Volkswagen has released a new video of its hard-core Golf GTI Clubsport S breaking the front-wheel drive lap record at the Nurburgring.
Lapping the mighty Nordschliefe in just 7:47.19, Volkswagen's latest record with the Clubsport S was so fast it beat the 7:49.21 the fast Golf set earlier in the year by 2.2 seconds.
This means the Golf GTI Clubsport S set a time 3.6 seconds quicker than the Honda Civic Type-R -- the previous front-wheel drive record holder.
The new, faster time was attributed to an ambient temperature of 8 degrees C, which VW engineers claims is "optimum" conditions for engine and tyres on the road circuit once dubbed "Green Hell".
All the more remarkable is that the record was set using a Golf GTI Clubsport S six-speed manual rather than the quicker six-speed dual-clutch DSG-equipped car.
Watch the video to see the hot hatch Golf being driven at the absolute ragged edge, at times pulling more than 1.3g.
It was confirmed last June that Volkswagen Australia will import 500 of the non-S Golf GTI Clubsport models. All will be renamed the Golf GTI 40 Years edition here, because HSV owns the 'Clubsport’ name in Australia.
Just 100 will come with the six-speed manual, priced from $46,990 plus on-road costs.
All cars come powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine cranking out 195kW and 380Nm, but the 40th anniversary Golf GTI features a 10-second over-boost function that hikes peak power to 213kW.
Australia's hottest-ever Golf GTI will also only come as the five-door version, not the three-door pictured.
The Clubsport S used for the record is 30kg lighter than the standard car with weight savings coming from the wheels, a lighter aluminium subframe, and a lack of rear seats. Mechanically, the faster S gets stiffer dampers and a rear strut brace.
Inside, as standard there are near race-spec bucket seats to help the driver withstand the g-forces generated.