Volkswagen presents Golf 8 GTI Clubsport and has 221kW

WOLFSBURG – While the standard version of the eighth-generation Golf GTI emerged at the more docile end of the performance hatch hierarchy with its power outputs of 180kW and 370Nm, Volkswagen has just released a more intense Clubsport version that produces 221kW and 400Nm.

This throws it straight up against rivals like the Renault Megane RS 300 Trophy, which is also good for 221kW and 400Nm, and Honda’s Civic Type R (228kW / 400Nm). For the record, the new Golf GTI Clubsport is somewhat more cheerful than the previous-generation Clubsport, which produced 195kW, but it is not as powerful as the limited-running Clubsport S, which was pushing 228kW.

The new Clubsport’s engine is based on the latest EA888 evo 4 2-liter petrol turbo in the series, and Volkswagen says the car will go from 0-100 km / h in under six seconds.

But there is more to Clubsport than ground speed, as Volkswagen has beefed up the dynamics, with an electromechanical limited-slip differential, which is linked to the Vehicle Dynamics Manager, and the engineers have also revised the axle kinematics, with a significantly camber. greater on the front axle.

The new GTI Clubsport ships with 18-inch ‘Richmond’ alloy wheels as standard, but buyers can choose from a range of optional 19-inch wheels. The Clubsport is also distinguished by a unique front bumper design that includes larger air intakes as well as widened side sills with a black stripe graphic, a two-part roof spoiler finished in high-gloss black, and a custom diffuser. with oval tailpipes (replacing the standard GTI circular pipes).