Meeting each other at the Portimao race circuit in Southern Portugal, are the 1983 Golf GTI Pirelli and the Golf GTI Clubsport, the latter is billed as the most powerful production GTI ever. According to the brand, the meeting is a treat for fans and one that coincides with the Golf GTI’s 40th birthday next year.
The Golf GTI Pirelli came with a 1.8 litre engine that made 112 PS and was based on the original Golf GTI Mk1 (just before its production ended). It represented the brand’s first-ever anniversary model. As for the new Clubsport, Volkswagen says that its the Golf GTI Pirelli’s modern counterpart.
To recap, the Golf GTI Clubsport is based on the Mk7 Golf GTI. With its 2.0 litre TSI engine, it produces a power output of 265 PS and 350 Nm of torque. A temporary boost function is available in the Clubsport, which upon activation, calls up 290 PS and 380 Nm of torque.
Said power comes in by just kicking down on the throttle and is delivered for up to 10 seconds. Squeezing out that extra power will propel the Golf GTI Clubsport from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds. A launch control feature can be had with the dual-clutch gearbox (DSG).
Other items that can be found on the Clubsport include a two-tone colour scheme on the outside, a unique front bumper, a rear spoiler and a diffuser> A set of semi-slick tyres approved for road-use comes as an option. Inside, standard sports bucket seats or classic GTI sports seats can be specified.
With that said, the Golf GTI Clubsport and the Golf GTI Pirelli are not the only special series to have ever been produced, the company states. Dedicated GTI models have been created in between, on the model’s 20th, 25th, 30th and 35th birthdays.
GALLERY: Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport
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