RE: Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport: Driven
Discussion
FYI we've got a full geek-out with the chief dynamics engineer with some very interesting stuff about Clubsport vs R, how the VAQ system ACTUALLY works, why it's not a full-on stripped out track car and a bunch of other stuff we didn't have space for in the review. Proper deep-dive stuff but I hope interesting reading for those who want to know more.
And, no, none of the cars on the launch event had the signature 18-inch Belvedere wheel on - it was track only so they wanted to show it off on the Cup 2s. We did see a pic though and it doesn't look dissimilar to the 19-inch Pretoria wheel on the cars pictured. Nicer than the other 19-inch Brescia design for sure.
Watch this space...
Cheers,
Dan
And, no, none of the cars on the launch event had the signature 18-inch Belvedere wheel on - it was track only so they wanted to show it off on the Cup 2s. We did see a pic though and it doesn't look dissimilar to the 19-inch Pretoria wheel on the cars pictured. Nicer than the other 19-inch Brescia design for sure.
Watch this space...
Cheers,
Dan
Guvernator said:
It doesn't need to be THAT hardcore, they can keep nav as it weights nothing and loosing the rear seats on a practical hot hatch is always a stupid idea IMO. What they could have done is lost a bit of weight elsewhere, say 50-100kgs, maybe add a few trick carbon bits, add a proper lsd and remap it to move the powerband up a bit to give it some more useful fizz at the top end of the rev range. Would transform a pretty dull car to something that was bit more exciting, hell I'd even consider buying one if they'd done that and that's from someone who finds the current Golf very bland.
50-100kg without removing any parts? That's a lot of carbon fibre, and therefore a lot of money! 50-100kg is so much weight to lose without taking away something that customers want.To do it without the car costing a fortune you'd need to fit very basic seats (no electric movement, no heat), delete the air con, remove some NVH material, make it manual and so on. Very hard to do whilst keeping it an everyday usable hot hatch, or very hard to do without significantly ramping up the cost with carbon fibre.
I do agree that removing rear seats in a hot hatch is a silly idea though. However it should definitely be manual.
Edited by RenOHH on Thursday 26th November 23:35
iloveboost said:
How much is a similar spec Leon Cupra compared to this? Same powertrain obviously.
A maunal Leon SC 290 with buckets and every option the "sub 8" pack allows -- probably around GBP 26k after haggling? Sounds like pretty decent value IMO. Although I'm tempted by the 265 PS entry level Cupra we get here (but nobody buys
). That is around EUR 24k real world with a bit of kit. Basically a discount Golf 7 PP with 35 PS more and comprehensive standard equipment. Gut feeling is that thing is actually the best mix and match if you *don't* want to take it to a track. Performance VAG hatch, Aldi Style .L'élephant dans la chambre? The Cup-S Mégane. But that seems to be sold out (and the radical set-up comes with not so nice insurance quotes). Going to be intersting to see what and when the Renault Sport guys will make of the Mk. 4 Mégane...
J4CKO said:
T16OLE said:
I've no doubt it's a brilliant car, however it just seems pointless when you can buy an R.
That is my view but I am sure it will sell and offers something different to the normal GTi and the R, I think I would need to drive them all to make an informed decision.Dan Trent said:
FYI we've got a full geek-out with the chief dynamics engineer with some very interesting stuff about Clubsport vs R, how the VAQ system ACTUALLY works, why it's not a full-on stripped out track car and a bunch of other stuff we didn't have space for in the review. Proper deep-dive stuff but I hope interesting reading for those who want to know more.
Ah, that sounds very interesting indeed, vielen Dank in advance . h5lrw said:
That'll be people like me.
Paid for a build slot back in September.
Was looking into an "R" would kick myself if i missed a chance for a special edition from new.
That's why we waited a few months and ordered a 35 Edition , for the wife .Paid for a build slot back in September.
Was looking into an "R" would kick myself if i missed a chance for a special edition from new.
I've now had three notes left on the windscreen with a number to ring when we want to sell it , also a trader mate of mine keeps asking when I'm selling it to let him have first shout.
12 plate with 18k miles and in as new condition .
I wonder if all golf Gti get the same attention ?
As promised here is our full interview on GTI Clubsport versus R and more from VW's dynamics man.
Geeky but, I hope, interesting.
Cheers,
Dan
Geeky but, I hope, interesting.
Cheers,
Dan
Dan Trent said:
FYI we've got a full geek-out with the chief dynamics engineer with some very interesting stuff about Clubsport vs R, how the VAQ system ACTUALLY works, why it's not a full-on stripped out track car and a bunch of other stuff we didn't have space for in the review. Proper deep-dive stuff but I hope interesting reading for those who want to know more.
And, no, none of the cars on the launch event had the signature 18-inch Belvedere wheel on - it was track only so they wanted to show it off on the Cup 2s. We did see a pic though and it doesn't look dissimilar to the 19-inch Pretoria wheel on the cars pictured. Nicer than the other 19-inch Brescia design for sure.
Watch this space...
Cheers,
Dan
Thanks Dan.And, no, none of the cars on the launch event had the signature 18-inch Belvedere wheel on - it was track only so they wanted to show it off on the Cup 2s. We did see a pic though and it doesn't look dissimilar to the 19-inch Pretoria wheel on the cars pictured. Nicer than the other 19-inch Brescia design for sure.
Watch this space...
Cheers,
Dan
So, to clarify, the blingy diamond cut wheel is the 19" Brescia?
.. and the new light forged 18" is like a pretoria but smaller. some pics would be great if poss?
rob.e said:
Thanks Dan.
So, to clarify, the blingy diamond cut wheel is the 19" Brescia?
.. and the new light forged 18" is like a pretoria but smaller. some pics would be great if poss?
As I understand it, yes. VW promised me a copy of the presentation with a slide that showed all the options. Will chase that and post soon as I have it. So, to clarify, the blingy diamond cut wheel is the 19" Brescia?
.. and the new light forged 18" is like a pretoria but smaller. some pics would be great if poss?
Cheers,
Dan
F
Also what about the built in over boost.....was that frustrating at down the long straights .......did you a big drop off when following the R?
I have been looking at building a MK7 track car but am undecided on R or GTI......potential 500bhp with APR under development its whether the pesky Haldex is a man enough and b clutch options very limited and c whether Haldex will corrupt my lap times at this level of tune.
Dan Trent said:
As I understand it, yes. VW promised me a copy of the presentation with a slide that showed all the options. Will chase that and post soon as I have it.
Cheers,
Dan
Dan did you feel much power drop off on track due to the usual heat soak issues they tend to suffer.Cheers,
Dan
Also what about the built in over boost.....was that frustrating at down the long straights .......did you a big drop off when following the R?
I have been looking at building a MK7 track car but am undecided on R or GTI......potential 500bhp with APR under development its whether the pesky Haldex is a man enough and b clutch options very limited and c whether Haldex will corrupt my lap times at this level of tune.
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