VW Golf GTI TCR launched 18 | 01 | 2019

    THE VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI TCR will go on-sale from Scottish showrooms in March, with prices for the new performance flagship expected to start around £34,000. (Related: VW unveils portable EV charging station)

    First shown as a concept at the 2018 Worthersee Festival in Austria, the new model boasts improved performance over the “Performance Pack” GTI. VW engineers have reworked the four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine which now produces 286bhp; that compares to the standard GTI’s 242bhp. Top speed has also increased to 164mph, simply due to an optional speed limited removal. (Related: Mapping the Atlas Mountains in a VW Touareg)

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    Power is delivered to the front wheels via a seven speed dual-clutch gearbox with a locking differential. The complete package means the GTI TCR covers the 0-62mph sprint in 5.6 seconds, 0.6s faster than the standard GTI.

    A Performance Package will also be available for the TCR. In addition to dropping the car’s suspension by 20mm, the pack adds adaptive dampers, VW’s Dynamic Chassis Control, a set of drilled brake discs with uprated calipers and pads, plus 19in alloys. VW has yet to confirm the pack’s price.

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    As you would expect, the GTI TCR gets some notable styling tweaks to ensure it stands out from the crowd. Perhaps most notable is a large rear wing, deeper front splitter and side skirts, plus a more aggressive rear diffuser. There’s also TCR puddle lights. In addition, of the five exterior colours, three (red, white and the TCR-exclusive Pure Grey) are available with a contrasting black roof.

    Inside the cabin, there’s a leather-trimmed steering wheel — which gets contrasting red stitching and a matching 12 o’clock stripe — plus sports seats trimmed in a mix of fabric and microfibre in a unique black and red design.

    Related: VW Polo GTI R5 gets new livery

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    Jim McGill

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