Volkswagen GTI Clubsport Celebrates Its 40th Birthday with More Power

VW Golf GTI Clubsport

When some folks turn 40, they look back at their lives and start to wonder what it was all about. They turn to adrenaline pumping activities to infuse their lives with excitement.

The Volks have done the same thing, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the GTI with the Volkswagen GTI Clubsport, set to debut at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany on September 15.

The most powerful GTI ever will feature 265 metric horsepower, which translates to 261 of our American horses, and get this….it comes with a power surge.

Yup, just floor it and you get 10% more power for 10 seconds. You don’t even have to Pac-Man your way over any bananas.

VW Golf GTI Clubsport

The GTI Clubsport will come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, but the 6-speed dual-clutch (DSG) gearbox will also be available.

And though it pains me to write it, the DSG promises to turn out slightly better numbers. 0-60 mph comes in 5.9 seconds and EPA fuel rating is 34.8 mpg. The manual will scoot you to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds and returns 33.8 mpg.

There are a few visual cues to differentiate the Clubsport from it’s slightly less powerful sibling. The front bumper is new, along with new side sills, a new rear diffuser, and a new multi-part roof spoiler. 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are standard, 19-inch wheels are optional, and both are of a new design.

VW Golf GTI Clubsport front seats

Inside the traditional tartan is still a key feature, but it now adorns folding racing bucket seats partially covered in Alcantara and a honeycomb pattern. There is some special trim on the gauge cluster, center console, and doors, with a healthy smattering of Alcantara throughout.

Alcantara, for those not in the know, is a vegetarian suede leather.

Rounding out the interior features are custom floor mats and Clubsport specific stainless steel kick plates.

VW Golf GTI Clubsport interior

VW promises the new GTI Clubsport will exhibit, “groundbreaking handling properties at high speeds and breathtaking cornering speeds.”

We can’t confirm this assertion, but we can’t wait to try!

Check out our 0-60 mph test of the 2015 VW GTI Mark VII.

emme hall tflcar Emme is a driver, reviewer, rabble rouser, and Gazelle who can be found online on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and either one of her blogs.