even more power, reduced weight, more assertive design, and a suite of exterior and interior enhancements to match.
The DBX S continues a long tradition of Aston Martin utilising the ‘S’ suffix to denote a special, high-performance version of an existing model; the first being Vanquish S, which made its public debut at the Paris Motor Show in 2004. DBX S proves that lighter variants with more power and performance are still very much part of Aston Martin’s core production offering.
At the heart of the new DBX S lies an upgraded version of the 4.0-litre Twin-Turbo V8 powerhouse used in the DBX. With technology transferred directly from the upcoming Valhalla supercar, including larger compressor wheel diameters and other internal improvements, power is increased by a further 15 kW to 535 kW, providing even greater urgency at the very top of the rev range.
The result is a zero to 100 km/h time of just 3.3 seconds and a reduction in acceleration time from zero to 200 km/h of 0.3 seconds. Top speed remains unchanged at an impressive 310 km/h. Further enhancing both performance and its perception is a modified exhaust system amplifying the thunderous V8 engine’s sound.
As with its DBX707 stablemate, DBX S distributes its power between the front and rear wheels in variable proportion – including an ability to send 50% of its torque to the front and up to 100% of its torque to the rear wheels alone – through an innovative nine-speed ‘wet clutch’ transmission.
However, the DBX S gearbox has been further modified with adjusted change-up points, while downshifts in Sport and Sport + modes are even more aggressive. In addition to the power upgrade, measures have been taken to reduce the kerb weight of DBX S, including a new optional carbon fibre roof presented that saves 18 kg of mass.
Lightweight 23″ magnesium wheels, saving 19 kg of unsprung mass, are also now available as an option for the first time on any car in the SUV segment. Both the air springs and electronic dampers have been recalibrated to increase transient body control and reduce weight transference.
Visually, the new DBX S is instantly recognisable by its pure black vaned grille, whilst the lightweight polycarbonate grille with a honeycomb design, taking cues from DBS 770 Ultimate, is also available to specify as an option. New side sills have highly distinctive up-turned air splitters and distinctive ‘S’ signature badging on the front fenders mark the true nature of this beast.
However, the most obvious visual changes are at the rear, where quad exhausts are now vertically stacked and available in both gloss and matte finishes, and a reprofiled rear bumper and diffuser. The DBX S also showcases a new, lower livery design available in three colours, highlighting the front splitter, diffuser, and side sills. The DBX S is available to order now, with first deliveries expected late this year.
OPEL CORSA IRMSCHER
Ultra-limited Edition from Opel
Images © STELLANTIS
Following the excitement generated at last year’s Festival of Motoring, Opel has at last unveiled a sporty derivative of its Corsa locally to celebrate the performance-driven spirit of the German marque’s lineup, including classic model derivatives like the GSE, GSi and Superboss.
Available in Lite, Edition and GS trim, Opel has now added the Corsa Irmscher Edition – an ultra-limited release, featuring just 40 exclusive units to celebrate Opel’s racing heritage, dynamic performance, and bold design. Although not well-known locally, the Irmscher tuning company has been instrumental in Opel’s performance success overseas for over five decades.
These models include the Opel Corsa A Irmscher (this Corsa model was never available in South Africa), as well as the Ascona B i400 rally car, the Vectra touring car, the Astra DTM car and the Omega V8Star Series car. Irmscher customised parts for Opel include alloy wheels, body kits and exhausts as well as various interior fittings.
The design of the Corsa Irmscher Edition draws heavily from Opel’s motorsport-inspired legacy, equipped with carefully selected enhancements to elevate its aesthetics and driving dynamics, including an exclusive front spoiler lip, side skirts, a rear roof spoiler, rear diffuser and spoiler, Irmscher badging, 18” alloy wheels, 225/40R18 tyres, and a 30 mm lower suspension.
Offered in three striking colours, each with a contrasting black roof, the Corsa Irmscher Edition stands out from the crowd. Inside, the vehicle features the same specifications as the GS Line, with the added touch of Irmscher boot and floor mats.
This halo model in the Corsa line-up is now available with a recommended retail price of R534,900. For more information or to book a test drive, visit www.opel.co.za or contact your nearest Opel dealer.
