Volkswagen Golf GTI “Edition 35”

Volkswagen has released new images of this Golf GTI “Edition 35”. As its name suggests, it’s been created to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the original Mk1 GTI.

Official press text is thin on the ground at the moment, but we can tell you the Edition 35 has an 18kW increase on the regular GTI. That means peak power is up from 155kW to 173kW.

Outside, there’s model specific 18″ “Watkins Glen” alloy wheels, as well as model specific “35” badging. The front spoiler has also been given a slight tweak. Inside, the “35” theme continues with badging on the door sills and honeycomb trimmed seats. Also included is a dimpled gearknob, a feature honouring the Mk1 once more and previously seen on other special edition GTIs.

The Golf GTI Edition 35 will make its public debut at the annual Wörthersee show in early June. We expect more technical details will be revealed then. We don’t expect this model will find its way down under, but we will ask the question to Volkswagen Australia.

UPDATE 11 May: A brief press release from Volkswagen AG has been added below.

35 years of the Golf GTI: Volkswagen celebrates with anniversary model

• Even more driving fun: Power increased to 235 PS
• Advance sales begin: Special model starts at 30,425 euros

Wolfsburg, 10 May 2011 – 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.