Performance-honed Golf outed
Volkswagen has officially outed its latest performancefettled Golf hatch variant, the GTI TCR, ahead of its Australian launch.
When it arrives in Down Under, the TCR – named for the TCR racing series which the Golf won twice – will be the most potent offering in the Golf line-up, thanks to its 213kw-370nm output, only 10Nm shy of the Golf R.
While the R channels its power through all four wheels, as a GTI, the TCR uses a front-drive layout mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The extra power allows for a zero to 100kmh sprint time of 5.6 seconds, while a limited-slip differential on the front axle helps effectively channel power to the wheels.
Perforated brake discs aid stopping power.
Top speed is set at 250kmh, however can optionally be changed to 260kmh.
It will become the most powerful front-drive GTI of all time when it arrives, eclipsing the 195kw figure set by the GTI 40 Years special edition.
The TCR will be visually distinguishable from the outside by 18inch Belvedere forged alloy wheels – with 18-inch Milton Keynes hoops as an option – LED headlights, black side mirror caps, sill extensions, front splitter, TCR roof spoiler, rear diffuser and door puddle lamps projecting the TCR logo.
Inside, the TCR scores premium front sport seats with a microfibre fabric design, seatbelts with red edging, an exclusive steering wheel with perforated leather at the three o’clock and nine o’clock positions, and a red mark at 12 o’clock, head-up display, driver profile selection and forward collision warning.
Options such as a honeycomb decal on the car’s side, various wheel choices, carbon side mirror caps and a black roof will be available as options.
For Europe, a package will be offered including 19-inch Reifnitz alloys with 235-35 rubber, the top-speed increase, a sports version of the rear damping system, and the DCC adaptive chassis control system.
A second package adds different 19-inch hoops with semi-slick tyres and additional wheel locks for greater theft protection.
More details on the TCR, including its price, will be revealed closer to its release date in the fourth quarter of this year. Pricing will most likely sit between the regular Golf GTI, $45,490, and Golf R, $56,490.