Volkswagen Golf 5 GTI 'Gumball 3000'

About this model

On the occasion of the 25th anniversary year of the Autostadt in Wolfsburg, the Zeithaus presents a vehicle every month, which also celebrates a special birthday in 2025.

The Golf GTI 'Gumball' from 2005 stands for a rapid start to autumn in the month of October. This fifth-generation GTI is an absolutely one-of-a-kind model, which was specially manufactured by Volkswagen Individual GmbH for the 'Gumball 3000' lifestyle rally. Supported by British VW tuner Jason McLean alias 'B. B. Warr' and designers Mark Eley and Wakako Kishimoto, the result is a Golf that is extraordinary in every respect: the body shines in the classic GTI colours of white, black and silver and of course with the classic red frame around the radiator grille. Exterior mirrors, bucket seats and roll cage come directly from racing. Implied rivets on the rear windows and clear glass taillights give the rear a special touch. What the dynamic look promises, the turbocharged FSI engine keeps under the hood: With 172 kW / 240 hp, it delivers a whopping 40 hp more than a standard Golf 5 GTI and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h.

In 2005, the special GTI took part in the 'Gumball 3000' rally, which led to Monte Carlo via several European capitals. The starting signal in London was given by the then Formula 1 professional Jenson Button. This crazy rally is not about best times or stage rankings, but about a mix of cars, music, fashion and pop culture. Accordingly, it is not the fastest team that wins, but the participants who have shown the most passion and style. They also don't receive a trophy, but a symbolic chewing gum dispenser hence the name 'Gumball 3000'.