The Volkswagen GTI is the king of the hot hatches. Sure, there are more powerful, better-driving cars in the segment, but Volkswagen 's hot Golf kicked off this niche of flingable sport compacts back in the mid-1970s, and it's quickly grown to become one of our favorite vehicle classes. When it comes to fun per dollar, you just can't beat a hot hatch.To celebrate the 35th birthday of the Golf GTI Volkswagen has created this, the 35 Edition, which goes on sale in Germany this week. Visually, the 35 Edition is set apart by a unique front bumper, special wheels, and '35' badging on the door sills and seats. The most important upgrade, however, is the substantial boost in power over the normal GTI – 25 horsepower – for a grand total of 235 hp.Volkswagen hasn't said a word about availability here in the United States just yet, but we're keeping our fingers crossed. The Golf GTI 35 Edition makes its official debut at the infamous GTI Meet in Wörthersee, Germany, on June 1st. Follow the jump for VW's (translated) press release.

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35 years Golf GTI: Volkswagen celebrates with anniversary model



Even more driving pleasure: increased power to 235 hp



Presale starts: Special model available from € 30 425



Wolfsburg, 09 May 2011 - The 35th Anniversary of the Golf GTI, Volkswagen is to achieve for the occasion, an anniversary model of the ordinary. The special model is available from the 12th May, under the label "Edition 35" in Germany ordered.



The now 35 - year track record of the sporty Volkswagen since the debut of the first Golf GTI in 1976 continues unabated. The GTI has long been a cult object and established as an independent brand. Large GTI birthdays have been celebrated since time immemorial with exclusive special models. This tradition is now with the Volkswagen Golf GTI Ed. 35 continued: The coordinated design approach combines classical elements with the GTI Edition 35, created specially for the features. Not only are the front bumper shine with a new design, the exterior and the interior features points to the exclusivity of this special edition. The text "35" is found next to the fender on the door sills, the head restraints and center seat again. The detail-loving approach is also with the high-quality metal key ring crowned in action design. Promises addition to individual artefacts, compared with the production model increased output from 210 to 235 hp even more driving fun.



World premiere of the Golf GTI Ed. 35 at the legendary GTI Meet 1 to 4 June at the Wörthersee. Here, the Volkswagen presented alongside other well-known models like the GTI Anniversary Edition 20 and the 30th Edition Both old GTI repeat buyers as well as for those interested in the new GTI Anniversary model for a base price of € 30 425 is available. The launch in Germany will start in mid June.