Photo: ABT Sportsline
ABT's press release about their GTI Clubsport is all about 40-year old men with a gym membership. However, I think they gave the car some horse steroids because 340 horsepower in a Golf is freakish.
Sure, there are a lot of powerful hot hatchbacks out there, but none of them put down 340 PS. After driving a few Sciroccos and Cupras with that much oomph, we're concerned about the torque steer.
Built to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the GTI, the Clubsport model comes as standard with 265 horsepower. Now, we know that's never going to be enough, so ABT took it to the next level with this 340 PS powerhouse upgrade. Torque also goes up from 350 to 430 Nm. That makes the Clubsport the most powerful of four ABT POWER variants, but they are all agile enough.
What we mean by that is there is no shame in buying the regular Golf GTI and adding a 290, 300 or 315 ABT package.
From what we gather, this is only the start of the Clubsport tuning project, as ABT plans to make custom headlight lids, a chin spoiler, side skirts and even a quad exhaust system. They've already got that part ready for the GTI, so it won't take them too long to upgrade.
A readily available extra are the ABT Sportsline alloy wheels, which are weight-reduced and were specially developed for track use. Available are the CR, DR, ER-C and FR from 8.5 x 18 to 9.0 x 20’’. Of course, these elegant wheels are also available with the right high-performance tires.
ABT also recommends adjustable suspension if you are a keen track day enthusiast, as well as sport-type anti-roll bars for the front and rear axle. A brake upgrade is also in order and comes in the form of 370x35mm rotors at the front with 6-piston caliper. Of course, they would, because it's good for business!
Built to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the GTI, the Clubsport model comes as standard with 265 horsepower. Now, we know that's never going to be enough, so ABT took it to the next level with this 340 PS powerhouse upgrade. Torque also goes up from 350 to 430 Nm. That makes the Clubsport the most powerful of four ABT POWER variants, but they are all agile enough.
What we mean by that is there is no shame in buying the regular Golf GTI and adding a 290, 300 or 315 ABT package.
From what we gather, this is only the start of the Clubsport tuning project, as ABT plans to make custom headlight lids, a chin spoiler, side skirts and even a quad exhaust system. They've already got that part ready for the GTI, so it won't take them too long to upgrade.
A readily available extra are the ABT Sportsline alloy wheels, which are weight-reduced and were specially developed for track use. Available are the CR, DR, ER-C and FR from 8.5 x 18 to 9.0 x 20’’. Of course, these elegant wheels are also available with the right high-performance tires.
ABT also recommends adjustable suspension if you are a keen track day enthusiast, as well as sport-type anti-roll bars for the front and rear axle. A brake upgrade is also in order and comes in the form of 370x35mm rotors at the front with 6-piston caliper. Of course, they would, because it's good for business!
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