Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport Celebrates Hot Hatch’s 40th Anniversary
GENEVA, Switzerland – The GTI turns 40 this year, and Volkswagen is paying tribute to their performance-infused hatchback with a special-edition variant dubbed the Clubsport, which was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show.
This is the fastest Golf GTI ever produced so far. Its turbocharged, 2.0L four-cylinder engine produces 265 metric horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque, but an overboost function can temporarily rise output to 290 hp. Six-speed manual and six-speed DSG automated gearboxes are available.
Equipped with the DSG, the GTI Clubsport can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds.
Like lesser GTIs, the Clubsport rides on a sport-tuned chassis with a 15-mm lower ride height. It also includes a locking front differential and the brand’s XDS+ dynamics function. Eighteen-inch alloy wheels are standard (they’re called Belvedere for VW fans), while 19-inch Brescia wheels with 225/35R19 or 19-inch Pretoria wheels with 235/35R19 semi-slick rubber are optional.
The Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport can be distinguished by its newly crafted front bumper, side sills, rear diffuser and roof spoiler. These aerodynamic enhances are said to increase downforce for improved handling. A gray stripe is also added on the lower portion of the car’s flanks, which bears a “Clubsport” inscription.
Inside, the Clubsport includes sport seats with Alcantara inserts and a honeycomb pattern on the backside. However, classic GTI sport seats can also be specified for free. Honeycomb design patterns also adorn the dashboard and door panel trim, and of course, the cockpit is lined with red contrast stitching as well.
That’s all good, but here’s the bad news. The Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport is sadly reserved for the European market, so we won’t get it. In Germany, this festive GTI will be priced at €34,500, or roughly halfway between a GTI Performance and a Golf R.
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