The new Volkswagen Clubsport S broke the lap record at the Nurburgring on its world premiere. Setting a lap time of 7:49:21 it broke the record for fastest lap set by a front wheel drive car which was previously held by the Honda Civic Type R. So once again the Golf GTI is top of the pile when it comes to hot hatches.
The new Clubsport S is the fastest Golf GTI that the German brand have produced and has 306 bhp on tap. This enables the car to hit 62 mph in 5.8 seconds before continuing to a top speed of 165 mph. Only 400 will be made so they are rather limited, plus it's worth mentioning that there will not be much room for passengers as the rear seats have been removed. This does however mean that the car is lighter, weighing in at 1,285kg.
The car celebrates 40 years of the GTI moniker and was driven to the new lap record by German racing driver Benny Leuchter. This model features a setting in the Dynamic Chassis Control that is finely-tuned to get the best out of the Nurburgring but if by some chance you are not racing the German circuit - very likely unfortunately - then you can choose from settings such as 'normal' or 'race'.
The aerodynamics of the Clubsport have been improved as well as the power, both the Clubsport and Clubsport S have new front bumpers which improves air supply to the 2.0 litre TSI engine and provides better downforce to the front of the car. There is a diffusor at the rear which will provide downforce to the back of the car.
The chassis has been re-worked as well to ensure that the Clubsport S provides the best handling in the corners and the brakes have been perfected to avoid the rear-end from braking away in fast corners. A front differential lock helps keep things in check as well which has a variable degree of locking and works with the car's Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
Speaking of the ESC, drivers feeling a bit bold can engage the 'ESC Sport' mode which gives a more agile driving experience although if you are feeling really confident, you can turn it off altogether by holding the switch for 3 seconds.
Inside the cabin you will find the production number of the car on the centre console so anyone getting inside will get a hint this car is special. The deep bucket seats are lined in leather and Alcantara which highlight the car's performance credentials. You get the iconic golf ball gearknob as well as an Alcantara-trimmed sport steering wheel which Volkswagen have described as 'extremely grippy'.
If you fancy seeing the Clubsport S in action as it broke the lap record check out the video below.