Volkswagen introduces Golf GTI Clubsport concept

Volkswagen has introduced a new concept called GTI Clubsport at the annual GTI Meet that is taking place right now near Lake Wörthersee, Austria. Based on the three-door version of the hot hatch, the hot-rodded GTI was built to celebrate the nameplate’s 40th anniversary.
The GTI Clubsport is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 261 horsepower, about 40 more than a stock 2015 GTI equipped with the optional Performance Package. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission and an electronically-controlled front differential called XDS.

The GTI Clubsport can sprint from zero to 60 mph in less than 6.4 seconds and it reaches an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph. The concept benefits from upsized brakes all around and a stiffer suspension setup.

Visually, the Clubsport concept immediately stands out from a regular-production GTI thanks to a more muscular-looking front bumper fitted with a splitter, a pair of large air ducts and a big U-shaped air vent with honeycomb inserts. The back end gets a black roof-mounted spoiler and twin round exhaust pipes, while concept-specific 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped by low-profile tires and decals above the rocker panels add a finishing touch to the look.

What’s next?
Unlike most of the show cars presented each year at the Wörthersee meet, the GTI Clubsport is not merely a design study. Volkswagen has confirmed the concept will spawn a yet-unnamed limited-edition model that is scheduled to go on sale globally next year. The hot hatch will keep the concept’s 261-horsepower turbo four, positioning it between the standard GTI and the 292-horsepower Golf R, but buyers will be able to order it with a six-speed manual transmission.