This has never happened before: For the first time, a VW Golf GTI from the factory beats the otherwise overpowering VW Golf R in terms of performance. The new VW Golf Clubsport S provides pure adrenaline: the most powerful GTI engine of all time sits under the hood for captivating performance. In addition, there is a special Nordschleife setting and numerous features to further intensify the dynamics. To mark the anniversary – 40 years of the GTI – the special model was created with only 400 examples worldwide.

Volkswagen gave the VW Golf GTI Clubsport S, which is basically a two-door model, hot ingredients: The new front emphasizes the aggressiveness and improves the air supply to the engine, aerodynamics and downforce compared to the conventional VW Golf GTI. At the rear, it is the roof edge spoiler, which has been aerodynamically perfected in the wind tunnel, that optimizes aerodynamics and is significantly larger than its VW Golf GTI counterpart. There is a narrow air gap between the roof area, which is finished in black, and the wing-like spoiler stretched across it. The two-piece roof-edge spoiler rises above the roof line in height. At the sides, the spoiler merges with the black flaps of the tailgate.

In combination with the black rear diffuser and the roof-edge spoiler, the VW Golf GTI Clubsport S specifically generates more downforce at the rear axle than at the front axle. The extra driving stability, especially on the rear axle, is used to tune the chassis much more neutrally, so that the understeer typical of front-wheel-drive cars is virtually non-existent.

Other specific features of the most exclusive Golf GTI include 235/35 semi-slicks on 19-inch “Pretoria” alloy wheels, 65 percent blacked-out rear windows, “Clubsport S” nameplates, the roof also painted black in the case of the white and red vehicles, and xenon headlights with cornering and LED daytime running lights.

The makers also modified the 17-inch brake system, which is supposed to be extremely stable, especially on the circuit and the resulting high temperatures of the brake components. The front brake discs are so-called “built pin discs”. The brake pot is made of aluminum. The cast steel friction ring is connected to this aluminum brake pot via cast-in dowel pins and can therefore expand radially when heated. The other advantages of the new brake discs include not only stability but also very good dosing. Important for driving dynamics: the aluminum brake pads reduce the unsprung masses per wheel by one kilogram.

To sharpen the engine, the VW Golf GTI Clubsport S drew on the experience gained from a racing car: the 330-hp VW Golf TCR from the touring car championship. The designers increased the output of the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine from the EA888 series to a permanent 310 hp. Added to this is a maximum torque of 380 Nm, which is available between 1,700 and 5,300 rpm. Power is generally transmitted to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission.

The 235/35 ZR tires from Michelin on 19-inch “Pretoria” alloy wheels, which are important for performance, the DCC, which is also indispensable, as well as a strut brace, a partition net behind the seats and carpet in the rear again added weight. This leaves a weight saving of around 30 kilograms compared with a comparably equipped VW Golf GTI Clubsport and a low kerb weight of 1,285 kilograms (EU kerb weight including driver and luggage 1,360 kilograms). With 310 hp, this results in a power-to-weight ratio of a dynamic 4.15 kg/hp.

Equipped in this way, the VW Golf GTI Clubsport S sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds. Instead of an electronic tether, this compact sports car is allowed to run freely and achieves a top speed of 265 km/h. This compares with an average fuel consumption of 7.4 liters per 100 kilometers, which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 172 g/km.

By way of comparison, the manual VW Golf GTI Clubsport with 265 hp sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and ends its propulsion at an electronically limited 250 km/h. With the all-wheel drive VW Golf R and manual transmission, it takes 5.1 seconds for the classic sprint to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) and a top speed of an electronically limited 250 km/h (155.14 mph).

In the center console area, the VW Golf GTI Clubsport, limited to 400 units, has the production number (001/400 to 400/400). The driver and front passenger sit on motorsport bucket seats. Also on board are the GTI insignia of the “normal” Golf GTI Clubsport. These include the iconic gearshift knob in golf ball design with an Alcantara surround, a red line in the seat belts, applications in the cool “Honeycomb 40” design on the dashboard and doors, and classy trim in black piano lacquer.

Ergonomically perfectly tuned to the racetrack: the sport steering wheel covered in Alcantara and with a good grip, featuring a chrome-plated GTI emblem, red stitching and likewise red 12 o’clock markings, sets further accents. A red GTI logo on the stainless steel door sills rounds off the measures.