Volkswagen will be unveiling a new ‘GTI Clubsport’ concept at the Wörthersee GTI festival later on this week. A road-ready version is expected to go on sale in early 2016, when it will aim to take on the likes of the Renaultsport Megane 265.
Built to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the GTI model, the concept car is powered by the same ‘EA888’ turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine found in the standard GTI. However, power has been ramped up to 261 bhp, a significant increase compared to the standard GTI’s 217 bhp. An additional ‘overboost’ function further boosts that figure by a further ten per cent to 287 bhp for short spurts of acceleration.
Volkswagen has so far remain tight-lipped about the car’s torque output, although an increase over the 258 lb-ft delivered by the standard GTI is likely. The engine will be mated to the usual six-speed dual-clutch box.
Styling elements include an enlarged honeycomb-style lower air intake at the front, which is joined by two aggressive-looking trapezoidal air ducts beside the brake cooling vents. Also fitted is a more pronounced front splitter.
The side view incorporates 19-inch wheels and gloss black door mirrors, while at the back there is a projecting black rear spoiler as well as a diffuser style bumper towards the bottom.
Source: Volkswagen
