To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Golf, Volkswagen will compete in the ADAC Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race on 1 June with the Golf GTI clubsport racecar.
The ADAC Nürburgring Nürburgring 24 Hours is a 24-hour endurance race around the Nürburgring circuit in Germany, also known as 'Green Hell'. It is one of Germany's largest motorsport events, attracting more than 200,000 spectators each year.
Volkswagen is celebrating 50 years of the iconic model and its motorsport heritage by entering the Golf GTI Clubsport 24h, a race car based on the Golf GTI Clubsport, the high-performance version of the Golf that celebrates its 50th birthday this year.
Developed to the AT3 class regulations for the Nürburgring 24 Hours of Endurance, the race car is powered by a straight-four 2.0-litre petrol turbocharged engine with a maximum output of 348 hp and a maximum torque of 45.9 kg.m. The kerb weight is just 1,170 kilograms, thanks to race-specific weight-saving modifications. The Golf GTI Clubsport 24h race car will feature the same camouflage livery as the test car and will be driven by renowned race drivers such as Benny Leuchter and Johan Kristofferson.
The Golf GTI Clubsport 24h race car utilises the latest bioethanol alternative fuel, E20, supplied by technology partner Shell. As well as providing the right performance for high-revving engines in racing, E20 fuel reduces carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by up to 35-401 TP3T, maximising performance, fuel efficiency and sustainability.
The race is also a chance to experience the Golf's heritage first-hand. Together with the KWL Motorsport team, Volkswagen is taking part in the ADAC 24h Classic Endurance Race with three first-generation Golf GTI race cars. The Classic Endurance Race, which honours the history and tradition of motorsport, will precede the main event. The ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hour Endurance Race will run for 24 hours from 4pm (local time) on 1 June and will be followed by cameras mounted on the Golf racecars as they race around the Nürburgring.
Meanwhile, Volkswagen will make the world premiere of the new Golf GTI Clubsport, the most powerful front-wheel-drive Golf ever, at the Nürburgring one day before the race. The Golf GTI Clubsport features a new design, a large downforce-enhancing roof spoiler and the option of 19-inch lightweight forged wheels.
An electronic front differential lock and enhanced Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC) option are available to cope with the rigours of the Nürburgring Nordschleife, while a new intuitive sports steering wheel and a new infotainment system with ChatGPT-powered voice assistant 'IDA' are available.
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