Since it is the 40th anniversary of one of the most-loved hot hatches in the world, Volkswagen decided to introduce a new model of the Golf GTI. Jointly developed by Seat and Volkswagen Motorsport, the new Golf GTI TCR is set to terrify its competitors as it will soon be competing in the TCR International Series.
The Golf GTI TCR has been equipped with an aerodynamic wide body kit that includes a new front bumper, a ventilated hood, extended wheel arches, revised side skirts and a sporty rear bumper. To properly undertake its racing duties, the car also comes with a carbon fiber front splitter and a carbon fiber rear wing. It now rides on 18-inch racing wheels wrapped in Michelin rubber.
Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that pushes out 330-horsepower and 302 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a six-speed sequential racing transmission with paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel, zerotohundred takes about 5.2 seconds and has a top speed of about 230 km/h.
The engine is not the only area receiving upgrades as engineers had also installed an adjustable suspension, a revised steering system, and high-performance brakes with 14.2 inches discs at the front and 12.2 inches at the rear. Of course, the interior has nothing fancy aside from the racing seats and roll cage to protect its occupants.
“The Golf GTI TCR allows customer racing teams to partake in reasonably-priced motorsport with a Volkswagen. We are providing them with a car that is ideally suited and prepared for this purpose: the Golf has not only made an outstanding impression at tests, but also shown its great potential in competition,” said Volkswagen Motorsport Director, Jost Capito.
