So we've known all along that the Mk8 Golf GTI will be available in two distinct flavours, the question was: what would they be called and how much power would they get? Then, earlier this year, it appeared that there was confirmation in the form of a leaked product slide which revealed that the standard GTI would have 245hp (it does) and the more expensive derivative, labeled 'TCR', would output 300hp. The former is on the verge of its official unveiling; the latter has been spied testing at the 'ring this week, its telltale lightweight 19-inch rims and no camouflage suggesting that it’s due for launch very soon.
But what will it be called? Well, according to our colleagues at Autocar (apparently oblivious to the information contained on the magic slide), the TCR badge has been replaced by the Clubsport moniker - a much better name, if slightly incongruous given its previous deployment on special edition models. Volkswagen has previous form with both the Clubsport 40 and the Clubsport S, with the TCR essentially used as a runout model. A return to the Clubsport badge would likely consign the latter to the parts bin.
Either way, the Clubsport will be front-wheel drive with a standard fit electronic limited slip differential, clearing space for the upcoming R, the all-wheel drive headliner. AC thinks the souped-up GTI will stick with the same 290hp that the TCR finished with, but we're going to trust in the slide and say that a round 300hp is more likely given that it needs to bridge the gap to an expected 334hp in the R. And frankly the combination of 'Clubsport' and '300hp' is the kind of rounded thinking we like - also it'll appeal better to the mainstream buyer, given that a precious few among them knew what the TCR badge was paying tribute to.
The new Clubsport’s output makes its EA888 2.0-litre 10hp more potent than the old TCR’s, and if this test car is anything to go by, there’ll be Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 boots to help make the most of the new output. On the old TCR the Cups were an option, we’d expect the same for the Clubsport to keep entry costs down; same goes for additions like DCC adaptive dampers. Ditto the gearbox situation – we know the standard Mk8 GTI will be offered with a six-speed manual and seven-cog DSG ‘box, something likely to be carried onto the Clubsport (crosses fingers).
As for the design, this test car receives a few notable changes to the regular GTI, including a front bumper with more aggressive lines, a small rear diffuser and bigger-bore exhaust tips. The rear spoiler’s also more prominent, while those bigger wheels and tyres really set it all off. It’s a sort-off halfway in terms of raciness between the GTI and recently-spied R, which makes sense, because that’s exactly where it will sit in the line-up.
Will that be it for the duration? Of course not. If we were betting men, we'd point out that it's the 45th anniversary of the Golf GTI next year and Volkswagen has a proven history of meeting such landmarks with product. Whether or not that will add an 'S' to the Clubsport brand (or the number 45) we'll just have to wait and see. But the potential for more lap record hunting seems reasonable. Fingers crossed, anyway. Expect VW racer Benny Leuchter to be itching for another go.
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