► 2016 VW Golf GTI Clubsport - Test Drive on Race Track

The engine of the Golf GTI Clubsport – which has a power output of 261 horsepower (195 kW) between 5,350 and 6,600 rpm – is technically based on the 1,984 cc TSI engine of the Golf R. This is a third generation EA888 engine, and it boasts technical refinements such as a water-cooled exhaust channel to the turbocharger that is integrated in the cylinder head and variable valve timing with dual camshaft adjustment. In the Golf R, the engine's power is transferred to the front and rear wheels via an all-wheel drive system. In the new Golf GTI Clubsport, this power is chanelled entirely to the front wheels via either a manual gearbox or a DSG that performs automatic gear changes. The lightweight frontwheel drive system that is typical of the Golf GTI offers tremendous agility in conjunction with an electronically controlled front differential lock and the XDS+ vehicle dynamics function. Thanks to a boost function, the 261 HP power output can be boosted nearly 10 per cent to 285 hp (213 kW) for a brief time. Simultaneously, the maximum torque is also increased from 350 (between 1,700 and 5,300 rpm) to 380 Nm. This means that the new Golf GTI Clubsport reaches practically the same power level as the Golf R – the difference is just 10 PS – and the two Golf models are equally strong in terms of maximum torque.
The two classic driving performance indicators, "0-100 km/h" and "Vmax" give an objective measure of the car's dynamic potential: 5.9 seconds and 250 km/h. An even more significant trait of the anniversary model is its powerful torque that provides for powerful acceleration over practically the entire range of engine and vehicle speed.
Clubsport dynamism. Volkswagen has not only made the turbocharged engine of the anniversary model more powerful; it has also reconfigured its design, equipment and aerodynamics. For instance, the GTI Clubsport is characterised by an entirely new front bumper, new side sills, a rear diffuser that is also new, a multi-part roof spoiler and exclusive forged alloy wheels. The objective here was not to just visually customise the sports car. Rather, the primary.
The DSG version is equipped with launch control as standard. Just like in car racing, the Golf GTI Clubsport accelerates in a controlled manner from a standstill with its maximum power of up to 285 hp. It works like this: ASR is deactivated by pushing the ESC button, the driver presses the left foot on the brake pedal, the gear shift lever is set to the "S" position or the "Sport" mode is selected in the driving profile selector, engine speed is increased to 3,000 rpm – then the driver takes the left foot off the brake pedal. Now the Golf GTI Clubsport now starts off at maximum acceleration, because in this case the engine's boost Golf GTI Clubsport / 11_2015 / Portimão / Volkswagen / 7 function remains active for 20 seconds. After accelerating, ASR should be activated again.
Market launch of the new Golf GTI Clubsport is at the beginning of 2016 to mark 40th anniversary of the icon.
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