Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR Concept (2018)

Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR Concept

At the 2018 GTI Meeting at Wörthersee, Volkswagen presented a new milestone in the history of the cult compact car to Golf GTI fans: the VW Golf GTI TCR, which has a top speed of 264 km/h and is almost ready for production. The special edition is a road version, derived for the series, of the racing car of the same name and two-time overall winner of the international TCR race series. The successful touring racing car's specs make the new top model a dominating presence: design, power and performance are intrinsic to the pure sports car doctrine. The 2.0 litre turbo engine of the new Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR delivers 213 kW / 290 PS (at 5,000 to 6,800 rpm). The maximum torque of 370 Nm lies between 1,600 and 4,300 rpm. Power is transmitted to the front wheels as standard via a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) and a locking differential. The factory-set maximum speed is 250 km/h, but this can be increased to 264 km/h as mentioned above by opting to remove the electronic Vmax limiter. Wherever the digital speedometer needle (standard Active Info Display) stops, the newly developed roof edge spoiler ensures the necessary downforce at the rear axle. The new Golf GTI TCR is expected to be launched at the end of 2018.

It brakes as well as it accelerates

Numerous individual features add to the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR's sporty character and robust look. The new top Golf GTI model has 18-inch "Belvedere" forged wheels from the Wolfsburg plant as standard. the newly designed 19-inch alloy wheels are optionally available. Lurking behind the large alloy wheels are perforated brake discs together with special brake calipers and pads to slow racing fans down just as confidently as the role model on the racetrack.

Stainless steel or titanium exhaust system

To ensure sufficient cooling for the high engine performance, the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR features two extra radiators in the front, as in the Golf R2/3. The stainless steel exhaust system and end pipes are also tuned for higher performance. Optionally, the Golf GTI TCR exhales with a titanium exhaust system from Akrapovi, which is currently only available for the all-wheel drive Golf R. In the GTI TCR, it replaces the standard system from the particulate filter for petrol engines and bears the logo of the renowned manufacturer Akrapovi on the tailpipe cover. Always on board too: The front-axle locking differential well known from the Golf GTI Performance (optimising traction and handling on fast bends) and the driving profile selection with the modes "ECO", "NORMAL", "SPORT" and "INDIVIDUAL". The latter enables the specific tuning of the steering, engine performance curve and gearbox as well as (optional) Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC).

Vmax removal and DCC in one package

If desired, particularly enthusiastic drivers can order a package that pushes the performance of the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR even further towards the racetrack: In addition to removing the Vmax limit and the new 19-inch wheels, it includes a 20-millimetre lower body with sports chassis and Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC). It allows the features of the electrical shock absorbers to be adjusted at the touch of a button and provides the option to choose between a sporty, comfortable or normal chassis configuration as desired and depending on the situation.

Exterior design - in the racing style

The Golf GTI TCR's distinctive look is also proof of its outstanding position. The most powerful GTI yet has a new front bumper. What's remarkable here: the high-shine black applications on the side intakes of the modified airflow (for the extra radiators) and a sharply contoured splitter as a front spoiler, as also used in racing. Also new: the newly designed panel attachment on the side, which is continued in the rear. Here, they join a distinctively designed diffuser and the exterior integrated exhaust system tailpipes on the left and right. Meanwhile, at the top on the rear, the dynamic curve of the roof section joins a spoiler, which provides additional downward thrust on the rear axle.