Volkswagen Celebrates a GTI World Premiere with Fans at the Nürburgring 24-Hour Race
Volkswagen is gearing up for a special moment at the 2025 ADAC 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, where it will unveil a world-first GTI special model to the public. The race weekend, taking place from June 19-22, 2025, will attract over 230,000 motorsport enthusiasts, all eager to experience one of Germany’s largest automotive events. Volkswagen is offering fans a thrilling lineup, with numerous highlights, including the world premiere of a new GTI model, as well as a showcase of Volkswagen R performance vehicles. But the centerpiece of the weekend will undoubtedly be the legendary 24-hour race itself.
GTI Special Model and Volkswagen Performance Cars
Volkswagen is not just celebrating the 50th anniversary of the iconic Golf GTI, but it’s also taking the opportunity to introduce a sporty special model that promises to thrill fans. The world premiere will be held at the Nürburgring, a location symbolic of the GTI’s performance heritage. In addition to the special model, Volkswagen R will showcase a range of high-performance all-wheel-drive vehicles, including the Golf R, Golf R Variant, and the Golf R Black Edition. These are some of the fastest production models in Volkswagen’s lineup, designed with the rigorous demands of the Nordschleife in mind.
Max Kruse Racing and the Golf GTI Clubsport 24h
Volkswagen will also make its mark on the racetrack with Max Kruse Racing’s entry in the 24-hour race. Two Golf GTI Clubsport 24h cars will compete in the grueling race, with renowned touring car driver Benny Leuchter behind the wheel of one of them. Leuchter, who is also a development driver for Volkswagen, brings a wealth of experience to the team. He’ll be joined by last year’s victorious squad, including seven-time rallycross world champion Johan Kristoffersson, Nürburgring experts Nico Otto and Heiko Hammel. Together, they’ll aim to defend their class title in 2025.
Meanwhile, the second Golf GTI Clubsport 24h will be piloted by Fabian Vettel, the younger brother of Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel. This marks a significant milestone for Volkswagen as the brand continues to show its commitment to motorsport excellence.
Pre-Race Preparations
Preparation for the 24-hour race is already well underway. The Max Kruse Racing team has been testing their vehicles in Portimão, Portugal, refining their performance for the challenge ahead. Before the main event, the team will also participate in the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) races, including the upcoming ADAC Westfalenfahrt, to further ensure they’re fully prepared for the intense competition in the ‘Green Hell’ of the Nürburgring.
As the 24-hour race weekend draws closer, Volkswagen’s celebrations promise to be a landmark event in both motorsport and automotive culture, showcasing its legacy of performance, innovation, and passion for driving.
This draft is tailored to capture the excitement of Volkswagen’s participation in the Nürburgring 24-hour race, highlighting both the upcoming GTI world premiere and the company’s commitment to performance through its racing efforts. Let me know if you’d like any modifications or additional details!
