Currently reading: Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S confirmed with 305bhp

Lightweight model gets more power and 911 GT3-inspired set-up; will debut at Wörthersee Meet on 4 May and be built in limited numbers

Volkswagen has confirmed that its upcoming Golf GTI Clubsport S will make its public debut at the Wörthersee Meet in Austria next week.

Read our Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S review

The Clubsport S uses a 305bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre engine and ditches its rear seats to save weight, making it a more powerful, lighter version of the already trackworthy Clubsport. 

The new hot model, which is more potent than even the Seat Leon Cupra 290was spotted high-speed testing at the Nürburgring last week, and will go on sale later this year in limited production numbers. Volkswagen says 5000 units is the target.

Golf clubsport s 004

Autocar reported earlier this year that such a model was being considered for production, and the arrival of these new spy pictures confirmed it had already progressed to the latter stages of development.

The car is expected to get its own suspension and damper settings to match the extra power available, and it should weigh a fair bit less than the Clubsport’s 1375kg, too.

Golf clubsport s 006

It’s thought the Porsche 911 GT3 Clubsport has provided inspiration for Volkswagen’s hot project, suggesting it’ll have a track-focused demeanour that should make it a serious rival for the similarly focused Renaultsport Megane 275, which is available with optional race-spec Öhlins dampers.

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Can the hottest Volkswagen Golf GTI ignite the passion and reclaim its crown now lost to the Ford Focus ST?

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Volkswagen has so far remained tight-lipped about the Clubsport S's price, but given that production will be limited to around 5000 cars, we know it'll be comfortably priced above the regular Clubsport and current hottest Golf, the Golf R, which sells from £31,125.

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Citytiger 26 April 2016

I suspect it will be extremely expensive,

and still not a patch on the much cheaper and more powerful Focus RS, but they will sell as many as they can make because of the badge.
simonali 26 April 2016

An estate with no back seats?

An estate with no back seats? Isn't that essentially a van?!
bowsersheepdog 8 May 2016

Same amount of space either way

Couple of cushions and my dog won't mind what it's called.
bowsersheepdog 24 April 2016

Nicely done

I like that they've kept it nice and sleek, some manufacturers would have fallen for the temptation to festoon it with massive wings and other assorted aero bits, ruining the purity of the original design. An estate version would be immensely appealing.