The Race package is what separates this from a standard Clubsport. It adds a sports exhaust and moves the limiter from 250 km/h to 267 km/h.

The 45 counts 45 years of the GTI, from the first car in 1976. Mechanically it is the Clubsport: the 2.0-liter turbocharged four at 300 horsepower and 400 Nm, through a seven-speed dual-clutch to the front wheels, with 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds.

The front differential is the VAQ electronically controlled lock rather than the brake-based XDS system on a standard GTI, so torque across the front axle is managed by a clutch pack instead of by braking a spinning wheel. The adaptive dampers add a Nürburgring mode and offer 15 steps between Comfort and Sport.

Outside, the roof and roof spoiler are black, the 19-inch Scottsdale wheels are black with a Tornado Red rim edge, and 45 is marked on the rear door sills.

Inside are premium sport seats with GTI lettering and a sports steering wheel carrying 45 at the base of the rim.