The Volkswagen Golf GTI approaches its 40 years of life, and this is his fifth special commemorative version, the most powerful front-wheel drive Golf.

It was not until 2016, when the Volkswagen Golf GTI meets quarantine, to have this interesting development Bestseller VW, perhaps one of the last mechanical evolutions of its seventh generation. The Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport does not disappoint in the usual path offer ‘more’ than the standard GTI, with current yielding 220 and 230 hp. For example, the GTI Edition 35, 2011 raised its maximum power of 210-235 hp. As well, the Volkswagen Golf GTI 265 hp Clubsport announced ‘Permanent’ maximum power, but its ‘boost’ function makes when you floor the accelerator pedal, that number increased to 290 hp for about 10 seconds, to promptly provide some unusual features in a front wheel drive. And something similar happens with the maximum torque, rising from 35.7 to 38.8 mkg.

The Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport Golf is not the most benefit in the market, because the expensive Volkswagen Golf R 4Motion all-wheel drive increases the maximum power to 300 hp, thanks to the improved adhesion, low official acceleration 0-100 5 seconds in the version with automatic DSG. But yes it is between two-wheel drive, contributing to a panoply of versions Volkswagen Golf very brilliant performance in which could also include the Volkswagen Golf GTD 184 hp (7.2 seconds in the 0-100) and from then the hybrid Volkswagen Golf GTE which numbers 204 hp between thermal and electric drive.

Based on the GTI Performance (the 230 hp), the Clubsport equals him in the specific sizing of its powerful brake discs (340 mm front and 310 back), and also includes a mechanical locking differential, although in this case the hydraulic lock management allowing slip between 0 and 100 percent, is particularly given the increased power available. Transmission, the same changes, manual or automatic is used, the normal GTI, fairly close relationships with each other but with a long roll 6th gear allowing the low engine turns at legal speeds. The ground clearance of the body, 15 mm less than normal golf, is also identical to the other GTI, but not the suspension settings, especially piloted damping. Characterized by a prominent rear spoiler on the roof and door meeting, the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport is also characteristic in its nose, where a specific aerodynamic bumpers determines a higher vertical thrust. At both ends of the spoiler, air ducts few direct it to the wheel passes but suppressing turbulence. It is not only cosmetic details, since the effect of greater ‘crush’ on asphalt determines a grip and when carrying wheels 19 ‘, a lower slip angle of the wheels during cornering, equal to steering input.

The attraction of its body 3/5 doors, the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport adds Interior with plenty of equipment and luxurious presentation. The steering wheel, flattened at the bottom, is wrapped stick to; and Alcantara bucket seats and cloth (may be entirely skin) are very comfortable and secure while perfectly cornering.

As an aesthetic detail that is a nod to the original GTI 1976, the flanks of the body carry a lower trim in black, in this case the label Clubsport. The car also carries own tires: the standard are 18 “(with tires 225 / 40-18) and forged, the latter detail with which saves 3.5 kg in each tire. Optionally, there forged wheels 19 “, but with greater width than the GTI Performance (8” instead of 7.5 “), and tires of 235 / 35-19 instead of the 225 / 35-19.

Volkswagen Golf GTI behavior Clubsport

All this is in theory when driving the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport, especially if this happens in circuit and is rolling fast, as happened in this touchdown held at the Portuguese track of Portimao, in the Algarve. Given the relative remoteness of marketing, it was available only three units, one with the efficient DSG automatic transmission, and all equipped with optional wheels 19 “. To say that the effectiveness of the car, its incredible agility to enter curves and tireless brakes far outweigh the driver (at least to whom this signature) is an understatement. Clearly, the VW chassis and transmission technicians have been with their touches, to the challenge of the new features. But in a few extra laps in Portimao pace over road and using the longest marches, Volkswagen Golf GTI powerful Clubsport also showed that it is treatable and with an appreciable level of comfort; a kind of race car where you can take the family. VW has not announced prices, but the figure likely will be around 37,000 euros when it arrives in showrooms in 2016.

Technical data Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport

Engine / Transmission

Type: 4-cylinder, 1984 cm3, direct injection and turbocharging

Yield: 265 hp (290 hp boost) at 5350 rpm. Max. 35.7 (38.8 boost) 1,700 mkg

Transmission: Front-wheel drive. Manual transmission 6V / 6V automatic DSG

Frame

Body: 3 or 5 doors

Tires: 225 / 40-18. Optional 235 / 35-19

Weight: 1,375 / 1,395 kg

Benefits

Vel. Maximum: 250 km / h

Acel. 0-100 5.9 s.

Consumption: 7.0 / 6.9 l / 100 km

Emissions: 162/159 g / km of CO2