Volkswagen 2026: 50 years of GTI history and the debut of the first electric performance model

VW GTI: 50 years of legend and a new electric era

The year 2026 promises to be a landmark year for speed and technology enthusiasts. Volkswagen is preparing to celebrate half a century of existence for its legend, the Golf GTI, while simultaneously opening the doors to the future by launching the first electric model to bear this famous acronym: the new ID. Polo GTI.

Here's a detailed look at this bridge between tradition and innovation.

1976–2026: Half a Century of "Hot Hatch"

In 1976, Volkswagen created a niche that would change the automotive industry forever. What began as an ambitious project by a few engineers quickly turned into a global phenomenon.

• The initial bet: VW had planned a limited series of only 5,000 units.
• Reality: The success was so great that in the first year, sales exceeded estimates tenfold. By the end of the first generation, over 461,000 units had rolled off the assembly lines.
• Performance for the time: The first Golf GTI weighed just over 800 kg and had a 110 hp engine. It reached 100 km/h in 9 seconds — figures that seem modest today, but which in the 1970s humiliated much more expensive sports cars.

Golf GTI Edition 50: King of the Nürburgring

To mark its 50th anniversary, Volkswagen has launched the Golf GTI Edition 50. This is not just a visual homage, but a "beast" that has rewritten the brand's records on the Nordschleife circuit.

2026: The Electric Revolution – ID. Polo GTI

If the Golf GTI Edition 50 represents the pinnacle of combustion engines, next year also marks the beginning of the electric era for the performance division. Volkswagen has officially confirmed that the production model derived from the ID. GTI concept will be called the ID. Polo GTI.

Why ID. Polo?

The decision is part of a new brand strategy through which Volkswagen brings back iconic names (Polo, Golf, Tiguan) to its electric range to make them more accessible and familiar to the public.

• Platform: Based on the new MEB Entry architecture (front-wheel drive).
• Power: Approximately 226 hp, providing instant acceleration typical of electric propulsion.
• Vintage Technology: An innovative software feature will allow the driver to simulate the driving characteristics of older GTI models. For example, you can choose to have the car behave (in terms of power delivery and simulated sound) like a 1976 Golf GTI Mk1 or a Mk2.
• Design: Keeps the hallowed elements: the red stripe in the grille, the checkered pattern seats (now called "Jack-e") and an aggressive stance.

A historic transition

The year 2026 will be the time when the “old guard” will hand over the baton. While collectors will fight for the last petrol Edition 50 examples, the new generation of fans will have the opportunity to test the agility of a silent but extremely fast GTI.

Did you know? Although it is a small-class electric model, the ID. Polo GTI promises an interior space comparable to that of a current Golf, thanks to the long wheelbase allowed by the electric platform.