Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport concept revealed

Next year the Golf GTI will turn 40 and to start the celebrations Volkswagen has revealed this Clubsport concept model at its annual Wörthersee show.

Volkswagen says the Golf GTI Clubsport will go on sale in 2016. The special edition GTI gets a power boost to 195kW and revised model-specific body styling designed to improve downforce.

The images revealed show the wheels filling out the guards nicely, although it remains to be seen if that’s anything more than Photoshop trickery. You’ll also notice the tyres shown are semi-slicks, which is rather interesting. That means you should also expect the Clubsport to boast other mods such as a revised exhaust plus uprated brakes and suspension.

The BMW-like “air curtain” featured in that new front spoiler will also help keep your bigger brakes a bit cooler. Indeed, this looks like being one very cool GTI.

It looks good. It will drive well. And, finally, a Clubsport to which we can say: “I just want one.”

World premiere of the Golf GTI Clubsport at Lake Wörthersee

• Exclusive anniversary model for 40th birthday of the GTI
• Golf GTI Clubsport debuts with 265 PS and boost function

Wolfsburg, 08 May 2015 – Next year, the Golf GTI celebrates its 40th birthday. Volkswagen is marking this historic event with a progressive anniversary model: the new Golf GTI Clubsport. Volkswagen will be showcasing the Golf GTI Clubsport on 14th May as part of the legendary GTI meet at Lake Wörthersee, when it will make its world premiere in the form of a near-production concept car.

With a power output of 195 kW / 265 PS (35 PS more than the Golf GTI Performance) and top performance temporarily increased by around a further 10 per cent thanks to a boost function, the Golf GTI Clubsport is set to take off at the start of 2016 as the most powerful production ‘GTI’ yet. The anniversary model is being launched not only with an extremely powerful engine, but also with an individualised interior and exclusive bodywork details.

The design modifications include a completely new front bumper, new side sills, a new and aerodynamically highly innovative roof-edge spoiler and a specially developed rear diffuser. All of these features were designed with the aim of further enhancing the GTI’s performance and of thereby bringing form and function into perfect harmony. The interplay of the very high power output thanks to the boost function and significantly improved levels of downforce move the Golf GTI Clubsport into the realms of motorsport driving dynamics. Consequently, handling remains extremely stable even at very high speeds. Breath-taking cornering speeds are also possible. The new Golf GTI Clubsport thus makes a great case for itself as unadulterated sports car.