Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR
Golf touring car gets an update for the GTI's 40th and first test next week
Mechanically it's unchanged though, with a 330hp 2.0-litre turbo and DSG gearbox. It even looks pretty much identical, with the 40cm increase in width, huge rear wing and front splitter carried over. Sure, there's now a GTI grille, but this is clearly still the same car.
Can we mention the Clubsport again yet?
Now this all sounds well and good, particularly with some inter-VW rivalry against the Leon Cup Racer, but the TCR does rather show what the Golf GTI Clubsport could have been. A 40th anniversary car in all but name, the Clubsport branding did rather suggest a more comprehensive overhaul than a little more power and a flash of Alcantara. Imagine how it could have been with a 330hp version of the EA888 engine, some proper aero and a stripped out interior. It would have rather stood on the toes of the Golf R, but given VW describes the GTI as "more than just a seal of quality - it is a trademark and an identity" it shouldn't be unreasonable to expect something a little more focused for such an anniversary. A limited edition perhaps?
Anyway, the TCR International Series begins in Bahrain in April, running alongside the F1 race. Given VW's investment and the fact that a Leon Cup Racer won the championship last year, it would be a brave person to bet against the Golf TCR enjoying some success. Perhaps if VW triumphs we can have a proper Clubsport in celebration?
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[TCR championship info: Wikipedia]
Personally I think its just been pushed back to the Mark 8 that is due shortly, I think we'll see a three tiers of performance models, with the GTI closer to the current R in performance, and the R pushed further up to compete with the new Focus RS, consuming much of what would have made the R400 unique.
I was referencing the paragraph in the article that suggested that VW could do another more elaborate (than the Clubsport) anniversary special to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the GTi.
Maybe you should read the article yourself, smart%$£*
Back to the Golf, I think that there must be much head scratching at VW about where you place such a model price wise. If it's a low volume model then it obviously commands a hefty premium over a Golf R. I don't know any german swear words but I'm sure that VW use them every day when asked about the R400 and froth at the mouth even more if someone mentions the words BMW M2. I'm pretty sure any low volume, halo Golf model would be knocking in at close to £40k. With the hard core following the Golf has though, VW know they'll sell every TCR, R400 they make regardless of cost.
Back to the Golf, I think that there must be much head scratching at VW about where you place such a model price wise. If it's a low volume model then it obviously commands a hefty premium over a Golf R. I don't know any german swear words but I'm sure that VW use them every day when asked about the R400 and froth at the mouth even more if someone mentions the words BMW M2. I'm pretty sure any low volume, halo Golf model would be knocking in at close to £40k. With the hard core following the Golf has though, VW know they'll sell every TCR, R400 they make regardless of cost.
I really cant see the Golf R400 happening, despite if VW had the emissions scandal or not.
Back to the Golf, I think that there must be much head scratching at VW about where you place such a model price wise. If it's a low volume model then it obviously commands a hefty premium over a Golf R. I don't know any german swear words but I'm sure that VW use them every day when asked about the R400 and froth at the mouth even more if someone mentions the words BMW M2. I'm pretty sure any low volume, halo Golf model would be knocking in at close to £40k. With the hard core following the Golf has though, VW know they'll sell every TCR, R400 they make regardless of cost.
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