Volkswagen is set to participate in the ‘ADAC Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race’ on June 1, with a race car based on the ‘Golf GTI Clubsport’ to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Golf’s inception.
The ADAC Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race is a grueling competition that involves continuously racing on the Nürburgring circuit, known as the ‘Green Hell,’ for 24 hours straight. It is one of Germany’s largest motorsport events, attracting over 200,000 spectators each year.
This year, Volkswagen enters the race with the ‘Golf GTI Clubsport 24h,’ a race car developed from the high-performance version of the Golf, ‘Golf GTI Clubsport.’ This entry celebrates the 50-year legacy of the iconic Golf and its motorsport heritage.
The race car, developed according to the AT3 class regulations for the Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race, is equipped with a 2.0L turbo engine delivering a maximum output of 348 horsepower and a peak torque of 45.9 kg.m. After undergoing lightweight modifications suitable for racing, its body weight is just 1,170 kg. The Golf GTI Clubsport 24h race car features the same camouflage design as the test vehicle and will be driven by renowned drivers such as Benny Leuchter and Johan Kristoffersson, who have excelled in various races.
The Golf GTI Clubsport 24h race car will utilize the latest bioethanol alternative fuel, ‘E20,’ supplied by technical partner Shell. E20 fuel not only delivers performance suitable for high-revving race engines but also reduces carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by up to 35-40%, maximizing performance, fuel efficiency, and sustainability.
A race will also be held to experience the heritage of the Golf directly. Volkswagen, in collaboration with the KWL motorsport team, will participate in the ‘ADAC 24h Classic Endurance Race’ with three first-generation Golf GTI race cars. This classic endurance race honors the history and tradition of motorsports and takes place before the main event.
The main race of the ADAC Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race will commence at 4 PM (local time) on June 1 and will last for 24 hours. You can witness the Golf race car in action through cameras mounted on the vehicle, racing on the Nürburgring.
Meanwhile, Volkswagen will unveil the new Golf GTI Clubsport, the most powerful front-wheel-drive Golf to date, for the first time in the world a day before the race at the Nürburgring. The Golf GTI Clubsport features a new design, an enhanced large roof spoiler for increased downforce, and an option for 19-inch lightweight forged wheels.
It will also come with an electronic front differential lock to cope with the harsh driving conditions of the Nürburgring Nordschleife and enhanced adaptive chassis control (DCC) options. This will include an intuitive new sports steering wheel and a new infotainment system featuring the ChatGPT-based voice assistant ‘IDA.’
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr