Latest news with #GTIClubsport
West Australian
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- West Australian
Volkswagen mulling hardcore Golf GTI for Australia
The hardcore Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport has been forbidden fruit for Australian hot hatch buyers in the iconic hot hatch nameplate's eighth generation, but that could be about to change according to Volkswagen Australia's product boss. Speaking with CarExpert at the local launch of the new Mk8.5 Golf range this week – including the new, more powerful 'regular' Golf GTI – general manager for product at Volkswagen Australia, Arjun Nidigallu, said the German brand is actively looking into how the GTI Clubsport could fit into the local lineup. '[There's] a bit more work to do, but it's certainly something we will look into later in the lifecycle as an opportunity,' Mr Nidigallu told CarExpert. 'There are some technical things with the GTI Clubsport – engine and suspension variations that we need to make sure we have clearances for the Australian market.' Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now . Given the Clubsport's more niche appeal compared to the standard GTI and the R – both of which are quite popular in Australia relative to the rest of the world, Mr Nidigallu suggested that a Clubsport-based special edition may be the variant's ticket Down Under. 'The expansion of the [Golf] range, to begin with, is at the lower end. That's the initial strategy for the Mk8.5 that we're going to go with,' Mr Nidigallu said, referencing the addition of the new Style variant in the non-performance Golf lineup. 'As we continue through the lifecycle, there are always opportunities for us to look at, special editions in particular, but typically they tend to be performance editions as well – GTI special edition or a Golf R special edition that [we have done in the past]. 'Along those lines there might be an opportunity [for the Clubsport], but we need to investigate it in more detail.' Previously, a version of the GTI Clubsport was offered in Australia in the Mk7 days, marketed locally as the GTI 40 Years Edition. Where the standard GTI made 162-169kW at the time, the GTI 40 Years in Australia was bumped to 195kW and 350Nm in normal conditions, and 213kW/380Nm on overboost. For 2025, the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport is billed as the 'motorsport' grade, drawing upon a 221kW/400Nm version of the 'evo4' iteration of VW's long-running EA888 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. The additional outputs over the standard GTI's 195kW/370Nm are achieved via 'parameters such as engine control, boost pressure and other internal engine measures'. Drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic. Volkswagen claims the GTI Clubsport can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 5.6 seconds, and when optioned with the optional Race Package in Europe, the Clubsport can reach a top speed of 267km/h. As standard, the GTI and GTI Clubsport are electronically limited to 250km/h. When optioned with the Race Package, the GTI Clubsport is also available with an Akrapovic titanium exhaust system, similar to the Golf R, Audi S3 and Cupra Formentor. If the Clubsport's powertrain sounds familiar, that's because it's already on sale in Australia under the bonnet of the most potent Cupra Leon – the VZx. The GTI Clubsport would give Volkswagen a more direct competitor to track-focused competition like the Honda Civic Type R, as well as the now-defunct Renault Megane RS. Naturally, you can throw the aforementioned Cupra Leon in there as well. No doubt part of the brand's initial hesitation to bring the GTI Clubsport to Australia is the presence and popularity of the all-wheel drive Golf R. Given the new GTI is priced from $58,990 and the R from $70,990 (both before on-road costs), it's a fairly narrow window for what is a niche product to sit in. Conversely, one could argue that a circa-$65,000 hardcore Golf variant serves as a great stepping stone between the GTI and R nameplates, especially given the more purist and track-focused nature of the Clubsport relative to the performance variants that bookend it. Further, it's likely Volkswagen will unveil a 50th anniversary GTI in 2026, given the limited-edition GTI Clubsport 45 was revealed for Europe in 2021. The Clubsport 45 was one of the first commemorative editions Australia has missed out on in some time, as the Mk7-based GTI 40 Years and Mk6-based GTI Edition 35 proved popular locally, and the ultra-limited Golf R 20 Years sold out within a day (just 50 units came to Australia). Given Mr Nidigallu's comments, the GTI Clubsport 50 Years, Edition 50, or whatever it will be called, could be on the cards for an Australian introduction, and we could see a limited allocation arrive in Australia either late in 2026 or early 2027 as a send-off to the Mk8 generation. Would you be keen to see the Golf GTI Clubsport in Australia? Tell us in the comments! MORE: Volkswagen Golf marks 50 years with hot Clubsport GTI MORE: Everything Volkswagen Golf
7NEWS
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Volkswagen mulling hardcore Golf GTI for Australia
The hardcore Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport has been forbidden fruit for Australian hot hatch buyers in the iconic hot hatch nameplate's eighth generation, but that could be about to change according to Volkswagen Australia's product boss. Speaking with CarExpert at the local launch of the new Mk8.5 Golf range this week – including the new, more powerful 'regular' Golf GTI – general manager for product at Volkswagen Australia, Arjun Nidigallu, said the German brand is actively looking into how the GTI Clubsport could fit into the local lineup. '[There's] a bit more work to do, but it's certainly something we will look into later in the lifecycle as an opportunity,' Mr Nidigallu told CarExpert. 'There are some technical things with the GTI Clubsport – engine and suspension variations that we need to make sure we have clearances for the Australian market.' Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Given the Clubsport's more niche appeal compared to the standard GTI and the R – both of which are quite popular in Australia relative to the rest of the world, Mr Nidigallu suggested that a Clubsport-based special edition may be the variant's ticket Down Under. 'The expansion of the [Golf] range, to begin with, is at the lower end. That's the initial strategy for the Mk8.5 that we're going to go with,' Mr Nidigallu said, referencing the addition of the new Style variant in the non-performance Golf lineup. 'As we continue through the lifecycle, there are always opportunities for us to look at, special editions in particular, but typically they tend to be performance editions as well – GTI special edition or a Golf R special edition that [we have done in the past]. 'Along those lines there might be an opportunity [for the Clubsport], but we need to investigate it in more detail.' Previously, a version of the GTI Clubsport was offered in Australia in the Mk7 days, marketed locally as the GTI 40 Years Edition. Where the standard GTI made 162-169kW at the time, the GTI 40 Years in Australia was bumped to 195kW and 350Nm in normal conditions, and 213kW/380Nm on overboost. For 2025, the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport is billed as the 'motorsport' grade, drawing upon a 221kW/400Nm version of the 'evo4' iteration of VW's long-running EA888 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. The additional outputs over the standard GTI's 195kW/370Nm are achieved via 'parameters such as engine control, boost pressure and other internal engine measures'. Drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic. Volkswagen claims the GTI Clubsport can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 5.6 seconds, and when optioned with the optional Race Package in Europe, the Clubsport can reach a top speed of 267km/h. As standard, the GTI and GTI Clubsport are electronically limited to 250km/h. When optioned with the Race Package, the GTI Clubsport is also available with an Akrapovic titanium exhaust system, similar to the Golf R, Audi S3 and Cupra Formentor. If the Clubsport's powertrain sounds familiar, that's because it's already on sale in Australia under the bonnet of the most potent Cupra Leon – the VZx. The GTI Clubsport would give Volkswagen a more direct competitor to track-focused competition like the Honda Civic Type R, as well as the now-defunct Renault Megane RS. Naturally, you can throw the aforementioned Cupra Leon in there as well. No doubt part of the brand's initial hesitation to bring the GTI Clubsport to Australia is the presence and popularity of the all-wheel drive Golf R. Given the new GTI is priced from $58,990 and the R from $70,990 (both before on-road costs), it's a fairly narrow window for what is a niche product to sit in. Conversely, one could argue that a circa-$65,000 hardcore Golf variant serves as a great stepping stone between the GTI and R nameplates, especially given the more purist and track-focused nature of the Clubsport relative to the performance variants that bookend it. Further, it's likely Volkswagen will unveil a 50th anniversary GTI in 2026, given the limited-edition GTI Clubsport 45 was revealed for Europe in 2021. The Clubsport 45 was one of the first commemorative editions Australia has missed out on in some time, as the Mk7-based GTI 40 Years and Mk6-based GTI Edition 35 proved popular locally, and the ultra-limited Golf R 20 Years sold out within a day (just 50 units came to Australia). Given Mr Nidigallu's comments, the GTI Clubsport 50 Years, Edition 50, or whatever it will be called, could be on the cards for an Australian introduction, and we could see a limited allocation arrive in Australia either late in 2026 or early 2027 as a send-off to the Mk8 generation.
Perth Now
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Volkswagen mulling hardcore Golf GTI for Australia
The hardcore Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport has been forbidden fruit for Australian hot hatch buyers in the iconic hot hatch nameplate's eighth generation, but that could be about to change according to Volkswagen Australia's product boss. Speaking with CarExpert at the local launch of the new Mk8.5 Golf range this week – including the new, more powerful 'regular' Golf GTI – general manager for product at Volkswagen Australia, Arjun Nidigallu, said the German brand is actively looking into how the GTI Clubsport could fit into the local lineup. '[There's] a bit more work to do, but it's certainly something we will look into later in the lifecycle as an opportunity,' Mr Nidigallu told CarExpert. 'There are some technical things with the GTI Clubsport – engine and suspension variations that we need to make sure we have clearances for the Australian market.' Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. GTI Clubsport – overseas model Credit: CarExpert Given the Clubsport's more niche appeal compared to the standard GTI and the R – both of which are quite popular in Australia relative to the rest of the world, Mr Nidigallu suggested that a Clubsport-based special edition may be the variant's ticket Down Under. 'The expansion of the [Golf] range, to begin with, is at the lower end. That's the initial strategy for the Mk8.5 that we're going to go with,' Mr Nidigallu said, referencing the addition of the new Style variant in the non-performance Golf lineup. 'As we continue through the lifecycle, there are always opportunities for us to look at, special editions in particular, but typically they tend to be performance editions as well – GTI special edition or a Golf R special edition that [we have done in the past]. 'Along those lines there might be an opportunity [for the Clubsport], but we need to investigate it in more detail.' Previously, a version of the GTI Clubsport was offered in Australia in the Mk7 days, marketed locally as the GTI 40 Years Edition. Where the standard GTI made 162-169kW at the time, the GTI 40 Years in Australia was bumped to 195kW and 350Nm in normal conditions, and 213kW/380Nm on overboost. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert For 2025, the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport is billed as the 'motorsport' grade, drawing upon a 221kW/400Nm version of the 'evo4' iteration of VW's long-running EA888 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. The additional outputs over the standard GTI's 195kW/370Nm are achieved via 'parameters such as engine control, boost pressure and other internal engine measures'. Drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic. Volkswagen claims the GTI Clubsport can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 5.6 seconds, and when optioned with the optional Race Package in Europe, the Clubsport can reach a top speed of 267km/h. As standard, the GTI and GTI Clubsport are electronically limited to 250km/h. When optioned with the Race Package, the GTI Clubsport is also available with an Akrapovic titanium exhaust system, similar to the Golf R, Audi S3 and Cupra Formentor. If the Clubsport's powertrain sounds familiar, that's because it's already on sale in Australia under the bonnet of the most potent Cupra Leon – the VZx. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The GTI Clubsport would give Volkswagen a more direct competitor to track-focused competition like the Honda Civic Type R, as well as the now-defunct Renault Megane RS. Naturally, you can throw the aforementioned Cupra Leon in there as well. No doubt part of the brand's initial hesitation to bring the GTI Clubsport to Australia is the presence and popularity of the all-wheel drive Golf R. Given the new GTI is priced from $58,990 and the R from $70,990 (both before on-road costs), it's a fairly narrow window for what is a niche product to sit in. Conversely, one could argue that a circa-$65,000 hardcore Golf variant serves as a great stepping stone between the GTI and R nameplates, especially given the more purist and track-focused nature of the Clubsport relative to the performance variants that bookend it. Further, it's likely Volkswagen will unveil a 50th anniversary GTI in 2026, given the limited-edition GTI Clubsport 45 was revealed for Europe in 2021. The Clubsport 45 was one of the first commemorative editions Australia has missed out on in some time, as the Mk7-based GTI 40 Years and Mk6-based GTI Edition 35 proved popular locally, and the ultra-limited Golf R 20 Years sold out within a day (just 50 units came to Australia). Given Mr Nidigallu's comments, the GTI Clubsport 50 Years, Edition 50, or whatever it will be called, could be on the cards for an Australian introduction, and we could see a limited allocation arrive in Australia either late in 2026 or early 2027 as a send-off to the Mk8 generation. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Would you be keen to see the Golf GTI Clubsport in Australia? Tell us in the comments! MORE: Volkswagen Golf marks 50 years with hot Clubsport GTIMORE: Everything Volkswagen Golf
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Volkswagen to unveil 50th anniversary Golf GTI at Nurburgring 24hr
Anniversary special edition will be based on new GTI Clubsport Volkswagen has confirmed plans to unveil a celebratory Golf GTI model at the Nürburgring 24 Hours race in June, marking 50 years of the genre-defining hot hatchback. While full details remain under wraps, the 50th-anniversary edition of Volkswagen's most iconic performance model is expected to be based on the recently updated Golf GTI Clubsport, featuring unique badging and styling touches that pay tribute to its heritage. It isn't yet known whether Volkswagen will introduce any power upgrades for the commemorative model. The current Golf GTI Clubsport is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 330bhp - 34bhp more than the standard Golf GTI - along with 295 lb ft of torque. This provides it with 0-62mph time of 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 166mph when equipped with the optional Race package, all delivered to the its front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and a mechanical locking differential. By contrast, the first Golf GTI, launched in 1975, got its verve from its low 810kg kerb weight. Its 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine produced 109bhp and 101 lb ft of torque – modest by today's standards but, paired with a four-speed manual gearbox, enough to propel it from 0-62mph in 10.0sec and on to a 114mph top speed. As with the original, the 50th-anniversary model is expected to feature classic GTI design elements, including tartan upholstery and red interior accents. Beyond the special Golf GTI unveiling, Volkswagen will also showcase the latest Golf R, Golf R Estate and Golf R Black Edition at a fan event during the N24 weekend (19-22 June). And the company's presence at the 2025 N24 won't just be about road cars: two Golf GTI Clubsport race cars are set to compete in the enduro. ]]>
