Volkswagen is marking the 50th anniversary of its iconic Golf GTI with a retrospective look at three high-performance concept cars originally showcased at the Wörthersee enthusiast events in Austria. These vehicles—the W12-650, GTI Roadster, and Design Vision GTI—represent radical interpretations of the GTI spirit, pushing the boundaries of performance and design.
The W12-650: A Bentley-Powered Beast
The most extreme of the trio is the W12-650, first revealed in 2007. This modified Mk5 GTI swaps its standard engine for a 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 borrowed from the Bentley Continental, delivering 650 metric horsepower (478kW) and 720Nm of torque. The engine resides where the rear seats once were, fed by intakes on the roof and sides.
This setup allows for a blistering 0-100km/h sprint in just 3.7 seconds, with a claimed top speed of 325km/h. The car utilizes components from other Volkswagen Group brands, including brakes from the Audi RS4 and a rear axle from the Lamborghini Gallardo. Aggressive styling includes flared wheel arches, a 70mm lower ride height, and massive 19-inch wheels with 295-section rear tires. For the anniversary, Volkswagen repainted the original white car in Tornado Red.
GTI Roadster Vision Gran Turismo: Digital to Reality
Originally created as a downloadable extra for the PlayStation Gran Turismo series in 2014, the GTI Roadster was later brought to life as a physical concept. Powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo VR6 engine producing 375kW and 560Nm, it drives all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The Roadster boasts a 0-100km/h time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 309km/h. Its open-top design, coupled with prominent wings and upward-swinging doors, makes for a striking, if impractical, machine. The car has been repainted from its original red to a dark green for the 50th-anniversary celebration.
Design Vision GTI: Track-Focused Evolution
First shown in 2013, the Design Vision GTI takes a more measured approach to performance. Based on the Mk7 Golf GTI, it features a 3.0-liter twin-turbo VR6 generating 370kW and 560Nm. All-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission help propel it to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds.
The concept is significantly wider (71mm) and lower (57mm) than a standard GTI, riding on 20-inch wheels with high-performance tires. The interior has been stripped back, with a carbon-fiber dashboard, microfibre surfaces, and a rear brace replacing the seats. This concept remains in its original white paint scheme.
These three concepts showcase Volkswagen’s willingness to explore extreme performance and design possibilities within the GTI lineage. They are not mere styling exercises but rather fully functional vehicles that demonstrate the potential of the GTI platform when unconstrained by production limitations.
