Volkswagen Celebrates 45 Years Of Golf GTI With Special Edition

04/03/2021 15:08 Share

Having been incredibly popular since 1976, Volkswagen are marking the Golf GTI’s 45^th year of production with a very special anniversary model.

The all-new Golf GTI Clubsport 45 has been revealed, commemorating what’s become an iconic model for the brand.

When the Golf GTI was first launched, no one predicted that it would become the world’s most successful compact sports car. Initially only 5,000 of the vehicles were planned, whilst over 2.3 million have been produced today.

The special edition Golf GTI Clubsport 45 model is an exclusive adaptation of the 221 kW/300 PS Golf GTI Clubsport.

Volkswagen UK have declared that: ‘Extensive individualisation makes the Clubsport 45 a ready-made collector’s item, even as new.

‘Even the standard Golf GTI Clubsport is technically distinct from the standard Golf GTI4/5, with features including a 55 PS increase over the standard GTI's turbocharged engine (TSI) and the Special driving mode for race tracks.’

From the exterior of the newly revealed Clubsport 45, it’s clear to see some special adjustments that make a statement. Visual highlights include larger air intakes (delivering more oxygen to the TSI), a specially designed open roof spoiler to allow improved airflow (greater downforce), and a separate sport exhaust system.

In addition, the new GTI Clubsport 45 is ready to take to the road with more individual customisation than ever before. There are lots of options to make it your own celebration of the model.

Sporting a striking black roof complete with black roof spoiler, the special edition Clubsport 45 is in homage to the black-framed rear window of the first Golf GTI.

With the Race package, which is available as standard and exclusive to the Golf GTI Clubsport 45, equipment includes 19-inch Scottsdale alloy wheels in a high-gloss black finish, with a narrow accent pinstripe detail in Tornado Red.

The Race package also includes a sport exhaust system and removal of the Vmax limiter (otherwise top speed is limited to 250 km/h).

Lettering on the side sill panel and the ‘45’ added to the lettering on the boot lid underpin the impression of dynamism. The Clubsport 45 series also features IQ.Light LED matrix headlights with the red trim strip which is included on all GTIs.

Inside, the interior of the anniversary model sports classic GTI insignia.

Specific embellishments include GTI lettering on the backrests of the front premium sport seats.

Additionally, a ‘45’ adds character to the multi-function sport steering wheel at the centre spoke (at 6 o’clock).

With the new Golf GTI Clubsport 45, Volkswagen is creating a new chapter to the high-performance GTI variants released.

The original Golf GTI Clubsport was launched in 2016, on the 40th birthday of the cult sports car. However, Volkswagen has since released a refreshed Golf GTI Clubsport in autumn of last year.

The 2020 Golf GTI Clubsport houses the first-ever instance of the standard electromechanical front-axle locking differential control being integrated into the driving dynamics manager network. The all-new Clubsport 45 is set to boast this too; the intelligent connection sets a new benchmark in driving dynamics.