A few weeks ago we brought you news of a limited-edition GTI that will be available locally in just a few weeks, called the TCR (read our original story at this link). The TCR was one of a few higher-performance GTIs that were released later in the Golf Mk7’s lifecycle. More recently a Mk8 GTI Clubsport was spotted testing at the Nurburgring.

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Clubsport returns

There has been some debate as to what the new derivative will be called. Some reports suggest that it is the next generation TCR, while others claim that it is the Mk8 GTI Clubsport. Clubsport is a name that VW used for two excellent derivatives, of which the Clubsport S is probably the finest GTI of all time.

In the pics we see a car that is not the Golf R (also recently spotted testing) and not a regular GTI. There are subtle differences that tell us this is a Mk8 GTI Clubsport. Among the changes are a different front bumper compared with the standard GTI, without the GTI’s distinctive X-shaped foglamps (which the Clubsport and R do without), dual-exit larger exhaust outlets, drilled front brakes behind larger alloys and a chunkier roof-mounted rear spoiler.

More power

Of course, with the standard GTI just making its debut now in Europe, there’s no official word on the power rating of this additional variant. However, according to a leaked document that did its rounds early in the year, we do have some info to share. Maximum power from the 2,0-litre turbocharged motor will be 221 kW (an even 300 hp). We expect torque to be around the 400 N.m mark. It is unclear whether the car will be available with a six-speed manual transmission, but you can bet on VW’s automated dual-clutch option. Expect a mechanical limited-slip diff to help put the power down through the front axle. Watch the car undergoing dynamic testing in the video below.