Courtesy of its 306 hp, 2.0-liter turbo’d four-cylinder, the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S is the fastest front-wheel drive production car to ever lap the Nurburgring. Not intimidated by that, ABT Sportsline has revealed its new Golf tuning package based around the lesser Clubsport model but now modified to make even the Clubsport S look pedestrian.
Typically, the engine of the GTI Clubsport powers the front wheels with 265 hp but thanks to a host of engine modifications, ABT has managed to increase that figure to 335 hp, not far off the power of the new Ford Focus RS. Alongside this boost, torque has also increased steadily from 350 Nm to 430 Nm (317 lb-ft).
While no performance times have been released, rest assured that those boosted figures will make the front wheels spin in a frenzy so don’t expect Focus RS or Mercedes-AMG A45 levels of acceleration.
Alongside the engine changes, ABT has develops a tuned suspension systems for the car and offers beefed up front and rear sway bars. Additionally, upgraded brakes with six-piston front calipers can be installed as can a set of 18- or 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels wrapped in grippy performance rubber.
In the near future, the German tuner will roll out a number of subtle body add-ons for the capable hot hatch.