GTI Club Sport Concept Revealed
It has been a tradition for Volkswagen to introduce special editions for its models. In particular, the GTI received some of the most memorable special editions throughout its four-decade history.
At IAA 2015/Frankfurt Motor Show, Volkswagen revealed the GTI Club Sport. The newest in a line of special GTIs goes beyond what to expect from Volkswagen.
Created to celebrate the GTI’s 40th anniversary, the Club Sport continues the tradition of anniversary specials. It is truly a tribute to the MK I GTI, right down to the stripe on the lower part of the body. However, there is much new to the Club Sport, distinguishing it from the other GTI models. A new bumper, along with a new larger spoiler and redesigned tailpipes integrated into the rear diffuser adds modern touches to what will be the most powerful GTI ever created. In all, the paint scheme will be in Onyx White with a Black painted roof.
The interior will remain the same format as in the regular GTI, except for high back racing seats and other minute “Honeycomb 40” trim pieces distinguishing the Club Sport. Those seats will be partially upholstered in Alcantara in a honeycomb pattern. Alcantara will also adorn the steering wheel and gear lever. Red GTI badges will appear in various places from the floor mats, the stainless steel kickplates inside the door sills and elsewhere around the cabin.
The real story is under the hood. The 2.0 liter turbocharged engine remains, but it has been massaged to put out 265 Horsepower. If that is not enough, an overboost option could be ordered raising the horsepower to 290. The Club Sport will be offered in a six-speed manual or the DSG gearbox. With the DSG, Volkswagen clocked the Club Sport from 0-62MPH in 5.9 seconds, while returning 34.8 mpg.
Club Sports will ride on standard 18-inch wheels, different than current GTI designs. There are the optional 19-inch “Brescia” wheels.
Though Volkswagen states that the GTI Club Sport will become available in the beginning of 2016, there is no other information regarding actual production numbers for the U.S. and pricing at this time. Bud Brown Volkswagen is one place where special GTIs take center stage for the Kansas City area. Contacts us to become one of few to own this special edition of this award-winning car.