Photo: Volkswagen
We were right on the money with almost everything we've been saying about the hardcore Golf GTI the past year. Volkswagen today confirmed that the GTI Clubsport will pack exactly 265 PS when it enters production in 2016.
For now, this is only a concept, but the production model will be 99% the same. GTI fans are eagerly awaiting its arrival on the shores of Lake Worthersee, as they probably agree with us when we deliver the verdict: it's the most impressive GTI in almost 40 years.
Under the bonnet is a familiar 2-liter TFSI, with the same power output as the SEAT Leon Cupra. That means we should also expect 350 Nm of torque and a 0 to 100 km/h time of roughly 5.8 seconds.
Volkswagen are also going to install an overboost function, which they say will temporarily boost performance by 10% (expect more torque for a few seconds).
Power in the concept is sent to the front axle through a six-speed DSG and an electronically-controlled XDS differential. We've seen track testing footage and can tell you they installed much better tires and fade-resistant brakes.
At a glance, the 265 PS GTI bridges the gap between the 230 PS regular version and the 300 PS Golf R. We don't see it like that at all, since it's going to be lighter than usual and probably stiffer. For some, a hot hatch should never be all-wheel-drive.
Bespoke body panels are also being used for first time. They include new vents at the front, as well as 19-inch alloys and an imposing trunk-mounted wing. Volkswagen promised an "individualized interior," which we suspect will have carbon fiber trim pieces.
Under the bonnet is a familiar 2-liter TFSI, with the same power output as the SEAT Leon Cupra. That means we should also expect 350 Nm of torque and a 0 to 100 km/h time of roughly 5.8 seconds.
Volkswagen are also going to install an overboost function, which they say will temporarily boost performance by 10% (expect more torque for a few seconds).
Power in the concept is sent to the front axle through a six-speed DSG and an electronically-controlled XDS differential. We've seen track testing footage and can tell you they installed much better tires and fade-resistant brakes.
At a glance, the 265 PS GTI bridges the gap between the 230 PS regular version and the 300 PS Golf R. We don't see it like that at all, since it's going to be lighter than usual and probably stiffer. For some, a hot hatch should never be all-wheel-drive.
Bespoke body panels are also being used for first time. They include new vents at the front, as well as 19-inch alloys and an imposing trunk-mounted wing. Volkswagen promised an "individualized interior," which we suspect will have carbon fiber trim pieces.
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