Unveiled at Wörthersee 2018 as a concept, it will become a production car before the end of the year
VW will soon bring to market the fastest Golf GTI ever, and the Golf GTI TCR pre-production concept serves as a very accurate preview. Debuting at the end of 2018, the new Golf GTI TCR will be the (toned-down) road-going version of the namesake race car that competes in the international TCR series.
The 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine has been tweaked to deliver 290 metric horsepower and 370 Nm (273 lb-ft) of torque (available from 1,600 rpm), all of which is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG transmission. A locking differential is also standard.
As a result, the TCR-badged Golf GTI can hit a top speed of 264 km/h (164 mph) with the electronic limiter removed, making this car the fastest GTI of the current model range. Normally, the maximum velocity is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).
Besides the added power, the Golf GTI TCR also features a high-performance braking system with perforated discs, as well as two extra radiators to improve cooling. Buyers can squeeze even more performance from the Golf GTI TCR thanks to an optional pack that removes the Vmax limiter and brings new 19-inch alloy wheels, a more dynamic sports chassis, and the adaptive chassis control (DCC).
Styling-wise, the VW Golf GTI TCR will be easy to recognize thanks to some unique features. Those include a more aggressive bumper with a sharp splitter, new sill panels, a rear diffuser with two round tailpipes, "TCR" lettering above the sills, 18-inch "Belvedere" forged wheels, and an optional decal in the typical GTI honeycomb design. Furthermore, the TCR logo is projected on the asphalt when the front doors open.
Inside, the Golf GTI TCR features a red illuminated element on the stainless steel sill panel trim, premium sport seats with newly-designed microfiber/fabric covers and "Flash Red" center sections, and a steering wheel with red stitching and red 12 o'clock stripe. Finally, the door inserts and gear stick cover are finished in microfiber, just like the seats.