Reportedly, Volkswagen is in the works for a Golf R Clubsport, following its front-wheel-drive counterparts. This development is sure to thrill Volkswagen fans and enthusiasts alike.

Volkswagen, Golf R Clubsport Edition

In an interview with Road & Track, Volkswagen's global spokesperson, Martin Hube, mentioned that there is another intriguing car currently in development. The company is considering and actively working on a Clubsport iteration of the Golf R.

According to Road & Track's report, during discussions with Hube during the 24 Hours of Nürburgring event, it was claimed that Volkswagen engineers are focusing major efforts towards designing what might potentially become the most high-performance Volkswagen hot hatch to date.

Drawing from the MK8 Golf R chassis, which is built on the same foundation and potent EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine as the Audi S3, the Golf R Clubsport intends to increase particularly the handling characteristics of the all-wheel-drive hatchback.

What's Coming

Hube shared detailed insights into the Golf R Clubsport. According to Hube, there are plans for an all-wheel-drive, track-focused version alongside the standard Golf R. While the standard model serves as a torquey road sports car, the Clubsport variant, despite being slightly heavier, is not solely a track-oriented machine.

Nevertheless, by strategically incorporating weight reduction, boosting power output, and refining the suspension system, the Golf R Clubsport is envisioned to excel on road courses, as explained by Hube. Previous Clubsport iterations from Volkswagen have demonstrated success, with the MK7 Golf GTI Clubsport S setting a record lap time of 7:49 at the Nürburgring.

Hube emphasized that the Golf R Clubsport represents a testbed for future developments, pending approval from Volkswagen's board members. The decision to bring the Clubsport model to fruition relies on convincing the board of its merits.

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Golf R Clubsport Edition: Talk About Power

As per Motor1.com, the Golf R Clubsport is expected to slightly surpass the standard R's 0-to-60 time of 4.7 seconds by a tenth or two, with noticeable enhancements likely seen in lap times rather than top speed. Approval from company board members is necessary before production commences, and its availability in the U.S. remains uncertain.

If approved, the Clubsport may not arrive in the American market until the 2025 model year, coinciding with the discontinuation of manual transmission options for the GTI and R models.

Road & Track discussed more about Golf R Clubsport absence in the U.S. The Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport will not be available in the U.S. market due to regulatory challenges that would require it to undergo homologation as a new model for the brand.

Mark Gillies, Volkswagen of America's director of public relations, cited U.S. regulations mandating this process, particularly concerning modifications to the EA888 EVO4 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. Despite this engine being used in existing U.S. models like the Golf GTI and Golf R, bringing the Clubsport to the U.S. would necessitate reevaluation within the domestic regulatory framework.

Volkswagen is hesitant to undergo the costly EPA Engine Certification and Emissions Compliance testing for the Golf GTI Clubsport. With the model's limited production, there is minimal motivation for the automaker to pursue technical certification for the adjusted engine in North American markets.

Furthermore, even if the Clubsport were to be introduced in North America, it would likely come with a hefty price tag. Gillies clarified that due to the time and significant expenses involved in the homologation process, an imported and certified GTI Clubsport could feasibly exceed $50,000 in price, surpassing the cost of the Golf R.

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