The Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S has claimed the Nürburgring lap record for front-wheel-drive cars, with a time of 7min 49.21sec lap around the Nordschleife. The record was previously held by the Honda Civic Type-R, which set a lap record of 7min 50.63sec in March 2015.
The 310hp Clubsport S is by far the most powerful and track-focussed version of the Golf GTI hot hatch. It even gets a ‘Ring-focused’ chassis setup that helps it handle the popular German racetrack better. The hatchback, of which only 400 units will be produced, is set to be unveiled at the Wörthersee Volkswagen enthusiast event this week.
Key features that differentiate the model from the regular Clubsport include a larger twin exhaust, additional 'S' badging and 19-inch wheels that get Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres as standard.
While Volkswagen is unlikely to bring this record-breaking Golf GTI to India, the 192hp Polo GTI hot hatch is set to be launched here around September 2016.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
