Volkswagen’s Power Play: The 2024 Golf GTI Clubsport Unveiled with 300 HP and a Revamped Interior

Volkswagen Unveils Refreshed Golf GTI Clubsport for 2024: A Closer Look

The premier GTI model steps up its game with a 300 horsepower engine and revamped interior design

In time for the esteemed 24-hour race at the Nurburgring, Volkswagen has unveiled an updated version of its flagship GTI. The VW Golf GTI Clubsport, boasting a robust 300 horsepower, is not only the most powerful front-wheel-drive Golf, but it also features significant interior enhancements and a slightly modified exterior. We had the opportunity to take an exclusive, detailed look at the refreshed GTI series' leading model through an early photography session.

Exterior

The exterior of the latest GTIs has been meticulously refined in tandem with the standard Golf 8. The front end is redefined with a new lighting concept, featuring more defined and visually striking LED Plus headlights that now seamlessly integrate with the front grille. An LED crossbar and the iconic red GTI stripe embellish the grille, with the VW badge being illuminated for the first time. The front bumpers of both models are distinguished by unique aerodynamic details and a splitter reminiscent of racing designs.

Photo Gallery: VW Golf GTI Clubsport (2024)

The latest LED matrix headlights are available as an option, promising a 15 percent increase in high beam range. At the rear, the newly developed LED taillights are noticeable, and there's an option for 3D LED taillights with a dynamic turn signal feature. The side profile is accentuated with black side skirt extensions.

Wheels

When it comes to the wheels, there are distinct differences between the two Golf GTI models. The standard Golf GTI comes equipped with the 17-inch "Richmond" alloy wheel, whereas the Golf GTI Clubsport boasts a unique and polished 18-inch version of the Richmond wheel straight from the Wolfsburg factory. Additionally, a selection of optional 19-inch wheels are available for both GTI variants.

Both models now feature an entirely new development with the introduction of the "Queenstown" alloy wheel. Its distinctive design, consisting of five oval semi-circles, pays homage to the iconic "Detroit" style wheel that debuted on the fifth-generation Golf GTI. The "Queenstown" stands out with its shiny polished exteriors set against black inner surfaces.

Additionally, the new Golf GTI Clubsport will have the option to be equipped with the freshly designed 19-inch "Warmenau" forged wheel. Weighing in at just eight kilograms per rim, these forged wheels are about 20 percent lighter than similar alloy wheels, which lowers the unsprung weight. By the way, Warmenau is a district in Wolfsburg…

Interior

The infotainment system, which has been a source of numerous frustrations for Volkswagen and specifically the Golf 8, has been entirely revamped in the Golf GTI Clubsport. It now operates on the fourth generation Modular Infotainment Toolkit (MIB4).

The user interface has seen significant enhancements and simplification due to an updated graphical layout and menu system of the touchscreen. The system is available in two variants: "Ready 2 Discover," which offers navigation as an added feature, and "Discover," which includes standard navigation. Both versions come with a sizable 12.9-inch touchscreen.

The screens are standalone and enhance user experience with two newly illuminated touch strips and a central home screen. Drivers have the option to customize the display, with the "Top Bar" and the "Bottom Bar" consistently remaining visible. The touch sliders for temperature and volume control have been ergonomically improved and feature lighting.

The language assistant IDA2 provides control over numerous vehicle features, utilizing online databases and artificial intelligence. Additionally, there's an option for a robust 480-watt sound system from Harman Kardon.

The new Golf GTI and Golf GTI Clubsport feature an advanced "Digital Cockpit Pro" with a sleek digital display measuring 26 centimeters (10.2 inches). This system provides the driver with the option to select from three distinct graphic layouts: Classic, Progressive, and GTI. Notably, the GTI layout is characterized by a prominent central tachometer that incorporates the current speed and the iconic GTI emblem.

Furthermore, compact circular gauges for monitoring turbocharger boost pressure and torque can be displayed. There's also the option to have a head-up display, which beams essential driving information straight into the driver's line of sight.

Driving Dynamics

The "Special" driving mode of the Golf GTI Clubsport is tailored to meet the specific demands of the legendary Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit. It fine-tunes the vehicle's dynamic control systems to deliver peak performance on this challenging track. Both the adaptive chassis control, known as DCC, and the dynamic handling manager are calibrated to counteract the circuit's characteristic undulations, enabling a unique vertical setup for the car.

This results in an enhanced vehicle response to steering commands and greater agility, ultimately ensuring optimal driving dynamics. The "Special" mode is an exclusive additional mapping of the "Sport" driving profile, which, according to VW, offers a more dynamic and direct configuration than the standard profiles.

The chassis and steering system of the latest Golf GTI and Golf GTI Clubsport models have undergone advancements to enhance their driving dynamics. Standard in these vehicles is the progressive steering, which allows for a more immediate response during steering. The modular dynamic driving manager orchestrates the interplay between the front axle lock, the electronic differential locks, and the optional adaptive chassis control DCC. This adaptive control, DCC, dynamically adjusts to road conditions and the driving scenario, enabling the driver to fine-tune the rigidity of the suspension with great precision.

Engine

The standard GTI model has been upgraded with an additional 20 horsepower, now boasting a total of 265 horses under the hood, while the "Clubsport" edition retains its robust 300 horsepower and torque, continuing to be the most powerful front-wheel-drive Golf in the lineup. The GTI Clubsport can sprint from a standstill to 100 km/h in a mere 5.6 seconds. Its top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, but with the optional "Race Package," this limit can be removed, allowing the car to reach a top speed of 267 km/h.

Enhanced GTI:

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