Volkswagen GTI Clubsport Is Here (And Probably Already Sold Out)

Aaron Cole
by Aaron Cole

Volkswagen’s 40th anniversary model of its Golf GTI will be shown this year in Frankfu — and they’re probably already all gone.

The GTI Clubsport carries the same 2-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine found in the current GTI, but increases its output to 261 horsepower (290 horsepower when overboosted). Power is shifted through a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG automatic.

In addition to being a turbocharged manual hatchback, the GTI Clubsport hits the fanboy superfecta: It won’t go on sale in the U.S.

According to Volkswagen, the GTI Clubsport will hit 60 mph in 6 seconds (5.9 seconds when equipped with the DSG) and manage more than 33 mpg. It’s unclear if the chassis or suspension has been improved over the normal GTI.

In addition to unique 19-inch wheels, a larger rear spoiler and black mirror caps, the Oryx White paint scheme with black roof will be unique to the Clubsport.

Inside, the Clubsport gets unique bucket seats, special badging and shifter knob, and special “40”-branded cattle prods to keep GTI fanboys off your car.

The current lineup for GTI/Golf R is already crowded in the U.S. and Canada. In the spring, Volkswagen released a GTI Autobahn Performance package that starts over $31,000 and the Golf R starts at just over $35,000. A Clubsport (with an admittedly more potent engine than the GTI Performance) would have a very small window to hit.

(If not, there’s always the race Golf.)





Aaron Cole
Aaron Cole

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  • Bd2 Mark my words : Lexus Deathwatch Part 1, the T24 From Hell!
  • Michael S6 Cadillac is beyond fixing because of lack of investment and uncompetitive products. The division and GM are essentially held afloat by mega size SUV (and pick up truck GM) that only domestic brainwashed population buys. Cadillac only hope was to leapfrog the competition in the luxury EV market but that turned out disastrously with the botches role out of the Lyriq which is now dead on arrival.
  • BlackEldo I'm not sure the entire brand can be fixed, but maybe they should start with the C pillar on the CT5...
  • Bd2 To sum up my comments and follow-up comments here backed by some data, perhaps Cadillac should look to the Genesis formula in order to secure a more competitive position in the market. Indeed, by using bespoke Rwd chassis, powertrains and interiors Genesis is selling neck and neck with Lexus while ATPs are 15 to 35% higher depending on the segment you are looking at. While Lexus can't sell Rwd sedans, Genesis is outpacing them 2.2 to 1. Genesis is an industry world changing success story, frankly Cadillac would be insane to not replicate it for themselves.
  • Bd2 Even Lexus is feeling the burn of not being able to compete in the e-ATP arena.
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