Volkswagen is launching the most powerful version of the Golf GTI to date.
With up to 285bhp on tap, the GTI Clubsport Edition 40 has been created to celebrate four decades since the launch of the original Golf GTI, the car credited with creating the ?hot hatch? segment.
The 2-litre direct-injection turbo petrol engine of the Edition 40 is based on the 1984cc TSI unit of the Golf R and in standard form, with 261bhp, is the most powerful yet offered in the model. This is courtesy of upgrades including a water-cooled exhaust channel to the turbocharger integrated into the cylinder head, and variable valve timing with dual camshaft adjustment. Under boost in stock form the new unit puts out 258lbft of torque.
However the Edition 40 adds extra potency courtesy of an overboost function, which under hard acceleration in third gear will add an extra 27 horsepower for a maximum of 10 seconds. The car is front-wheel-drive, with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG dual-clutch auto transmission, and an electronic front differential lock that helps ensure the prolific power is put most effectively onto the road.
The Edition 40 will cover the 0-62mph sprint in 6.3 seconds and go on to an electronically limited 155mph. Combined cycle fuel economy varies from 40.9mpg and 40.4mpg depending on which transmission and whether a three or five-door model is chosen. Similarly, CO2 emissions range from 158 to 162g/km.
Edition 40 models get the same uprated chassis as stock GTIs with a 15...