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)
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.
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