- Facelifted VW Golf GTI Clubsport to debut on June 1 at the Nurburgring
- The most powerful FWD Golf ever will benefit from visual and technological upgrades
- One-off Golf GTI Clubsport racecar and a trio of classic MK1 GTIs will compete at the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring.
Volkswagen will take the wraps off the updated Golf GTI Clubsport at the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring on June 1st. The most powerful FWD version of the Golf ever will benefit from a number of visual and technological upgrades, crowning the recently facelifted GTI lineup.
VW didn’t get into technical details about the facelifted GTI Clubsport, other than saying it will feature a “powerful drive and high-end sports suspension”. In the outgoing model that debuted in 2020, the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produced 296 hp (221 kW / 300 PS), mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and an eLSD. The facelift could bring a power boost, as the 2.0 TSI has proven its potential and now makes as much as 261 hp (195 kW / 265 PS) in the standard GTI.
More: VW To Drop GTX Badge, Make GTI And R EVs Instead
The company said that the GTI Clubsport will feature a “Special” driving profile that has been adapted to the Nurburgring. We also expect a revised chassis setup in combination with the optional DCC adaptive chassis control.
Visually, the facelifted Golf GTI Clubsport gains a redesigned front end, an illuminated VW emblem, and fresh LED lighting units. The more aggressive fins on the front bumper intakes distinguish it from the regular GTI, as with the larger roof spoiler at the back and the beefier diffuser with the dual Akrapovic exhaust pipes. The hot hatch comes standard with 19-inch Queenstown alloys but can be optionally fitted with 19-inch Warmenau forged wheels which are even lighter, weighing 8 kg (17.6 lbs) each.
VW Golf GTI Clubsport
Inside, the highlight will be the larger touchscreen for the new infotainment coming with Chat GPT integration. As with the rest of the facelifted Golf lineup, the GTI Clubsport will benefit from new physical buttons on the leather sports steering wheel. From the official photos we can also see the heavy bolstered front seats with integrated headrests.
A Clubsport Racer And A Trio Of Classic GTIs
VW also announced the Golf GTI Clubsport 24h, which will compete at the Nurburgring using E20 fuel, alongside a trio of race-prepped examples of the classic MK1 GTI.
The one-off VW Golf GTI Clubsport 24h features a wild aero package including a widebody kit, a massive splitter, and a TCR-style rear wing. It is powered by an upgraded version of the 2.0 TSI engine producing 343 hp (256 kW / 348 PS) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque, sending power to the front wheels. The mill runs on a new E20 bioethanol fuel by Shell, which is said to reduce CO2 emissions.
Despite all the downforce from the aero, the top speed of the Clubsport 24h is 270 km/h (168 mph), while weight is limited to 1,170 kg (2,579 pounds). The racecar will compete with the Max Kruse Racing team, wearing the number 50 as a nod to the Golf’s 50th birthday.
The trio of classic hot hatches include a 1981 Golf GTI 16S Oettinger, a 1978 Golf GTI Kamei, and the pictured camouflage-wrapped 1980 Golf GTI. The latter features a wide bodykit and gold-finished alloy wheels, looking cool as hell. All three of the MK1s will participate in the 24h race at the Green Hell with the KWL Motorsport team.
