Volkswagen leaks 282bhp ID.2 GTI Clubsport and teases 400bhp ID.2 R
VW is developing a hardcore, 282bhp Clubsport version of its upcoming all-electric ID.2 GTI, plus a 400bhp, all-wheel drive ID.2 R according to reports.
It’s no secret that Volkswagen is set to reveal a 223bhp, front-wheel drive version of the ID.2 GTI towards the end of 2026. Yet Autocar suggests that VW’s engineers are working on a flagship Clubsport GTI, which produces 282bhp and packs a fully mechanical limited-slip differential.
The LSD – used to great effect by Stellantis in the Abarth 600e Scorpioissima and the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce – offers torque-vectoring capability between the front wheels to effectively drag the car out of a corner and provide a more engaging, analogue driver experience.
VW is reported to be considering variable torque delivery, plus a virtual gearchange function. A simulated transmission has been used in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, and was recently introduced to its sister car, the softer, Kia EV6 GT.
Both the ID.2 GTI and ID.2 GTI Clubsport will be built on Volkswagen’s MEB Entry platform, and are expected to be powered by VW’s new-gen APP550 electric motor used in the brand’s new or upgraded EVs.
Moreover, VW allegedly has an even more powerful, 400bhp ID.2 in the pipeline, which could use in-wheel motors as part of its all-wheel drive system.
The VW D.2 R would adopt a tri-motor setup. It would borrow the front-mounted electrc motor from the ID.2 GTI, but would add two independently-controlled electric motors in the rear wheels. The in-wheel motors are reported to be developed by a technical partner in the Balkans specialising in lightweight, high-output in-wheel systems.
Under the skin, the VW ID.2 ID.2 R would also benefit from predictive torque distribution, brake-based yaw control, and several drive modes. Should it come to light, the ID.2 R will be aimed at the likes of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E.
While all exciting news for fans of hot VWs, neither the ID.2 GTI Clubsport or ID.2 R have been confirmed for production. When the Volkswagen ID.2 hits the market in 2026, it is estimated to cost from £22,000 upwards.
An ID.2X crossover scheduled to debut at this year’s Munich motorshop is expected to come with a £25,000 pricetag. Pricing for the ID.2 GTI is yet to be revealed.
