The new Volkswagen GTI Clubsport was revealed just before the Nürburgring race weekend, as teased last week. It’s similar to the last GTI Clubsport from 2021, with some updates for the Mk 8.5 Golf range.
The previous version had 296 horsepower and could go from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 5.6 seconds. This new Clubsport has the same power but does the dash in 5.9 seconds. VW said it’s the most powerful front-wheel-drive Golf, though the 2016 GTI Clubsport S had more power but was limited to 400 units.
VW focused on improving the chassis, with changes to the front wheels’ camber and the front locking e-diff. They also tweaked the suspension for a smoother ride and made adjustments to the Vehicle Dynamic Manager. They even brought in a Bugatti test driver to refine the steering.
You can spot the new Clubsport by its black graphic along the door, black hatch spoiler, and red GTI badge. There are also gloss black exterior trim elements and an optional Akrapovic exhaust in the Race Package, which increases the top speed from 155 mph to 166 mph. Inside, there’s a new leather-wrapped steering wheel and red accents throughout the interior. The standard wheels are 18 inches, but there are options for 19-inch wheels as well.
