As some of you may recall, since its introduction in 1976, Volkswagen has made somewhat of a tradition of creating special and limited edition models to commemorate milestone anniversaries for its GTI car and brand.

Given the fact that 2011 marks the GTI’s 35-year anniversary, things will be no different, says VW, as they have announced the “35 Edition” GTI to go on sale later this week in Germany.

This special edition car comes with a unique front fascia befitting of the occasion, along with unique wheels and other exterior and interior design to make the car one-of-a-kind. Looking around, one will find the “35″ boldly placed on the wing panels, door sill plates, head restraints and the center seat panel. Of course, the Edition 35 models all come well-equipped, and will even feature a unique, crowned metal key ring with action styling.

But all of the custom cosmetic touches would be for nil if it weren’t also appropriately modified to match the aggressive styling, which is why VW decided to bump the power from the standard GTI’s 207 horsepower (210 PS) to 232 horsepower (235 PS).

VW will be showing off its latest GTI at the well-known GTI meet at Wörthersee from June 1st through the 4th.

The 35th anniversary of the Golf GTI was an impetus for Volkswagen to create a very special type of anniversary model. In Germany, from May 12th orders are taken for the anniversary model offered under the “Edition 35” label.

Since the debut of the first Golf GTI in 1976, this sporty Volkswagen has enjoyed an uninterrupted history of success spanning 35 years. The GTI has long become a car with cult appeal as well as an independent brand. Milestone GTI anniversaries have always been celebrated with exclusive special models. Volkswagen now continues in this tradition with the Golf GTI Edition 35: its coherent design approach combines classic GTI elements with features specially created for the Edition 35. Not only does the front bumper glisten in a new design; the car’s exterior and interior showcase the special model’s exclusivity as well. The "35" signature appears on the wing panels, door sill plates, head restraints and centre seat panel. The highly equipped concept, with its love for details, is also crowned by a high-end metal key ring in action styling. Along with customised features, the special model also promises more driving fun with power increased from 210 to 235 PS compared to the production model.

The Golf GTI Edition 35 celebrates its world debut at the legendary GTI Meet at Wörthersee to be held from June 1st to 4th. Volkswagen will also be showing other well-known GTI anniversary models at this event, such as the Edition 20 and Edition 30. The anniversary model is available at a base price of 30,425 euros; it is a car that will appeal to both established GTI customers and interested prospective buyers. Its market launch in Germany begins in mid-June.

Here in the U.S., we’re still waiting on the Volkswagen Golf R, the 270-hp, all-wheel-drive über-GTI, but VW already is working on its replacement. The current, sixth-generation Golf, after all, is not much more than an extensive face lift of the previous generation, and the U.S. is chronically late to receive new VW product.

While we fully recommend that those searching for a hot hatch take a close look at the GTI—and that patient shoppers wait to drive the Golf R—the Golf VII is a good reason to extend the wait perhaps a bit more. Built on the Modularer Querbaukasten (or MQB) platform, the Golf VII will share its architecture with a large number of VW Group models, including the third-gen Audi A3. The next Golf not only will be more angular and aerodynamic, it will be entirely new under the skin, which means lighter and more agile.


These characteristics also pertain to the next GTI and R. Our photographers caught these two mules—wearing Golf VI bodies—testing in Europe. The new car will be slightly longer and wider, the latter evidenced by the plastic fender flares needed to accommodate the swollen rear track on these cars.

Power Bumps—and Bruises

VW won't tinker with the formula of the GTI and the Golf R. The GTI will keep its EA888 engine, a 2.0-liter turbo four that drives the front wheels. It currently makes 200 hp in the U.S.—210 in most other markets—but could see a slight bump to 220 hp or so. That boost will be a welcome (and small) step in lessening the gap between the GTI and competitors such as the 263-hp Mazdaspeed 3. The XDS, a function of the stability control that mimics a limited-slip differential, will stay in place.

The changes to the Golf R are slightly more significant, in that this model will lose its current 2.0-liter EA113 engine and move to the coming third-generation 2.0-liter EA888 architecture. The EA113 is an older and somewhat sturdier design, but the next EA888 will easily handle the 300 hp that VW has envisioned for the Golf R. This model will remain all-wheel-drive, its 300 hp bringing it into the rally-bruiser territory occupied by the Mitsubishi Evolution and Subaru WRX STI. The Golf R, however, should be the most refined of the group.

To visually distinguish it from the GTI, the Golf R could sport quadruple exhaust pipes as seen on this test mule. It's a cool touch that evokes Audi's S models, and we hope it survives on the production car. Inside, the differences will be more pronounced. The GTI will keep its traditional motif with red stripes and checkered fabric, while the Golf R will have different upholstery and instrumentation with blue needles on cold white dials.

We expect the GTI to arrive here in 2013 as a 2014 model; the Golf R could appear a year later. Please, VW, don't wait until the test mules of the eighth generation are all over the place.