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2022 VW Golf GTI Clubsport Shows Impressive Autobahn Acceleration

The Golf GTI is a good all-rounder hot hatch, high-tech, and comfortable. But wouldn't it be nice if it made around 300 horsepower? Well, now you can buy a version called the GTI Clubsport which ticks the power box... but only if you live in Germany.
2022 VW Golf GTI Clubsport Shows Impressive Autobahn Acceleration 7 photos
Photo: Automann-TV/YouTube screenshot
2022 VW Golf GTI Clubsport Shows Impressive Autobahn Acceleration2022 VW Golf GTI Clubsport Shows Impressive Autobahn Acceleration2022 VW Golf GTI Clubsport Shows Impressive Autobahn Acceleration2022 VW Golf GTI Clubsport Shows Impressive Autobahn Acceleration2022 VW Golf GTI Clubsport Shows Impressive Autobahn Acceleration2022 VW Golf GTI Clubsport Shows Impressive Autobahn Acceleration
So as you may have heard, Volkswagen is officially ending Golf production for America. The new GTI and R models have, however, been approved for U.S. public consumption, but this Clubsport is probably a bit too expensive.

The Golf 8 GTI Clubsport is the star of this acceleration test from YouTuber Automann-TV. He puts the 300 PS (296 hp) of the updated 2.0-liter turbo to the test on the famous Autobahn network, one of the few public roads where you can max-out a car.

The Clubsport is the GT3 of Golf models, focused on being a track car instead of all-out acceleration. It's more agile, responds better and with its increased power output can compete with rivals such as the Civic Type R and Megane RS Trophy.

You guys are probably most interested in the engine. It's still an EA888 model of the 2.0 TSI. The turbo is larger than on a normal GTI, plus it gets a bigger intercooler and ECU remap. There is also a Nurburgring drive mode if you go for the DCC, which nearly every buyer gets anyway (adaptive dampers).

The independent acceleration test below shows how the GTI Clubsport is able to reach 100 km/h or 62 mph in 5.7 seconds. It's obviously noticeably slower than a Golf R, especially the new one with the trick AWD system. But the number is acceptable for FWD. Also, it's worth noting that the test vehicle has got winter tires, so traction is a problem.

Ultimately, it's probably not as emotional as its rivals. It doesn't have the engagement of the much cheaper i30 N. But people really likey buying Golfs in Europe, and this one is one of the best.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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