Volkswagen doesn't want to waste time and shortly after having made known the new Golf GTI it brings us the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport , the (still) sportier version of its hot hatch, which again uses a name already known within the brand, replacing the previous GTI TCR.
Distinguishing GTI Clubsport from GTI is no difficult task. At the front is a bumper with a new spoiler, a new full-width grille filled with a honeycomb pattern, matte black finishes and the five LED lights (on each side) that mark the “normal” GTI are gone. .
On the side, the new side skirts and the new 18” or 19” wheels stand out. Finally, at the rear, despite the new spoiler capturing all the attention, there is also the adoption of a redesigned diffuser and oval exhaust outlets (instead of the round ones used by the GTI) to highlight.
Inside, the news is much more scarce, being limited to the seats with a new standard, keeping everything else the same.
more horses of course
As expected, to create this more radical version of the Golf GTI, Volkswagen started by doing the usual: increasing power.
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In this way, the 2.0 l four-cylinder turbo (EA888 evo4) sees its numbers rise from 245 hp and 370 Nm in the GTI to the 300 hp and 400 Nm on GTI Clubsport. These values were achieved thanks to the revision of the engine management system, the adoption of a larger intercooler and a new Continental turbo instead of the Garrett used in the GTI.
There is also the fact that these power values are only possible when the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport consumes 98 octane gasoline, its “food” of choice.
Power is sent to the front wheels exclusively through a seven-ratio DSG gearbox (Volkswagen claims that the GTI Clubsport is faster with this transmission) which, in this case, has shorter gear ratios.
All of this allows the new Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport to reach 0 to 100 km/h in less than 6s and reach a maximum speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited).
Ground connections haven't been forgotten
In addition to the increase in power, the Golf GTI Clubsport also saw the dynamic chapter being reinforced, receiving improvements in terms of the chassis, suspension and braking system.
Starting with the latter, the GTI Clubsport received perforated discs and saw the ABS and stability control specifically tuned to reduce (further) braking distance and increase stability under braking.
Ground clearance was reduced by 10 mm lower compared to the Golf GTI. Furthermore, the new Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport has the DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control) system with a total of fifteen configurations (between more comfortable and firm).
There is even an additional driving mode, called “Special”, purposely designed for when the owners of the Golf GTI Clubsport visit the “Green Inferno” — Volkswagen says that the GTI Clubsport manages to take 13s per lap at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife to the GTI regular.
The XDS electronic differential lock has been replaced by a VAQ electromechanical lock. The control of this system is now integrated into the car's driving dynamics manager, which allows it to be less “aggressive” in smoother driving modes and vice versa.
Finally, the front axle saw the camber “significantly increase” and on the rear axle we have a new spring configuration, as well as optimized components in the suspension scheme.
When does it arrive and how much will it cost?
With orders scheduled to start in November, it remains to be seen how much the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport should cost in Portugal and when it will arrive here.