Volkswagen has released sketches of a hot Golf GTI TCR, which will sit above the Golf GTI Performance but below the Golf R in terms of power.
It will be the fastest Golf yet. With the limiter removed, the Golf GTI TCR can reach a maximum speed of 164mph, 9mph more than the Golf R. The two cars have the same standard top speed of 155mph.
The model is a road-going version of the 345bhp Golf GTI TCR racer, which participates in the World Touring Car Cup series.
The Golf GTI TCR is similar in concept to the limited-edition 2016 Clubsport Edition 40, which marked the Golf GTI’s 40th birthday and was a top-of-the-range GTI that sat just below the Golf R.
The TCR edition gets 286bhp — that's more power than the Golf GTI Performance, which has 242bhp, but less than the Golf R's 306bhp.
It will also undercut the GTI Performance model’s 0-62mph benchmark sprint of 6.2sec, although the time has not yet been confirmed.
The turbo engine delivers the 286bhp at 5000-6800rpm, while maximum torque is 273lb ft. It uses a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and gets a front axle differential lock that VW promises means "perfect traction".
The model will be fully revealed at VW's famous annual GTI meet at Wörthersee on Thursday 10 May, with sales beginning at the end of the year.
With the new Golf arriving next year and plenty of talk about the next-generation Golf GTI, VW will be keen to maintain interest in the latter as it approaches run-out. This latest special-edition model will help achieve this.
The next-generation Golf GTI is set to adopt a mild hybrid powertrain that promises to boost performance and refinement while reducing fuel consumption and emissions compared with the current model.
The adoption of the 48V electrical system and integrated starter motor is part of VW's powertrain overhaul across the Mk8 Golf line-up. The changes are also set to make the upcoming model the most powerful series-production Golf GTI yet.
Scheduled to go on sale in the UK in 2020, the Mk8 Golf GTI will retain an internal combustion engine: VW’s familiar turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol unit.
Read more
Volkswagen Group boss: We were a “slow, lumbering supertanker”
Join the debate
Add your comment
Gender confusion......?!
Yeah, how many variants do you need....?