How does a 440PS Volkswagen Golf sound to you? What if it was powered by a 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine and had four-wheel drive for extra traction? Sounds like a recipe for fun!

Volkswagen Golf24

“With the new Golf24 we are continuing our successful commitment at the Nürburgring 24-hour race.  The event enjoys huge popularity, is one of the true classics in motorsport and, due to its extreme distance and unique race track, also represents a very big technical challenge, With our spectacular Golf we want to provide an additional highlight in front of a large audience – right in time for the 35th anniversary of the GTI this year.” – Kris Nissen, Volkswagen Motorsport Director

That’s exactly what Volkswagen will be taking to the Nürburgring 24-hour race in 2011. Called the Golf24, this race-spec version of Volkswagen’s best-selling model has already undergone initial testing ahead of the legendary 24-hour race, regarded as one of the toughest tests in the motorsport calendar.

The Golf24 is fitted with a five-cylinder 2.5-litre engine that uses turbocharging to produce 440 PS and maximum torque of 540 Nm.  Power is transmitted to the permanent four-wheel drive by a sequential six-speed gearbox with paddle shift operation.

The 2011 Nürburgring 24-hour will be held from 23 to 26 June, but before then the Golf24 will undergo even more testing to ensure that it’s up for the challenge. It’s first outing was at the end of last year at Portugal’s Portimão circuit and it’s also been testing at Vallelunga in Italy.  The Golf24 will also compete in three races in the Endurance Championship on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife.

Check out www.volkswagen-motorsport.info for more information about the Golf24.

Volkswagen Golf24