VW has unveiled the most sporty Golf GTI of the 8th Generation with the ClubSport.
The new GTI CS gets a completely redesigned front end that makes it now look even more powerful and distinctive. The lower air intake design closely mimics that of the Golf 8R. The front light design are slimmer, as seen on the recent facelift Golf GTI models. The LED Plus headlights come as standard. For the first time, the vehicle also features the illuminated VW logo at the front.
The 19-inch Queenstown alloy wheels are also new. With their striking design of five oval semi-circles, they evoke the classic Detroit wheel, which was introduced for the fifth-generation Golf GTI. As a further option, the Golf GTI Clubsport can now be configured with the new 19-inch Warmenau forged wheel. With a weight of only eight kilograms per wheel rim, the forged wheels reduce the unsprung masses and thus optimise performance.
At first glance, the rear doesn't seem that different to the standard Golf GTI but closer inspections reveal some unique to GTI CS design accents. The LED tail light clusters have been redesigned.
The large twin exhaust tail pipes come with the Akropovic tips which aids the "street cred" Vrrrr Phaaa. The lower faux diffuser features polished black accents.
A large roof spoiler at the rear ensures maximum downforce and it also aids differentiation from standard GTI models.
The Golf GTI Clubsport’s various functions and systems are coordinated using a newly developed multifunction leather sports steering wheel and a new infotainment system. It is intuitive and makes it possible for the driver to concentrate even better on the road ahead. The new top-of-the-range GTI model also features the new IDA voice assistant with ChatGPT integration.
CS exclusive sports seats ensure the driver and front passenger are held tight during spirited driving.
The GTI turbocharged engine (EA888 LK3 evo4) delivers a torque of 400 Nm and an output of 221 kW, which are brought to the road via an electronically controlled front differential lock. The DCC adaptive chassis control is available as optional equipment. Standard DSG on all models meaning the 6 speed manual is no longer available.
Another highlight of the Golf GTI Clubsport is the exclusive Special driving profile. This matches systems relevant for driving dynamics to the special track characteristics of the Nürburgring – in order to compensate for the undulations typical of the Nordschleife, maximum performance is achieved by means of a specific vertical setup of the DCC adaptive chassis control and a modified lateral dynamics setup of the standard Vehicle Dynamics Manager. The Golf GTI Clubsport accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds; the top speed of this most powerful of GTIs is electronically limited to 250 km/h. However, this limit can be lifted with the Race package – which raises the top speed to 267 km/h.
VW Mzansi confirmed that its currently looking at the possibility of importing limited units of the new Golf GTI CS