Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S sets new Nürburgring lap record

2016 volkswagen golf gti clubsport s front quarter-3

Volkswagen has broken the front-wheel-drive production vehicle speed record at the Nürburgring with the Golf GTI Clubsport S.

Created to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the venerable Golf GTI, the 228kW front-wheel drive hot hatch lapped the Nordschleife in 7 minutes and 49.21 seconds, driven by German racing driver, Benny Leuchter; in the process breaking the previous lap record set by the Renaultsport Megane R.S. 275 Trophy-R.

2016 volkswagen golf gti clubsport s front quarter-2

Powered by an uprated 2.0-litre TSI four-cylinder engine which has been equipped with a new fuel pump, sportier exhaust system and an optimised ECU, it churns out 228kW and 380Nm of torque. The engine is connected to a six-speed manual transmission that enables the car to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 5.8 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 261km/h.

As the car was designed from the outset to set a new record at the Nürburgring, it is equipped with an exclusive ‘Nürburgring’ setting on its Driver Profile selector. Volkswagen says the Green Hell mode has been fine-tuned to suit the unique conditions of the track.

2016 volkswagen golf gti clubsport s rear quarter

The Golf GTI Clubsport S is available exclusively as a three-door and features an aggressive body kit and 19-inch alloy wheels with semi-slick Michelin Sport Cup 2 tyres. It will be finished in Deep Black Pearl Effect, Pure White or Tornado Red – the colour of the original GTI.

2016 volkswagen golf gti clubsport s interior

Inside, the interior has been stripped of the rear seats, centre armrest and some sound insulation in order to make the car as light as possible. Engineers also installed a smaller battery, aluminium brake covers and an aluminium subframe for the front suspension. Thanks to the lightweight diet, the Clubsport S tips the scale at 1,360kg.

Just 400 units of the Golf GTI Clubsport S will be built, with 100 of those reserved for German customers.

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