Volkswagen is developing a hardcore Clubsport version of the upcoming ID 2 GTI, according to insiders.
The front-wheel-drive ID 2 GTI, revealed in near-ready concept form, is due on sale towards the end of 2026 with around 223bhp from VW’s new-generation APP550 electric motor. But Autocar has learned that engineers at VW’s research and development centre in Braunschweig, Germany, are also working on a more potent and focused range-topper, targeting a peak output of 282bhp.
Alongside the additional power, this flagship – in keeping with the hot Golf Clubsports that have gone before – is being conceived with a series of mechanical and electronic upgrades.
Chief among them is a fully mechanical limited-slip differential, which offers torque-vectoring capability between the front wheels. “We’re not working with brake intervention,” said one source. “It’s a fully mechanical system.”
Further upgrades under consideration include variable torque delivery and a virtual gearchange function. Together, these systems modulate how quickly torque builds with speed and throttle input to reduce jerkiness under hard acceleration while replicating the stepped response of a traditional manual gearbox.
Both ID 2 GTI variants will be based on the MEB Entry platform (internally known as MEB-21) and are expected to use the APP550 motor also used in other recently unveiled or upgraded Volkswagen EVs.
“We’re arriving late, but with force,” said one Volkswagen insider.
Although a launch date has yet to be confirmed, the ID 2 GTI Clubsport is expected to follow the template set by previous Golf GTI Clubsport models, which have historically offered more power, sharper chassis tuning and limited-edition status over their standard GTI counterparts.
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Simulating the limitations of a different power source isn't a good way to make a car appealing. It suggests a lack of confidence in understanding what the technology they have can offer. I hope virtual gear changes disappear very soon.
And back to the article, is 282bhp really enough these days?, most of the opposition run at least 350bhp and in EV land its nearer 600bhp, maybe a shape change for the GTi would be good.
That is all that has been the main headline at least the last week maybe longer VW ID2 this snd that ffs. All just fake hype about another boring dull VW for people who do not care about cars.
If VW keep drip feeding these news stories every few days I guess Autocar have to report on them, but it is tedious. I imagine the approach is to try to get people to hold off buying a rival, in this case the Renault 5 which the hottest car in the country right now.
Really, and you have evidence of this ownership?