Volkswagen to celebrate Golf GTI's 40th anniversary with exclusive special edition

The Golf GTI will celebrate its 40th anniversary at the beginning of next year, and Volkswagen will mark the event with by releasing a progressive special edition: the new Golf GTI Clubsport.

Car lovers attending the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt will see a presentation of the production version as Volkswagen offer a first look ahead at the driving performance of what they say is the most powerful production GTI ever.

The turbocharged direct-injection engine in the anniversary model delivers an output of 195 kW/265 PS, 35 PS more than on the previous most powerful Golf GTI.

Volkswagen also say that for a short time - approximately 10 seconds each time - the driver can increase engine power by an additional 10 per cent to over 290 PS using a boost function. Drivers can active this added power simply be kicking down the accelerator.

Reaching speeds of 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds with a 6-speed manual gearbox, the Golf GTI Clubsport also beholds an optional 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) that is even faster at 5.9 seconds. At top speed the Golf GTI Clubsport can reach 250 km/h (DSG: 249 km/h).

Not only has Volkswagen given the anniversary model's engine more power, it has also extensively revised the design, equipment and aerodynamic fine-tuning. Due to the high power output and significantly improved downforce, the dynamic performance of the Golf GTI Clubsport propels it into the domain of top-class motorsport.

The 2016 model features a wide black trim stripe on the side area, paying homage to the 1976 Golf GTI, that will continue towards the front in the new air deflector element of the front bumper.

This model sees the inventor of the GTI continuing the tradition of GTI anniversary models, as exclusive special editions also marked the 20th, 25th, 30th and 35th birthdays.