The Volkswagen Golf GTI W12-650 was a one-off concept unveiled at the Wörthersee GTI gathering in May 2007. Its 6.0-litre biturbo W12 was mounted behind the front occupants and drove the rear wheels—an extreme reworking of the fifth-generation Golf GTI, not a production model. Volkswagen says the engine was known from Bentley models, but does not identify a specific Bentley donor car.
What was the Golf GTI W12-650?
Volkswagen presented the W12-650 at Wörthersee as a concept that pushed the GTI idea beyond the limits of an ordinary production car. Its official GTI history described it as “a Golf from a parallel universe of the year 2050.” The fifth-generation Golf GTI was in production from 2004 to 2008, but the W12-650 was never a regular variant in that range. Volkswagen’s Golf GTI history places the concept in its broader GTI story.
What engine was in the W12 Golf GTI?
A W12 behind the front occupants
Volkswagen specified a 6.0-litre biturbo W12 mounted longitudinally behind the front occupants. That layout was the concept’s defining mechanical departure from a conventional Golf GTI: instead of a front-mounted engine driving the front wheels, the W12-650 put its engine behind the cabin and sent power to the rear axle.
Why it is called Bentley-powered
Volkswagen Netherlands says the engine was known from the Volkswagen Phaeton, Touareg and Bentley models. That makes “Bentley-powered” a useful shorthand, but the official material does not name a particular donor vehicle. It does not establish that the W12-650 used an engine taken from a Continental GT or any other specific Bentley. Volkswagen Netherlands’ 2026 GTI anniversary article describes the project as “een technische exercitie zonder beperkingen,” translated by the article as “a technical exercise without limitations.”
#1 Best Overall
- 1 ：36 Scale Volkswagen GOLF GTI Model Car Size: 4.92×1.96×1.57 inch. Just the right size for little ones to grasp. This size is suitable for car enthusiasts to collect and children's entertainment toys.
- High quality toy car model: This model car is perfect for boys who are obsessed with Volkswagen Golf Gti . Compared to traditional solid color paints, this model is made with pearl paint that shines brightly under strong light. You can open the car door and see the details of the cab.
- Function: Pull back model car. Place the car on the ground, hold down the car body and pull it back, the model car will drive forward.2 doors that can be opened.
- Car Toys for Gifts：Interesting Functions,Solid Materials,Suitable for Christmas and Birthday Gifts.With a collection of souvenirs for friends and family. It can be displayed to increase beauty and appreciation.
- Material:Volkswagen GOLF GTI Model car made of zinc alloy and excellent ABS material, rubber tiresit, is stronger and more resistant to fall than ordinary plastic. detailed interior and exterior trim.It's Made of non-Toxic Water-Based Paint,So it Doesn’t Contain Formaldehyde and any Other Harmful
How powerful and fast was it?
Volkswagen published these specifications for the concept in its official GTI history:
- Engine: 6.0-litre biturbo W12
- Output: 650 PS (477 kW)
- Torque: 750 Nm
- Transmission and driven axle: six-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
- Claimed 0–100 km/h: 3.7 seconds
- Claimed top speed: 325 km/h
The acceleration and top-speed numbers are Volkswagen’s published claims, not independently measured test results. The power figure is 650 PS, or 477 kW; it should not be read as 650 mechanical horsepower. Volkswagen’s GTI history publication gives the performance figures.
Rank #2
- [Product Size] 4.96×2.36×1.69 inches(1:36 scale). Package weight: Approx. 0.41 pounds. Suitable for playing.
- [Good Quality] Detailed interior and exterior trim, using high grade alloy die-cast into form.
- [Great Diecast Toy Car] Made of non-toxic paint spray, doesn’t contain harmful substances, protecting the safety of children greatly.
- [Funny Pull Back Car Model] Left and right doors can be opened. Place the car on the ground, press down on the body and pull it back, the car will move forward.
- [Awesome Toy for Kids] Sturdy body, fine workmanship. Suitable for collections, birthdays, Christmas and decorations. Great for kids, boys, girls and adults.
Why did the concept look and work so differently?
A W12 mounted behind the front occupants, paired with rear-wheel drive, required a Golf body and chassis far removed from the familiar front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. Volkswagen presented the car as a demonstration of the freedom within the GTI concept—not as a normal production development. The point was not to offer a practical new trim, but to show how radically the GTI idea could be reinterpreted.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Did Volkswagen put the W12-650 into production?
No. Volkswagen Netherlands says that even though wealthy customers showed interest, the W12-650 remained a one-off. Its status as a single concept is central to what the car represents: the extreme engineering exercise never became a production Golf GTI.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Car screwed onto a base and presented in a plexiglass box: see photo
- 1/24 car in metal
- A great gift idea!
Rank #4
- [Product Size] 4.96×2.36×1.69 inches(1:36 scale). Package weight: Approx. 0.41 pounds. Suitable for playing.
- [Good Quality] Detailed interior and exterior trim, using high grade alloy die-cast into form.
- [Great Diecast Toy Car] Made of non-toxic paint spray, doesn’t contain harmful substances, protecting the safety of children greatly.
- [Funny Pull Back Car Model] Left and right doors can be opened. Place the car on the ground, press down on the body and pull it back, the car will move forward.
- [Awesome Toy for Kids] Sturdy body, fine workmanship. Suitable for collections, birthdays, Christmas and decorations. Great for kids, boys, girls and adults.
Rank #3
- 1 ：36 Scale Volkswagen GOLF GTI Model Car Size: 4.92×1.96×1.57 inch. Just the right size for little ones to grasp. This size is suitable for car enthusiasts to collect and children's entertainment toys.
- High quality toy car model: This model car is perfect for boys who are obsessed with Volkswagen Golf Gti . Compared to traditional solid color paints, this model is made with pearl paint that shines brightly under strong light. You can open the car door and see the details of the cab.
- Function: Pull back model car. Place the car on the ground, hold down the car body and pull it back, the model car will drive forward.2 doors that can be opened.
- Car Toys for Gifts：Interesting Functions,Solid Materials,Suitable for Christmas and Birthday Gifts.With a collection of souvenirs for friends and family. It can be displayed to increase beauty and appreciation.
- Volkswagen GOLF GTI Model car made of zinc alloy and excellent ABS material, rubber tiresit, is stronger and more resistant to fall than ordinary plastic. detailed interior and exterior trim.It's Made of non-Toxic Water-Based Paint,So it Doesn’t Contain Formaldehyde and any Other Harmful
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
