50 years of Golf: 348-GTI-PS make the Nordschleife unsafe
Volkswagen is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Golf at the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring and is presenting the new GTI Clubsport. All information!
The countdown has begun: The legendary 24-hour race at the Nürburgring starts on June 1st. Volkswagen will also be there to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the golf to celebrate.
Fans can look forward to a world premiere: Wolfsburg unveils the new Golf GTI Clubsport. The most powerful model with front-wheel drive will be exhibited on the “Ring Boulevard” after the presentation.
The Golf GTI Clubsport impresses with a special design and an efficient 2.0-liter turbo engine. For optimal performance on the track, the “Special” driving profile is perfectly tailored to the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
A revised front section is also new. Newly designed LED Plus headlights give the Golf a striking look, while the illuminated VW logo can also be seen at the front for the first time. At the rear, a large roof edge spoiler ensures maximum downforce. The new LED taillights round off the sporty design. The 19-inch “Queenstown” alloy wheels with their striking design are reminiscent of the legendary “Detroit“-rim of the fifth generation of the Golf GTI.
The Golf GTI Clubsport (centre) celebrates its world premiere at the 24-hour race on the Nürburgring.
Image: VW
The cockpit is enhanced by a newly developed multifunction leather sports steering wheel and a modern infotainment system. In addition, the new GTI top model is equipped with the IDA voice assistant with Chat GPT integration.
Max Kruse races Golf GTI Clubsport 24h
In the race itself, the Golf GTI Clubsport 24h, used by Max Kruse Racing, will be a one-off with 348 hp. VW stars such as Benjamin Leuchter and rallycross champion Johan Kristoffersson will be at the wheel. The highlight: the racing car runs on alternative fuel.
The E20 petrol developed by Shell in Hamburg reduces CO2 emissions by 35 to 40 percent. This is made possible by the use of an additional 40 percent renewable components from residual or waste materials, which are included in addition to the 20 percent bioethanol content.
The starting number is of course #50 – a birthday present from the organizer to mark half a century of golf success.
Thanks to an empty weight of just 1170 kg, combined with a power-to-weight ratio of 3.36 kg/hp, the compact racer reaches 270 km/h. The turbo engine delivers no less than 450 Nm of torque directly to the front axle.
As a tribute to the history of the Golf GTI, three classic models will also be taking part in the ADAC 24h Classic race. With legendary vehicles such as the Golf GTI 16S “Oettinger” from 1981, the KWL Motorsport team will provide a touch of nostalgia for the Volkswagen fan community.
