Next year the Volkswagen Golf GTI is 40 years old; to mark the occasion Volkswagen has announced the Golf GTI Clubsport, which will go on sale in 2016.
At the moment, the Clubsport is a concept but the production model is not expected to be significantly different. The Clubsport was revealed at the annual gathering for GTI fans on the south bank of Lake Worthersee in Austria.
Exterior
The look of the Clubsport includes visual references the original, 1976 GTI as well as enhancing the aerodynamics. The concept is finished in Onyx White with a black roof.
A new front bumper features redesigned air intakes designed to direct the airflow into the engine bay. It also incorporates a gloss-black spoiler designed to provide downforce. At the back, a larger spoiler wraps around the rear window and extends above the roofline while the rear bumper houses a diffuser that frames the twin, chrome exhaust pipes. In homage to the original Golf GTI, the Clubsport wears a black stripe along the length of the sill, a nod to the black rubbing strip on the flanks of the Mk1 GTI. The 19-inch 'Brescia' alloy wheels were designed for the anniversary concept and a forged, 18-inch wheel design will be available on the production car.
Interior
Folding racing bucket seats - part trimmed in Alcantara with a honeycomb pattern on the back and cushion - are fitted. Continuing the hexagonal theme there is 'Honeycomb 40' trim on the instrument strip, centre console and doors. A touch red appears throughout the interior as a stripe on the seatbelts, a seam on the steering wheel and edging for the floor mats.
Mechanicals
The 2.0-litre turbocharged engine produces more power; up from 230 to 265hp. For short periods, a boost function can increase that figure by roughly ten percent.
Anything else?
This is the fifth special edition Golf GTI continuing a tradition that started on the model's 20th anniversary.