Remember the old Golf GTI Clubsport? Eventually it was somewhat outshone by the Clubsport S, but it still proved a very nice upgrade and a good opportunity for VW to celebrate four decades of its hot hatch. Now it looks like that car is being reimagined, with the new Golf GTI TCR.
Like that Clubsport, the TCR makes peak power of 290hp (albeit without requiring an overboost this time) from the 2.0-litre EA888 turbo. Combined with 273lb ft, expect the TCR to surpass the standard GTI's 0-62mph time of 6.4 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155mph, although for the first time VW is offering a limiter raise option, 164mph said to be possible with the Golf unshackled. Not only does this make it the fastest GTI ever, VW says it's the "fastest Volkswagen licensed for use on public roads."
Notable changes from the standard GTI include a standard dual-clutch gearbox and the VAQ front differential lock. As the road version of the TCR racer, VW says that the "touring racing car's specs make the new top model a dominating presence". From the images released thus far, it can be seen the TCR has new bumpers, wheels and stickers to distinguish it from regular GTIs.
Expect further details to be forthcoming when the full reveal takes place at Worthersee next week; the car will be launched at the end of the year, says VW, with nothing available yet on UK pricing or availability. More soon!
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