Volkswagen is coming to the Nürburgring Nordschleife to compete in the ADAC 24-hour race. Its competitor will be the Golf GTI Clubsport 24h, a one-off GTI with a 348PS 2.0-litre turbocharged engine running on E20 bioethanol fuel. Before the main race, three first-generation classic Golf GTIs will be seen in action in the ADAC 24h Classic race.
However, the main attraction of the Nürburgring race weekend will be the global reveal of the new Golf GTI Clubsport on 31st May. It is touted to be the most powerful Golf to date, with front-wheel drive. While we are still a few days away from seeing the car in full, VW has revealed some teasers and information. Here’s what we know about it so far.
The Golf GTI Clubsport will feature a completely redesigned front, with revamped LED Plus headlamps and an illuminated VW logo for the first time. A fixed rear roof spoiler has been added to not only enhance the aesthetic value but also ensure maximum downforce. The LED taillights have also been revised. The 19-inch Queenstown alloy wheels, introduced on the fifth-generation Golf GTI, will be available as standard. Optionally, customers can opt for new 19-inch Warmenau forged wheels. With a weight of only eight kilograms per wheel rim, the forged wheels reduce the unsprung masses and thus optimise performance.
Changes inside the car include a new multifunction leather sports steering wheel and a new infotainment system, featuring voice assistant IDA with ChatGPT integration.
The complete mechanical specifications of the Golf GTI Clubsport remain unknown. For now, we know that it gets an electronically controlled front differential lock as standard and optional DCC adaptive chassis control. There is also a dedicated ‘Special’ driving profile that tunes the car up as per the dynamics of the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The Golf GTI Clubsport has also been tuned to run on E20 fuel.
More details to be revealed on 31st May.