Celebrating 40 years by turning up the temps in the hot hatch.
It’s hard to believe that the Volkswagen Golf is 40 years old. Through the years, the German automaker has found ways to improve upon the sporty GTI version, making it a cult classic. ABT Sportsline has been there for most of the way, and they’re celebrating the Golf’s 40th birthday with an especially hot version of the GTI called the ‘Clubsport’.
The turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four in the Volkswagen GTI gets the most powerful version of the ABT Power treatment. The new upgrade gives the ABT Sportsline GTI Clubsport an impressive 340 horsepower and 317 lb-ft. of torque for a thrill in any situation.
As part of the more athletic nature of the ABT Sportsline GTI Clubsport, the chassis also benefitted from a few upgrades. Customers can choose from new ABT suspension springs or an ABT height-adjustable kit with new top absorbers. New anti-roll bars at the front and rear help cut down on body roll through the corners for a smoother, focused drive.
And that’s only part of the story beneath the body work. ABT Sportsline developed a six-piston caliper setup for the front axle with 370 x 35 mm discs that helps the GTI Clubsport stop more efficiently on or off the track. These are hidden behind weight-optimized ABT CR, DR, ER-C, or FR alloy wheels available in 8.5 x 18 to 9.0 x 20 sizes with high-performance tires.
Visually, the ABT Sportsline GTI Clubsport is a bit more aggressive. The front fascia benefits from a new spoiler, grille, and headlight covers that add a menacing touch to the face of the hot hatch. New skirts and mirror covers decorate both sides while a new skirt set and tailgate add-on gives the GTI Clubsport a clean but purposeful butt.
The ABT Sportsline Volkswagen GTI Clubsport is the top-dog in the lineup, but customers can also opt for the 290-, 300-, or 315-horsepower upgrades as well.
ABT Sportsline Volkswagen GTI Clubsport Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 2.0 liters
Number of Cylinders: Inline-four
Aspiration: Turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 340 / 250 kW
Maximum Torque: 317 lb-ft. / 430 Nm
-ABT Power “New Generation”
Wheels, Suspension, Brakes:
Wheels: ABT CR, DR, ER-C, and FR
Wheel Sizes: 8.5 x 18, 8.5 x 19, 9.0 x 20
Tires: High performance 225/40 R18, 225/35 R19 or 235/30 R20
Suspension: ABT Suspension springs or height-adjustable suspension kit
Optional: ABT sport stabilizers, anti-roll bars
Brakes: ABT Sport brake system, six-piston calipers, 370 x 35 mm discs (front)
Exterior:
-Front spoiler
-Front grille
-Headlight covers
-Side skirts
-Side mirrors
-Rear skirt set
-Tailgate add-on
ABT Sportsline Volkswagen GTI Clubsport Gallery
Source: ABT Sportsline
Is the 340-HP ABT Sportsline Volkswagen GTI Clubsport a proper 40th Anniversary Gift?
