Latest news with #BridgestonePotenzaRace
Mid East Info
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
Bridgestone Develops Bespoke Potenza Race Tyres for Volkswagen Golf GTI's Record-Breaking 50th Anniversary Model
Bridgestone, a global leader in premium tyres and sustainable mobility solutions, has developed custom Potenza Race semi-slicks for Volkswagen's new Golf GTI EDITION 50, the Golf GTI's exclusive 50th anniversary model. Engineered to perfectly match and enhance the high performance capabilities of the fastest and most powerful production GTI to date, Bridgestone's custom racing fitment leverages the motorsports heritage of its iconic Potenza family. Developed and produced in Europe, the premium Bridgestone Potenza Race fitment features a high-grip compound with an optimised cavity profile for maximum dry performance, a tread pattern designed to perform even in the wet, and a high-strength, lightweight carcass to reduce rolling resistance. Providing the precision and control to make history: Volkswagen unveiled the Golf GTI EDITION 50 at the world-famous 24-hour race held at Germany's iconic Nürburgring – where the exclusive model already set the fastest-ever Nürburgring lap time for a Volkswagen production model. 1 Earlier in 2025, the Golf GTI EDITION 50I completed a lap of the 20.82-kilometre Nordschleife in just 07:46:13. 1 The record-breaking car was exclusively equipped with custom Bridgestone Potenza Race fitment, delivering consistent ultra-high grip across the full lap, and the precision and control needed to make history on the demanding Nürburgring circuit. 'Our bespoke Potenza Race tyres were engineered to extract every ounce of performance from the Golf GTI EDITION 50,' said Radoslaw Bolkowski, Vice President OE Sales at Bridgestone EMEA. 'Seeing them help deliver a record-breaking Nürburgring lap is a brilliant moment for our team and a testament to what's possible when two performance-driven brands collaborate closely. We're very proud to help Volkswagen make history once again.' Bridgestone is the exclusive tyre supplier for the optional GTI-performance package for the Golf GTI EDITION 50. The vehicle's bespoke 19-inch Bridgestone Potenza Race (235/35 R19 91Y) feature a special Volkswagen sidewall marking – highlighting the tyre's exclusive development for this model. About Bridgestone in Europe, the Middle East and Africa: Bridgestone in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (Bridgestone EMEA) is the regional Strategic Business Unit of Bridgestone Corporation, a global leader in tyres and sustainable mobility solutions. Headquartered in Zaventem (Belgium), Bridgestone EMEA employs more than 14,000 people and conducts business in 35 countries across the region. Bridgestone offers a diverse portfolio of premium tyres, tyre technologies and advanced mobility solutions. The company's vision is to provide social and customer value as a sustainable solutions company. The Bridgestone E8 Commitment is a broad, global corporate commitment that clearly defines the value the company is promising to deliver to society, our customers and future generations in eight focus areas; Energy, Ecology, Efficiency, Extension, Economy, Emotion, Ease and Empowerment. These provide a compass to guide strategic priorities, decision making and actions throughout every area of the business.
India Today
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
This is the fastest Volkswagen production model on the Nordschleife track
Volkswagen's upcoming hot hatch, the Golf GTI Edition 50, has made headlines even before its official launch by becoming the fastest road-legal VW to lap Germany's Nrburgring Nordschleife. Professional racing driver Benny Leuchter clocked a lap time of 07:46.13 minutes, making the upcoming special edition GTI the most capable front-wheel-drive Volkswagen on the iconic 20.8-kilometre to debut globally on June 20, 2025, during the 24-hour race weekend at the Nrburgring, the Golf GTI Edition 50 marks the 50th anniversary of the GTI nameplate, with customer deliveries expected to begin in 2026. Volkswagen says the new model represents the 'pure GTI idea' — a combination of powerful front-wheel drive, precise chassis tuning, and track-honed new Nrburgring benchmark The upcoming special edition GTI the most capable front-wheel-drive Volkswagen on the iconic 20.8-kilometre track. According to Volkswagen, the record-setting GTI was equipped with an optional performance package, featuring a specially developed performance chassis, 19-inch Bridgestone Potenza Race semi-slick tyres, and lightweight forged wheels. This setup, Leuchter said, was key to the car's ability to handle the Nrburgring's demanding corners, undulating surfaces, and high-speed sections. 'It's truly impressive how easily this Volkswagen can be moved so quickly over the Nordschleife,' said Leuchter. 'The entire set-up allows you to drive the ideal line with high precision. Even in difficult weather, the GTI remained stable across the entire track.'Historic leap in GTI performance Benny Leuchter clocked a lap time of 07:46.13 minutes. advertisementThis isn't the first time Leuchter has set records in a GTI. Back in 2016, he lapped the Nrburgring in a Golf GTI Clubsport S (310PS) in 07:49.21 minutes, and in 2022, he set a 07:47.31 record in the all-wheel-drive Golf R 20 Years. However, the Edition 50's lap, which includes the 200 meters between grandstand T13's start and finish lines, is a more holistic measure. Excluding that distance (to match prior laps), the GTI Edition 50's lap is even quicker: 07:41.27 minutes, as seen in the on-board footage.'Three years ago, I wouldn't have thought a front-wheel-drive GTI could beat the Golf R's time so decisively,' said Leuchter. 'That it happened — in less-than-ideal weather — speaks volumes about this car's potential.'A celebration of GTI legacyWhile final specs are yet to be confirmed, the Golf GTI Edition 50 is expected to be the most powerful production GTI to date. It will arrive with exclusive design elements and advanced performance upgrades to celebrate five decades of one of the world's most iconic hot its commercial release in 2026, the Edition 50 will be listed in the "Pre-Series Models" category in the Nrburgring official to Auto Today Magazine
TimesLIVE
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
VW Golf GTI Edition 50 sets new Nürburgring record
VW hasn't revealed exact power figures for the Edition 50 just yet, but the German carmaker has confirmed it will be the most powerful GTI ever put into production. The car will make its public debut at the Nürburgring 24-hour race on June 20 before going on sale in 2026 — exactly 50 years after the GTI nameplate was born. Buyers will be able to spec the car with an optional Performance pack, which adds a sport-tuned chassis, lightweight forged 19-inch wheels and a set of specially developed Bridgestone Potenza Race semi-slick tyres. 'My record-setting car was equipped with this package,' says Leuchter. 'That was the decisive factor, in my opinion. Three years ago, I wouldn't have believed a front-wheel-drive GTI could beat the lap time of the brilliant Golf R — but now it has. And in less-than-ideal weather, too. That says everything about the set-up and the incredible potential of this GTI.'
