Volkswagen ID 2 GTI will also come as a racy Clubsport model

Volkswagen is busy developing a GTI version of its ID 2 but insiders suggest it is also working on an even quicker Clubsport edition. That will add a limited slip diff and come with extra power.

The front-wheel drive ID 2 GTI should debut this time next year and go on sale before 2027. Its latest generation APP550 motor is likely to make around 166kW. 

However, it appears engineers at VW’s R&D centre in Braunschweig, Germany, are also working on a more focused range-topper. This is a Clubsport variant targeting peak power of 210kW.

But the power is just the beginning because Clubsport variants chase dynamics and involvement. GTIs tend to be relatively civilised hot hatches. Clubsports are more oriented towards track antics, with a series of mechanical and electronic upgrades.

A fully mechanical limited-slip differential offers torque-vectoring capability between the front wheels.

A virtual gearchange function may also be in the offing. Together with variable torque delivery, these systems manage how quickly torque builds with speed and throttle input. So it keeps things smooth under hard acceleration.

Both of the ID 2 GTI variants use the MEB Entry platform (MEB-21). Expect limited-edition status for the Clubsport model, as per previous Golf GTI specials.

There have been four Golf GTI Clubsports since 2016, the first marking the GTI’s 40th birthday. The latest uses a tweaked GTI mill making 221kW and 420Nm, along with chassis updates and adaptive damping. It’s the fastest FWD hothatch VW has ever produced.