Volkswagen will celebrate 40 years since they`ve launched the car that popularised the ‘hot hatch’ phenomenon: the Golf GTI. To mark this important anniversary, Volkswagen is launching in UK a special Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection engine that delivers 265 hp, making it the most powerful Golf GTI yet. An additional ‘overboost’ function increases the engine power to 290 hp.
The engine – which delivers its 265 hp between 5,350 and 6,600 rpm – is technically based on the 1,984 cc TSI engine that appears in the Golf R. Maximum torque, under boost, is 350 Nm.
This power is channelled entirely to the front wheels via either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed DSG. The lightweight front-wheel drive system works in conjunction with an electronically controlled front differential lock and the XDS+ vehicle dynamics function.
The DSG version of the car is also equipped with launch control as standard. Just as with a track racer the Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40 – which has a unladen weight of 1,375 kg, depending on bodystyle – accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph. CO2 emissions range between 158 g/km and 162 g/km depending on bodystyle and transmission choice, while combined fuel economy similarly varies between 40.9 mpg and 40.4 mpg.
The new Clubsport Edition 40 is equipped with a sport chassis with 15 mm lower ride height as standard. Up front, MacPherson suspension provides precise tracking while the modular performance suspension does the same job at the rear.
Power is transferred to the road via 18-inch alloy wheels that are offered as standard with 225/40 tyres. These exclusive “Quaranta” forged wheels are nearly 3 kg lighter per wheel than conventional alloys. Optionally, the GTI Clubsport Edition 40 may be ordered with 19-inch “Brescia “ alloy wheels with 235/35 tyres. Another option: street-approved semi-slick 235/35 R 19 tyres on eight-inch wide “Pretoria” wheels.
