ABT Sportsline is adding another program to its long list of tuning upgrades for Volkswagen models. This latest offering is for the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport and just like past kits for VW’s resident hot hatch, this one comes with a mix of everything, from exterior upgrades to performance enhancements that bring out as much as 340 horsepower and 318 pound-feet of torque out of the car’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

As suave as the work on the engine is, the aerodynamic upgrades are just as important. True to its reputation, ABT Sportsline built an aero body kit that touches on all sections of the hot hatch. Likewise, the Golf GTI Clubsport’s chassis and suspension modifications weren’t spared from the tuning prowess of the German aftermarket company. The only thing missing from the kit are interior upgrades, although knowing ABT Sportsline, don’t expect these enhancements to go past the usual tuner-sourced pedals and floor mats.

All told, the kit is what you’d expect from an aftermarket company as renowned as ABT Sportsline. The tuner has been in the game for a long time and it’s with kits like this one that provide a clear example of the experience that comes with having some years in the business.

Continue reading to learn more about the Volkswagen Golf Club Sport GTI by ABT Sportsline.

2016 Volkswagen Golf Club Sport GTI by ABT Sportsline

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Volkswagen Golf Club Sport GTI by ABT Sportsline
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 340
  • Torque: 318
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

An extensive aerodynamic package is one of the highlights of this program. The modifications include a new front spoiler and headlight covers on the front end of the hatchback. Side skirts and mirror caps define the modifications on the side while a new rear skirt set with a quad-pipe muffler system provide the racy enhancements on the rear section of the hatch. The German tuner is also offering a new set of wheels, ranging from a set of 18- to 20-inch alloys that are available in any of the following versions: CR, DR, ER-C, and FR.

Drivetrain

The unquestioned highlight of any ABT Sportsline tuning program is the engine upgrade. It’s no different with this particular tuning kit as the German tuner put in the work to give the Golf GTI Clubsport an output that’s worth its hot hatch heritage. ABT didn’t dive into the details of the kit, but expect the tuner’s New Generation module to be involved in the tuning of the Golf GTI Clubsport’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

In any event, the result is an output of 340 horsepower and 318 pound-feet of torque, a nice improvement from the standard output of 265 ponies and 258 pound-feet of twist. The increase in power translates into improvements in performance. ABT didn’t release details on that end either, but a sprint time to 60 mph of just above four seconds and a top speed in the vicinity of 170 mph ought to be in the cards.

Chassis and Suspension

Complementing the power enhancements are upgrades to the hot hatch’s chassis and suspension. For this program, ABT Sportsline is offering a choice between suspension springs or a height adjustable suspension kit, the latter of which also comes with top absorbers. The German tuner also installed anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles, ensuring that the improvements in the Golf GTI Clubsport’s handling matches with the exterior and performance upgrades.

Pricing

The tuner has yet to release the pricing details of the program so interested customers are advised to contact ABT Sportsline directly to get a proper price quote.

Competition

Volkswagen Golf 7 R 4Motion by MTM

Since the Volkswagen Golf has numerous variants under its belt, it’s a nice change of pace to look at what other tuners have done with the other variants of the hatchback. This program for the Volkswagen Golf R comes by way of MTM. It’s got plenty of meat to it, none juicier than the tuner’s M-Cantronic module that helped increase the output of the Golf’s turbo four engine to a much more desirable 360 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The result is a sprint to 60 mph time of just 4.2 seconds with the DSG transmission in place. Sadly, the hatchback’s top speed didn’t budge from the standard 155 mph.

Read more about the Volkswagen Golf 7 R 4Motion by MTM here.

Volkswagen Golf R by O.CT Tuning

A more rounded tuning program for the Golf R is this gem from O.CT Tuning. Unlike ABT Sportsline’s program for the Golf GTI Clubsport, O.CT Tuning prepared a multi-stage tuning kit that starts with an output increase to 370 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. From there, the German tuner also has options to increase the Golf R’s output to 378 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque (Stage 2); 395 horsepower and 372 pound-feet of torque (Stage 3); and 450 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque (Stage 4). O.CT didn’t indicate performance times, but with the new numbers in place, it’s reasonable to think that the Golf R is capable of hitting 60 mph in less than four seconds to go with a top speed in the vicinity of 180 mph.

Find out more about the Volkswagen Golf R by O.CT Tuning here.

Conclusion

It's a simple modification for a car teeming with aftermarket potential. This is the kind of program that cuts at the heart of what the business is all about. It doesn't offer over-the-top power, but the gains are significant enough for owners of the Golf GTI Clubsport to feel the difference.