GTI Clubsport S smashes 'Ring record 04 | 05 | 2016
GTI Clubsport S smashes Ring record
VOLKSWAGEN HAS SMASHED the Nürburgring lap record for front-wheel-drive cars with its 306bhp Golf GTI Clubsport S. VW’s hottest Golf GTI shaved 1.4sec from previous record time set by the Honda Civic Type R.
More powerful than even the four-wheel-drive Golf R, the track-focused GTI Clubsport S lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife in a record 7min 49.21sec.
Externally, the Clubsport S stands out against the ‘standard’ GTI and Clubsport models with its a larger twin exhaust and the 19in wheels required for its standard Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.
To set the record, the Clubsport S has been extensively modified compared with the standard Clubsport. Weight was reduced by 30kg, thanks largely to the removal of the rear seats and much of the sound deadening material.
The six-speed manual gearbox is unchanged from the standard GTI: VW says the time gained in shift times by using a DSG dual-clutch automatic would be lost by the 20kg weight penalty. The German giant also believes the retention of a manual gearbox will also appeal to the purists it wants as customers for the limited run of 400 Clubsport Ss.
Air conditioning is likely to be a no-cost option, and the smaller infotainment screen fitted to this car is expected to be the only available system.
Power has been increased significantly over that of the regular Golf GTI Clubsport’s 261bhp, which also has a transient 286bhp on overboost. The Clubsport S produces 306bhp, thanks to a new exhaust and revised mapping of the EA888 turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine.
Although VW has yet to release exact performance figures, expect the Clubsport S to hit 60mph from a standstill in six seconds — or even, possibly less — and be limited to a top speed of 155mph, although the lap record car topped 157mph.
VW has also yet to confirm what the Clubsport S will cost, when it becomes available in Scotland towards the end of the year. But don’t be surprised it it sets you back north of £35,000.
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Jim McGill