WOLFSBURG: The new Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport made its world debut at Germany’s largest motorsport event, the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
Presented on Friday at the Ring Boulevard, the sporty, optimised version of the classic model was unveiled. It features a sharper exterior design, enhanced interior, high-end sports suspension, and impressive performance data.
The debut of the Golf GTI Clubsport was a major highlight at the Nürburgring track.
The car boasts a completely redesigned front end, revamped LED Plus headlights, and the illuminated VW logo at the front for the first time. A large roof spoiler at the rear maximises downforce, while redesigned LED tail light clusters complete the exterior enhancements.
New 19-inch Queenstown alloy wheels, inspired by the classic Detroit wheel of the fifth-generation Golf GTI, and the optional 19-inch Warmenau forged wheel, are also available. These forged wheels weigh only 8kg each, reducing unsprung masses and optimising performance.
The car’s functions and systems are coordinated using a newly developed multifunction leather sports steering wheel and a new intuitive infotainment system, featuring the IDA voice assistant with ChatGPT integration.
Under the hood, the Golf GTI Clubsport's turbocharged engine (EA888 LK3 evo4) delivers a torque of 400 Nm and an output of 221 kW (300 PS), channeled through an electronically controlled front differential lock.
The DCC adaptive chassis control is available as an option. The Special driving profile, exclusive to this model, adjusts systems for driving dynamics to the Nürburgring’s unique track characteristics.
The Golf GTI Clubsport accelerates from 0 to 100kph in 5.6 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 250kph, which can be raised to 267 kph with the Race package.
The Golf GTI Clubsport's world premiere coincided with the start of the 24-hour race, where Volkswagen celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Golf.
The Max Kruse Racing team participated with a 256 kW (348 PS) Golf GTI Clubsport 24h, driven by Benny Leuchter, Johan Kristoffersson, Nico Otto, and Heiko Hammel.
Additionally, three classic first-generation Golf GTIs were featured in the 24h Classic event. These included a 1981 Golf GTI 16S Oettinger, a 78-series Golf GTI Kamei, and an 80-series Golf GTI in GTI camouflage design with a “50 years of Golf” logo, all driven by the KWL Motorsport team.
