Clubsport S vs R 20 Anniversary

[Exonian]

Maybe Honda might throw down the gauntlet with the new Type R but whether VW could be bothered to respond these days?

A two tonne BEV Scalextric hot hatch might not be too far off, most likely a 4WD GTX model. Probably the biggest challenge for it would not be how quick it could lap the Green Hell but whether it could actually stir some emotion.

[fredgroves]

I dunno... think horses vs cars or prop aircraft vs jets...

Although Formula E does seem to have flopped a bit... but maybe when its more widespread as the only choice of motorised transport things will be different?

Its still early days for BEV's. At the moment the only differentiator is range, whether its got crap infotainment software (yes VW I am talking about YOU!) and the number of cup holders...

I am sure sooner or later the technology will diversify.

[AGB]

I guess as a Porsche (pork?) enthusiast you’re used to a steady stream of constantly evolving heritage cars where the CSS came as a bolt out of the blue from conservative ol’ Volkswagen. Whether it’ll ever be repeated is doubtful, and in many ways I hope it isn’t as I doubt any sequel will be as good as the original and would be critiqued to the n’th degree.
With the aero being part of the mainstream production run cars now, all shells being 5 door and all transmissions being auto (except in the US) for the bigger turbo GTI/R engines there’s not a lot of scope for a CSS type mk8 despite factory outputs of 330PS now.
The chassis has been around for 10 years so has probably long since reached its peak development.

But if VW had the motivation to pull something out of the hat I’m sure they could.

What to you Porsche GT/Clubsport owning owners think VW could do to trump the mk7 CSS?
It would have to eclipse the mk7 version enough not to draw too much negative criticism and be financially attainable to mortal human beings. Full VW group parts bin at your disposal and some limited bumper/spoiler additions permitted…

Bit late replying, missed the notification. 

I doubt they'll repeat the formula to be honest and I agree with you. It won't stop their marketing team trying to attach importance to whatever metric they think will make the car noteworthy and saleable.

I tend to like cars that have originated from a skunkworks team - the BMW 1M, 981 GT4, MK7 CSS. Cars that shouldn't have been made or were unexpected but someone in engineering won a battle with the bean counters and got a car out the gate that enthusiasts wanted. A former client was the chap who secured the green light to do the 1M and it was clear that he bet the ranch but he was a petrolhead and understood the M car customer. But then the follow up acts with the 718 GT4 and M2 are cynical and lack some intangible element of the original.

The sad thing about most cars now is that they're about mobility, manufacturer cost saving or pure shareholder return. There are some incredible cars coming out of Porsche from an engineering point of view (GT3/4 RS) but they're halo cars, impossible to get hold of unless you spend an obscene amount to qualify for an order and they've just turned into an asset class that you can't enjoy without penalty. I regularly see cars with a few hundred miles on them trading at double their value new. You never see them at track days and they become mileage sensitive.

I hope that VW leave the CSS alone. If they were to do something, I'd like to see something with the 7.5 body shell. Custom BBS wheels, go to town on the suspension and steering feel to optimise handling. Maybe give it a little more power. Play with the ratios, add a short shift to the gearbox. Wishful thinking but you did ask! 

[dubber36]

The sad thing about most cars now is that they're about mobility, manufacturer cost saving or pure shareholder return.

As a tool for daily duties, that's all any of us need. There are plenty of interesting older cars that can be cherished and enjoyed on a sunny weekend if people can get past thinking that newer is better. The right car will also look after your money much better than the banks too.

[Ej1749]

Has anyone driven Clubsport and/or a TCR and an R. I am asking for comparison purposes? I am desperate for a MK7.5 R, but unsure whether to try a TCR or MK7 Clubsport (Thats if there are any CS for sale).

I love point and shoot cars like the R, but was wondering whether or not there is more character with a Clubsport or TCR as I would prioritise fun and character over crazy 0-60s.

[Watts]

Has anyone driven Clubsport and/or a TCR and an R. I am asking for comparison purposes? I am desperate for a MK7.5 R, but unsure whether to try a TCR or MK7 Clubsport (Thats if there are any CS for sale).

I love point and shoot cars like the R, but was wondering whether or not there is more character with a Clubsport or TCR as I would prioritise fun and character over crazy 0-60s.

Exonian has owned all three and has reviewed them a few times. I'm sure he'll be along sometime soon!

[Ej1749]

Has anyone driven Clubsport and/or a TCR and an R. I am asking for comparison purposes? I am desperate for a MK7.5 R, but unsure whether to try a TCR or MK7 Clubsport (Thats if there are any CS for sale).

I love point and shoot cars like the R, but was wondering whether or not there is more character with a Clubsport or TCR as I would prioritise fun and character over crazy 0-60s.

Exonian has owned all three and has reviewed them a few times. I'm sure he'll be along sometime soon!

Lucky mofo!  How are you finding your TCR? They are beautiful!

[Watts]

I'd highly recommend a TCR, however I've not driven an R. CS40 looks great and drives really well too, I doubt you'd be disappointed!

The TCR has plenty of go and handles well too. It can understeer a little occasionally but I put that down to the Pirelli tyres on mine which aren't the best, will change them at some point. It has a solid purposeful look with the skirts, splitter, spoiler and diffuser which I like, not too ott. The dsg is not my favourite feature but is very good most of the time. Excellent economy too! As much as I love a CS, the MK7.5 benefits are worthwhile for a daily driver imo. Will be keeping mine a good long while!

[Ej1749]

I'd highly recommend a TCR, however I've not driven an R. CS40 looks great and drives really well too, I doubt you'd be disappointed!

The TCR has plenty of go and handles well too. It can understeer a little occasionally but I put that down to the Pirelli tyres on mine which aren't the best, will change them at some point. It has a solid purposeful look with the skirts, splitter, spoiler and diffuser which I like, not too ott. The dsg is not my favourite feature but is very good most of the time. Excellent economy too! As much as I love a CS, the MK7.5 benefits are worthwhile for a daily driver imo. Will be keeping mine a good long while!

I seem to find Michelin Super Sports to be the best tyre.

I did have a 2015 S3 with a stage 1 map, but it was just a bit numb. I've driven a few Golf R's and they are a lot better than the Audi.

In regards to economy, what is the average mpg on A roads at speeds between 65mph - 80mph? How many miles do you get on a full tank? I do a 24 mile journey to work and 24 back home all on the A1, only about a mile each journey is town driving. Sorry for the 21 questions haha, it is just my GTD is not great on fuel and I'm hearing GTI owners getting the same as my GTD, which annoys me as I only got the GTD as I thought it would be far superior during my commutes and when visiting clients for work etc... So, even more reason to get a TCR if it isn't that much different.

With the end of combustion engines approaching fast, I want to enjoy a petrol sounding engine as long as possible... and those ohhhh so awesome DSG farts!

[clubsport]

You mention Dsg, if that is the case I would look at the 7.5 TCR with the 7 speed over the older 6speed Dsg in the mk 7 Ed40.

I have driven a few mk7 / 7.5 now, on a run out with a manual 7.5 R, the owner couldn't believe how repsonsive my manual 7 ED40 was in handling and engine pick up. The R seems more a blunt instrument in comparison, yet the mk7 seems to talk to you more, especially with the bucket seats holding you in!
It depends what you are looking for in a car, but all of those you are considering, will have subtle differences in the way they drive.