Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S: A Record - Shattering Front - Wheel - Drive PhenomThe Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S, part of the seventh - generation GTI family, was engineered with a singular, audacious goal: to rewrite the record books at the Nürburgring Nordschleife for front - wheel - drive production cars. And in 2016, it achieved just that, etching its name in automotive history.

In 2016, behind the wheel of the Golf GTI Clubsport S, driver Benny Leuchter navigated the challenging Nürburgring circuit with precision and speed. The result? An astonishing lap time of 7 minutes and 47 seconds. This remarkable feat not only dethroned the previous front - wheel - drive record - holder but also sent shockwaves through the automotive world. Even today, years after its record - setting run, that time remains an impressive benchmark, a testament to the car's extraordinary capabilities.

What made the Golf GTI Clubsport S so special? Under the hood, it boasted a highly - tuned 2.0 - liter four - cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering a potent 310 horsepower. This powerplant, combined with a six - speed manual transmission, provided an engaging and responsive driving experience. To enhance its performance on the track, Volkswagen's engineers also implemented significant weight - saving measures, such as removing the rear seats and using lightweight materials throughout the vehicle. The Clubsport S also featured a sport - tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, and a more aggressive aerodynamic package, all of which contributed to its exceptional handling and stability at high speeds. The Golf GTI Clubsport S stands as a symbol of Volkswagen's engineering prowess and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what a front - wheel - drive car can achieve.