30 kilograms lighter than the forthcoming GTI Clubsport and boasting standard semi-slick rubber on bespoke 19-inch “Pretoria” alloys wheels, Volkswagen AG has made no attempt to hide the fact that setting a new Nurburgring Nordschleife lap record for front-wheel-drive cars was the main focus of the limited-edition GTI Clubsport S hot hatch.
Celebrating the 40th anniversary of its iconic hot hatch, Volkswagen yesterday released a video of the highly-anticipated project Clubsport S making acquaintances with both the original (Mk1) GTI, as well as a race-ready GTI TCR racecar. Today, though, it followed up this initial introduction with a video of the vehicle setting an impressive Nordschleife lap time of 7 min 49,21 sec, faster still than a BMW M4. That said, this time also eclipses the previous front-wheel-drive lap time held by a prototype Honda Civic Type R (7 min 50,63).
Scheduled for an official unveiling at this month’s Worthersee festival in Austria, the limited Clubsport S looks set to offer enthusiasts a taste of what could be considered the ultimate GTI. With its turbocharged 2,0-litre petrol engine touted to deliver 228 kW and 380 N.m of torque exclusively to the front wheels via six-speed manual transmission, the most powerful production Golf to date looks set to humble even its all-wheel-drive Golf R sibling. The overall mass has also been shaved down to 1 360 kg.
With new power outputs made possible via to a modified engine control unit and a revised exhaust system, the Clubsport S will be able to achieve a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 5,8 seconds and a top speed of 260 km/h. Assisting the dynamic persona of the Clubsport S are 235/35 ZR 19, semi-slick, Michelin Sport Cup 2 tyres.
Of significance is the fact that the Clubsport S will be sold as a two-seater only. While the car used to set the lap time featured a half roll cage, the final product will house a strut brace (similar to the first generation Mini JCW GP model) instead of rear seats.
Exterior modifications include the aforementioned alloy wheels and a suitably aggressive body styling kit which includes “Clubsport S” type plates. Bi-Xenon headlights with cornering lights and LED daytime running lights are added for night time racing.
Volkswagen has announced that 400 examples of the Clubsport S will be produced, 100 of them allocated to Germany with 150 units earmarked for the UK market. The significance of the latter figure meaning right-hand drive models will be built. Given the popularity of GTI in South Africa, it’s difficult to imagine at least a few Clubsport S models won’t be sent our way.
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