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.
@Andy_Cowe I can see where you're coming from but (respectfully), I'm not sure I totally agree. If anything, virtual gears and engine noises show complete confidence and understanding of what the technology can offer and I for one hope to see more of it, not less. One of the appealing aspects of the Hyundai Ioniq 5N for me was actually the virtual gears (and accompanying simulated engine noise). You are correct in that the car is actually slower and less efficient with all of that switched on... but it's considerably more enjoyable to drive than with it switched off, particularly if you've come from ICE cars. It's a button push on the steering wheel to toggle between "Quiet EV" and "Pretend Hot Hatch". For me, both modes are appealling and I switch between them depending on circumstances. I hope the ID2 and all future performance cars feature virtual gears. The choice to use or not to is better than not having at all.