Volkswagen
Golf GTI Clubsport
At
the beginning of 2016, the icon of the sporty compact class - the Golf GTI - is
celebrating its 40th anniversary. Volkswagen will mark this historic event with
a progressive special edition: the new Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport. Now
Volkswagen is presenting the production version of the new Golf GTI Clubsport
at the 2015 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt and, on this occasion,
offers a first look ahead at the driving performance of the most powerful
production GTI ever.
The
inventor of the "GTI" is thus continuing the big tradition of GTI
anniversary models, as exclusive special editions also marked the 20th, 25th,
30th and 35th birthdays. The turbocharged direct-injection engine in the
anniversary model delivers an output of 195 kW / 265 PS, this is 35 PS more
than on the previous most powerful Golf GTI. That, however, is far from all.
For a short time - for about 10 seconds each time - the driver can increase
engine power by an additional 10 per cent to over 290 PS using a boost
function. This added power is activated simply by kicking down the accelerator.
The
Golf GTI sprints to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds with a 6-speed manual gearbox; the
version with optional 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) is even faster at 5.9
seconds. The Golf GTI Clubsport has a top speed of 250 km/h (DSG: 249 km/h). A
look at fuel economy shows just how efficiently the sports car converts engine
power into propulsion. With a manual gearbox, consumption is 6.9 l/100 km
(equivalent to 160 g/km CO2); if power is transferred to the front wheels by
DSG, the figure comes in at 6.7 l/100 km (155 g/km CO2).
Not
only has Volkswagen given the anniversary model's engine more power, it has
also extensively revised the design, equipment and aerodynamic fine-tuning of
the anniversary model. Due to the high power output and significantly improved
downforce, the dynamic performance of the VW Golf GTI Clubsport propels it into
the domain of top-class motorsport. This results in groundbreaking handling properties
at high speeds and breathtaking cornering speeds.
The
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport is painted in "Oryx White" (other
colours available); as a contrast, the roof area comes in black. The Volkswagen
exterior designers created a completely new front bumper, new side sills, a new
rear diffuser, a new multi-part roof spoiler and exclusive forged alloy wheels
for the anniversary model. These features immediately make the anniversary
model stand out from the familiar GTI models.
In
terms of style, the side profile of the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport is based
on the original GTI version. To put this in context: the first generation was
characterised by a wide black trim stripe on the side between the front and
rear wheel arches at bumper level. This stripe has now been transferred to the
side area of the anniversary model, paying homage to the 1976 Golf GTI, and is
enhanced with the lettering "Clubsport". The black trim stripe is
continued towards the front in the new air deflector element of the front bumper.
The optional "Bresica" 19-inch alloy wheels designed especially for
the new Golf GTI Clubsport make a further dynamic statement. The anniversary
model is equipped as standard with forged 18-inch alloy wheels that are also
newly designed. A fine detail on the side are the high-gloss black door mirror
caps.
The
redesigned roof edge spoiler perfected in the wind tunnel is much larger than
its counterpart on the current "GTI". There is a narrow air gap
between the roof area that is entirely in black and the wing-like spoiler
placed above it. The roof spoiler in high-gloss black and "Oryx
White" projects upwards above the roof line. The lower rear section has
also been individualised. Seen diagonally from behind, it is noticeable that
the line of the wrap-around splitter of the side line (below the sill) is
continued in the large rear diffuser that is a new development. Here, too, the
colour is high-glass black. The redesigned and chrome-plated tailpipes of the
twin-pipe exhaust system have been elegantly integrated in the diffuser; the
diameter of the tailpipes is much larger than on the familiar Golf GTI models.
The LED rear lights come in dark black-red.
The
interior features iconic details that are essential for every GTI; they include
the ergonomic sports seats with a tailor-made look featuring tartan fabric
upholstery, red topstitching, a gear knob in golf ball design and a black
headliner. These insignia of sportiness have been individualised or modified
for the VW Golf GTI Clubsport. Accordingly, the anniversary model features
folding racing bucket seats instead of sport seats. The seats are partially
covered with Alcantara and feature a honeycomb pattern in the area of the
backrests and seat cushions; the backrest also incorporates, GTI lettering. A
red line enhances the seat belts. New trim strips in "Honeycomb 40"
design (instrument strip, centre console and doors) give the interior an even
more exclusive appearance. Sporty decorative features include Alcantara trim on
the gear lever, new lenses on the gear knob, the Alcantara sport steering wheel
(with GTI emblem, red seam and 12 o'clock marking) and customised floor mats
with red edging. When the driver and front passenger open the doors, they see
the exclusive stainless steel door sill plates with red GTI lettering.
