Earlier in January 2019, Volkswagen revealed its new Golf GTI TCR (before dropping fresh images and details a couple of days later). And now the folks from Automann-TV have published footage on YouTube showing the front-wheel-drive hot hatch launching off the line (and giving us our first listen to the exhaust note).
The clip was filmed in Portugal at the international launch of the new GTI TCR, with the latter set to effectively serve as the swansong to the seventh-generation Golf (production of the eighth-generation Golf is expected to start towards the middle of 2019).
The first video below provides us with a closer look at the newcomer, while also showing a handful of zero to 100 km/h runs. Interestingly, on the day, the GTI TCR was faster to three figures without use of the launch control system (in 5,5 seconds) than it was with it engaged (taking 5,6 seconds and matching VW’s claim).
And the second clip? Well, that gives us an idea of the GTI TCR’s exhaust note, which doesn’t seem to have been negatively impacted by the required fitment of a petrol particulate filter.
As a reminder, the turbocharged 2,0-litre four-cylinder produces 213 kW from 5 400 to 6 400 r/min, while 380 N.m is on offer between 1 800 and 5 300 r/min. Power is directed to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG as standard. While the top speed is listed as 250 km/h, the limiter can be optionally removed, raising the figure to 260 km/h.
VW SA earlier told CARmag.co.za “there are currently no confirmed plans to introduce the GTI TCR in the local market”, although considering just how popular the standard GTI is here (and the fact SA received 47 of the global production run of 400 units of the Clubsport S), we wouldn’t be surprised if it turned up at some point in 2019…
Buy a VW Golf Gti on South Africa’s most trusted car marketplace.
Golf Gti for sale
Used Golf Gti for sale
Gti for sale in western cape
Gti for sale in cape town
Gti for sale in johannesburg
Gti for sale in kwazulu natal
Gti for sale in eastern cape
