LONDON: Volkswagen has unveiled the Golf GTI Clubsport, a special edition built to celebrate the Golf GTI’s 40th anniversary.
The production model will make its public bow at the Frankfurt Motor Show as the most powerful production GTI ever.
The turbocharged direct-injection engine in the anniversary model makes 195kW, some 33kW more than on current Golf GTI.
In addition, for a stretch of around 10 seconds, the driver can increase engine power by an additional 10 percent using a boost function. This added power is activated simply by kicking down the accelerator.
The Golf GTI Clubsport sprints to 100km/h in 6.0 seconds with a six-speed manual gearbox, while the optional six-speed dual-clutch gearbox is even faster at 5.9 seconds.
The front-wheel drive Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport has a top speed of 250km/h. In manual guise, it sips at a claimed 6.9 litres per 100km, while the DSG model is even more frugal at a claimed 6.7 litres per 100km.
In terms of styling, the Golf GTI Clubsport gains a new front bumper, new side sills, a new rear diffuser, a new multi-part roof spoiler, and exclusive forged alloy wheels.
The anniversary model also sports a stripe down each side (with “Clubsport” lettering), paying homage to the 1976 Golf GTI, as well as high-gloss black side-mirror caps.
The redesigned roof spoiler is much larger than its counterpart on the current GTI, and is complemented by the gloss black rear diffuser. The chrome-plated tailpipes, meanwhile, have also been redesigned, featuring a larger diameter.
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 back rests and seat cushions. The backrest also incorporates “GTI” lettering.
Decorative features include Alcantara trim on the gear-lever and steering wheel, as well as customised floor mats with red edging.
