Volkswagen’s GTI TCR concept previews a production model
The Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR is a concept car inspired by a race car that’s based on a production car. Got it?
The production car is the Golf GTI, which we’ve known and loved for ages. The GTI clearly forms the basis of the TCR race car, which is sold as a turnkey racer in the eponymous series starting at about $110,000. Now comes a concept that takes inspiration from the racer to amp up the street car. And it’s a concept that is headed for production, completing the circle.
» Accompanying the TCR concept’s additional under-hood upgrades are beefier brakes and adaptive dampers.
The heart of the Golf GTI TCR is its turbocharged 2.0liter inline-four, which has been tuned to make 286 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. All this oomph is channeled to the front axle by way of a sevenspeed dual-clutch automatic transmission. A limited-slip differential ensures power is properly apportioned between the two wheels, and top speed rises to 164 mph thanks to the removal of the governor. Accompanying the TCR concept’s additional under-hood upgrades are beefier brakes and adaptive dampers.
Performance is only one part of the GTI TCR equation, as Volkswagen fits the hatchback with a new front fascia that pushes air into the twodoor Golf’s two extra radiators. Side skirts, a racy rear diffuser, honeycomb-style markings on the doors and side panels, and model-specific 18- or 19-inch wheels complete the concept’s look. A red-and-black motif marks the interior of the TCR as something more special than the typical GTI.
The Golf GTI TCR concept is currently considered a “study” by Volkswagen. Nevertheless, the German automaker says it plans to start selling the model by the end of the year. The news for U.S. GTI fans is less exciting, however, as Volkswagen tells us the model won’t make it to our shores.