Following on from the GTI 2, GTE 3 and GTD 4, Volkswagen is now presenting the next highlight from its sporty family of Golf models: the new Golf GTI Clubsport.
This vehicle marks the next chapter in the brand’s tradition of high-performance GTIs: the first Golf GTI Clubsport was launched in 2016 on the 40th anniversary of the GTI.
The Clubsport has a power output of 300PS and is the new flagship model of the eighth-generation Golf GTI. With its enhanced turbocharged engine, new fully connected running gear, and the brand new Nürburgring driving profile designed for the legendary Nordschleife track in Germany, the Golf GTI Clubsport marks a new milestone for driving dynamics among front-wheel-drive sports cars.
Outstanding driving dynamics
Many of the details in the Golf GTI Clubsport have been enhanced, including the even more agile turbocharged engine, which now delivers 400 Nm of torque, and the new sports running gear equipped with a new Vehicle Dynamics Manager.
In the new Golf GTI Clubsport, the standard electromechanical front-axle locking differential is now included in the Vehicle Dynamics Manager’s network for the first time.
A genuine Clubsport
The new Golf GTI Clubsport has a customised front end is very striking. The bumper looks almost open at the bottom – only the radiator grille trim with the honeycomb design typical for GTI models and the larger aerodynamic wings offer resistance to the head wind.
At the rear, the two-part roof spoiler catches the eye, which is a unique hallmark feature reserved exclusively for the Golf GTI Clubsport. The front spoiler and rear wing significantly increase the downforce on the sports car.
The car rolls off the production line in Wolfsburg with 18-inch alloy wheels fitted as standard. A special diffuser, a body lowered by 10mm, and wider side sills also enhance the overall sporty impression. Another new feature: oval tailpipes replace the round version in the sports exhaust system, with one tailpipe positioned on the left and right of the body.
Countless GTI-specific features also customise the vehicle interior, including premium sport seats in ArtVelours, which even provide support when cornering at high speed, plus a sports steering wheel with perforated leather grip zones and paddles for the standard 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG). Aluminium-look pedals and other superior details round off the exclusive interior design.
A brief look back
The original member of the Clubsport series developed 265PS and temporarily delivered 290PS using a boost function. This car was followed in the same year by the Golf GTI Clubsport S 5 in a limited edition of 400 units with a continuously available output of 310 PS. Driving the Golf GTI Clubsport S, pro race driver Benjamin Leuchter set a new lap record for front-wheel-drive vehicles on the Nordschleife at Nürburgring in May 2016. The time: 07:49:21 minutes.
1) The vehicle is a near-production prototype.
2) Golf GTI 2.0 TSI DSG 180 kW (NEDC) fuel consumption I/100 km: 8.6 (urban) / 5.3 (extra-urban) / 6.5 (combined); CO₂ emissions in g/km: 149 (combined), efficiency class: C.
3) Golf GTE (NEDC) fuel consumption l /100 km: combined 1.5; power consumption in kW/h/100 km: combined 11.4; combined CO 2 emissions in g/km: 34; efficiency class: A+
4) Golf GTD (147 kW / 200 PS, with 7-speed DSG dual clutch gearbox) – (NEDC) fuel consumption in l/100 km: urban 5.4, extra-urban 3.9, combined 4.4; CO 2 emissions in g/km (combined): 117; efficiency class: A
5) These models are no longer available