Volkswagen has announced that it has sold all 150 of the limited edition Golf GTI Clubsport S models allocated to the UK.
The special edition, which produces over 300hp and has claimed a lap record of the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit, was released to mark the 40th anniversary of the original Golf GTI – well, sort of. There is already a GTI Clubsport Edition 40, so this is an extra birthday present from VW to itself.
400 vehicles are set to be built in total for worldwide distribution, with the UK allocated 150 of that total to reflect the ongoing popularity of the Golf GTI here over the last four decades. This decision seem justified since the car quickly sold out, despite an on-road price tag of £33,995 that could get you a decent second-hand Porsche 911.
Unlike many limited edition models, which are limited to some new alloys and go-fast stripes, the Clubsport S features significant engineering upgrades over the regular Golf GTI.
An aluminium axle sub-frame, lightened components around the vehicle, a smaller battery and the complete removal of the rear seats reflect Volkswagen’s commitment to reducing the weight of the car. Air-conditioning, insulation material, floor mats, rear parcel shelf and the bonnet strut dampers have all been thrown in the bin as well. Volkswagen quotes a weight of 1,285kg for the Clubsport S, which is 65kg less than the regular Golf GTI’s official figure.
A new exhaust system with larger-diameter tailpipes is said to reduce pressure and improve performance. A side effect of “atmospheric backfiring” when lifting off has been designed in, so expect imminent YouTube videos of Clubsport S drivers giggling like schoolkids as their car pops and crackles like a bowl of Rice Crispies through a megaphone.
Volkswagen claims a Nürburgring lap record time of 7mins 49 sec, which is faster than a Lamborghini Murcielago or BMW M4. The car even comes with a special ‘Nürburgring’ mode which modifies the suspension, sound, engine and steering settings. Helpfully, Volkswagen also advises that the top speed of the Clubsport S is 164mph.
