In conjunction with the Golf GTI’s 45th anniversary, Volkswagen has unveiled a rather special model – the Golf GTI Clubsport 45. The exclusive edition of the 300 PS Golf GTI Clubsport comes with various individualisation which makes it a ready-made collector’s item, even as new.
Priced from 47,790 euros in Germany, the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 45 features larger air intakes, a specially designed open roof spoiler, and a separate sport exhaust system.
The exterior boasts a striking black roof complete with black roof spoiler, in homage to the black-framed rear window of the first Golf GTI. With the Race package, which is available as standard and exclusive to the Golf GTI Clubsport 45, equipment includes 19-inch Scottsdale alloy wheels in a high-gloss black finish, with a narrow accent pinstripe detail in Tornado Red.
Race package
The Race package also includes a sport exhaust system and removal of the Vmax limiter (otherwise top speed is limited to 250 km/h). Lettering on the side sill panel and the “45” added to the lettering on the boot lid underpin the impression of dynamism. The Clubsport 45 series also features IQ.Light LED matrix headlights with the red trim strip which is included on all GTIs.
The interior of the anniversary model also showcases classic GTI insignia. Embellishments include GTI lettering on the backrests of the front premium sport seats. A “45” adds character to the multi-function sport steering wheel at the centre spoke (at 6 o’clock).
With the new Golf GTI Clubsport 45, Volkswagen is adding a new chapter to the high- performance GTI versions released: The original Golf GTI Clubsport was launched in 2016, on the 40th birthday of the cult sports car.
The Clubsport Series
That first member of the Clubsport series achieved 265 PS and could temporarily deliver 290 PS using a boost function. That same year also saw the arrival of the Golf GTI Clubsport S, which had a constantly attainable maximum performance of 310 PS.
In autumn 2020 Volkswagen released the new Golf GTI Clubsport, a car which featured the first- ever instance of the standard electromechanical front-axle locking differential control being integrated into the driving dynamics manager network – as does the newly launched Clubsport 45. This intelligent connection sets a new benchmark in driving dynamics.
To recap, Volkswagen launched the first ever Golf GTI in mid-1976. According to Volkswagen, no one at the company had any idea that the Golf GTI would eventually become one of the world’s most successful compact sports cars.
But that is exactly what happened – from production of the 5,000 vehicles that were originally planned to well in excess of 2.3 million today.
