In the automotive world, ‘Concept’ is a very vague term. On the one hand, it can lead us to believe that by next summer our cars will look like the Jetsons’. Or, as in the case of the Golf GTI Clubsport, we have been promised a closely fashioned production vehicle. Although ‘Clubsport’ may not be its official name, Volkswagen has confirmed a global limited edition model to come. As expected, this model does not tarnish the groundwork of Golf GTIs, but boldly pushes boundaries, showing progression for the platform.
The GTI Clubsport dawns a ‘wide and low’ motif, mostly thanks to the wheels and front end. The 19inch alloys wrapped with low profile rubber do a good job of emphasizing the body fender flares. The sheer wheel size alone gives the ‘tucked’ look for street appeal. Stretching between the wheels is a rocker panel decal adorned with the model name. The front end bumper gained some well suited air ducts and an all black air splitter. A unpretentious roof mounted spoiler and twin exhaust pipes finalize the sportiness of the design.
At 261 horsepower the GTI Clubsport packs a healthy 40 horses more than the performance package GTI. Its power is sourced from a turbocharged two-litre, then sent to the front wheels via a dual-clutch transmission. The production model has also been promised the option of the manual six-speed transmission. Volkswagen has included their XDS differential in this model, which essentially means the electronically controlled differential has torque-vectoring capabilities, exciting news for the cornering capabilities. With a stiffened up suspension, the GTI Clubsport has a 6.4 second naught to 60 mph time and comes with larger brakes at all four wheels to bring it to a halt.
There isn’t a date or price for when we may see an actual Golf GTI Clubsport or its spawn. However, it will likely place between the base Golf GTI and the Golf R, offering the manual transmission for the upper hand.
Source: Left Lane
