Ready, set, go!
Germany’s largest motorsport event has got that much more interesting! The race will also feature the world premiere of the new Golf GTI Clubsport to its awaiting and adoring fans! This sport vehicle will undoubtedly be a standout, thanks to its sharper exterior design, enhanced interior, impressive performance data and high-end sports suspension.
In what is a fitting way to make its debut, the new Clubsport was unveiled on the Ring Boulevard at the legendary track in the Eifel region, with fans getting a first-hand look at this enhanced model. Featuring a completely redesigned front end, the Clubsport speaks to all out power and distinction. Standard LED Plus headlights have been revamped, and for the first time, the VW logo takes center stage on the car’s front. A large roof spoiler at rear ensures maximum downforce, with LED tail light clusters also being redesigned.
New wheels are also found here in the form of 19-inch Queenstown alloy, striking in their design of five oval-semi-circles. This look was first introduced for the fifth-generation Golf GTI, evoking the classic Detroit wheel. Another option for the Clubsport is the vehicle’s ability to be configured with the new 19-inch Warmenau forged wheel. With a weight of just eight kilograms per wheel rim, the forged wheels reduce the unsprung masses and therefore optimizes performance.
Inside is a leather-sports steering wheel and new infotainment system, the latter of which is intuitive while making it possible for the driver to focus just on the road ahead. Top-range GTI models also feature the new IDA voice assistant with ChatGPT integration.
How it performs!
Impressive describes the performance to be had when drivers get behind the wheel of the Clubsport, with the GTI’s turbocharged engine delivering a torque of 400 Nm and an output of 221 kW, which are brought to the open road via an electronically controlled front differential lock. A DCC adaptive chassis control is available as optional equipment.
Also presented in this all-new model is the exclusive Special driving profile which matches systems relevant for driving dynamics to the special track characteristics of the Nurburgring. To achieve maximum performance, a specific vertical setup of the DCC adaptive chassis control and a modified lateral dynamics setup is presented through the standard Vehicle Dynamics Manager.
The Clubsport has the ability to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in an impressive 5.6 seconds, with the most powerful GTI’s top speed at 250 km/h.
The only downside of these exciting specs is that the Clubsport won’t be making its way to the U.S.
What else we know!
Featuring a restyled front end, new taillight design and a new drive mode designed for lapping the Ring, the Clubsport is extremely mighty! Its launch fittingly coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Golf, with Volkswagen standing behind the fact that the new Clubsport will be the most powerful front-wheel-drive Golf.
The new Clubsport will boast a different, all-new face than the standard GTI, with the new version adding restyled headlights and an illuminated VW logo at front. A set of redesigned taillights mark changes at the rear, with the vehicle riding on a fresh set of standard 19-inch wheels. Lightweight forged 19-inch Warmenau wheels are also available.
Inside, a larger 12.9 inch infotainment unit comes with VW’s latest MIB4 system, which sits above the touch–sensitive climate settings.
Although no price has yet been revealed, it is expected to fall above the cost of the standard GTI.
A racing weekend!
The Golf was the clear focal point in its world premiere, which also marked the start of the 24-hour race. The Max Kruse Racing team with drivers Benny Leuchter, Johan Kristoffersson, Nico Otto and Heiko Hammel will take part in this time-honored event with a 256 kW Golf GTI Clubsport. Leading up to the main race, three first-generation Golf GTI’s will get their moment in the limelight at the 24th Classic. All three of the vehicles, a Golf GTI 16s Oettinger from 1981; a 78-series Golf GTI Kamei and an 80-series Golf GTI in GIT camouflage design featuring a “50 years of Golf” logo will be used by the KWL Motorsport team.
And in light of this racing weekend, users of the Clubsport can upgrade their vehicle with a “Race Package” that redirects the top speed to now run out of steam at 166 mph.
Race car ready and debuted on the venerable hatchback’s 50th anniversary, the new Golf GTI Clubsport has it all! With top speed and even greater performance than ever before, the Clubsport’s world premiere is nothing short of exciting. See what this fitting debut is all about!