In 2007 Volkswagen debuted the amazing GTI W12-650 concept. The unique car featured a Golf GTI three-door body with a carbon fiber roof and custom side vents. VW remove the rear seat and in its place they swapped a 6.0 L W12 from a VW Phaeton and a Tiptronic six-speed automatic transmission. They boosted the motor’s output to 650 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque thanks to two turbochargers. To fit the motor VW increased the car’s track width by 160 mm and fabricated a custom aluminum subframe. The company also lowered the suspension 40 mm and added under floor aerodynamics and diffuser. VW claims the unique Golf is capable of 0-62 mph in 3.7 and estimated top speed of 201.8 mph. In 2026 VW brought the GTI W12-650 concept out of storage with a new red paint job to celebrate 50 years of the GTI.
Source: Volkswagen newsroom and VW press via Hemmings
I find it interesting that no one tried to recreate this concept. At least I haven’t heard about anyone attempting to build mid-engined RWD W12 powered Golf.