VW Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40

The third generation EA888 engine now uses features like a water-cooled exhaust channel to the turbocharger and variable valve timing with dual camshaft adjustment. 0-62mph now comes in 6.3 seconds for both manual and DSG versions, with the top speed limited to 155mph. It's the 40th anniversary of the iconic Golf GTI and VW marks the occasion with the launch of the Clubsport Edition 40.

DSG-equipped models come with launch control as standard while VW says that the unladen weight figure is a fairly lightweight 1375kg. Other features include the electronic differential and the retuned suspension. But the most important new feature of the new Golf GTI Clubsport is the new aero suit it's wearing, offering for the first time real downforce on both axles. A completely new front bumper, side sills, rear diffuser and a roof spoiler are specially designed to push the new Clubsport firmer on the tarmac.

The cabin hosts a pair of optional bucket seats, finished in Alcantara and cloth while the dashboard and door cards are decorated with special "Honeycomb 40" trim strips. Customers will also get the option of a black-painted roof. The UK market will receive just 1,000 units of the new Golf GTI Clubsport which is available for order now, starting at £30,875 for the three-door manual model.

Read More

New HSV ClubSport R8 25th Anniversary

Officially called the Holden Commodore ClubSport R8 25th Anniversary, the car comes packed with a plethora goodies and tuner mods. It has a limited slip diff, it can be ordered with a TR6060 Tremec 6-speed manual gearbox or an optional 6L80E 6 speed automatic (with paddle-shifters) and it boasts an Australian tweaked 6.2-Litre LS3 Generation IV Alloy V8, which outputs 340 kW and 570 Nm of torque. That's 456 HP and 420 lb-ft of torque. Oh, and it makes a racket thanks to a hi-flow exhaust system with x-pipe intermediate and Bi-Modal mufflers.

The AP Racing ventilated disk with forged 4-piston calipers ensures some serious stopping power, while the 20-inch rims exposes them through the double 5-spoke model. Design-wise, the car comes with a HSV performance body-kit and hyperflow front and rear spoilers, a lot of LED lights, quad exhaust outlets, "pitch black" accents and an optional phantom black roof.

Only 108 units will be built for the price of a regular Clubsport R8 and all of them are garnished with plaques to remind you of the car's exclusivity. If you want to buy one, it will cost you approximately $73,290 Aussie dollars - $54,281 US.

Unfortunately, the ClubSport R8 - on which this awesome car is based on - will remain in production only until 2017 when Holden will officially cease engine and vehicle manufacturing. Maybe this 25th Anniversary is the swan song of the naturally-aspirated high-performance Holdens.

Read More

2015 Toyota GT86 Blanco

The 2015 Toyota GT86 Blanco is white thanks to its pearlescent paint and then Toyota adds some contrasting decals in grey and red, simulating the go-faster effect of the always magical racing stripes theme. Red details on the front and rear bumpers along with some red and grey door mirrors help too in making the GT86 even more... special.

A set of unique 18-inch anthracite wheels with "GT86" embossed on them will ensure everyone that this is the Blanco edition you are driving indeed. The sport seats are now not only dressed in leather but also have the capability to heat your bottom in the chilly mornings as standard. And of course there is the obligatory numbered plaque sitting on the center console, proving the rarity of this "special edition".

The 2.0-litre boxer engine remains the same with the rest of the range as well as the suspension settings. This means that you can probably have the same fun -even more, given the smaller wheels- with the basic Primo model and keep the difference for fuel.

Read More