WOLFSBURG: Germany's largest motorsport event, the ADAC 24-hour race, is set to begin at the Nürburgring on June 1, with over 200,000 spectators expected.
This year, Volkswagen will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Golf, its most successful European car, by presenting the new Golf GTI Clubsport.
This model boasts a powerful drive and high-end sports suspension and will be unveiled as a world premiere at the event.
The Golf GTI Clubsport 24h, a unique version with an output of 256 kW / 343hp, will participate in the 24-hour race, driven by motorsport stars.
Golf GTI Clubsport 24h and Golf GTI 1st Generation.
The GTI race car, powered by alternative fuel, will sport the number 50, commemorating the Golf's half-century success story. Additionally, three first-generation classic Golf GTIs will compete in the ADAC 24h Classic race as a tribute to the more than 37 million Golf vehicles built to date.
Volkswagen will unveil the new Golf GTI Clubsport on May 31 on the "Ring Boulevard".
The enhanced model features a redesigned front, revamped LED Plus headlights, an illuminated Volkswagen logo, a large roof spoiler for maximum downforce, and new 19-inch alloy wheels.
The car's functions are controlled via a newly developed multifunction leather sports steering wheel and an advanced Infotainment system, which includes a voice assistant with Chat GPT integration.
The Golf GTI Clubsport 24h, used by Max Kruse Racing in the 24-hour race, will showcase the potential of the new GTI Clubsport.
The race car, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine using E20 bioethanol fuel from Shell, will compete in the AT3 class for vehicles with alternative fuels. The E20 fuel reduces CO2 emissions by 35 to 40 percent compared to traditional bioethanol fuels.
The 270 kph Golf GTI Clubsport 24h delivers top performance with a weight-to-power ratio of 3.36 kg/PS and 450Nm of torque.
The race car is supported by an experienced driver team, including Benny Leuchter, Johan Kristoffersson, Nico Otto, and Heiko Hammel. The car also features sophisticated aerodynamics and a special camouflage design.
As mentioned earlier, three first-generation classic Golf GTIs will compete, enhancing the event's atmosphere.
The KWL Motorsport team, celebrating its 45th anniversary, will enter a 1981 Golf GTI 16S Oettinger, a 1978 Golf GTI Kamei, and a 1980 Golf GTI, each with significant historical value and performance capabilities. The event will mark a double anniversary, celebrating 45 years of KWL and 50 years of the Golf.
