Remember the Golf GTI TCR Concept that Volkswagen revealed at the annual GTI Meeting at Wörthersee in May 2018? Well, the final production version of the hot hatch has now been unveiled as a swansong to the seventh-generation hatchback.
The new front-wheel-drive Golf GTI TCR employs the Wolfsburg-based brand’s familiar turbocharged 2,0-litre four-cylinder, but in this case tuned to deliver 213 kW and 370 N.m, up on the standard GTI’s 169 kW and 350 N.m.
Fitted with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, VW says the special model is capable of sprinting from zero to 100 km/h in 5,6 seconds – a full eight-tenths quicker than the standard GTI. Maximum speed, meanwhile, is 250 km/h, although the automaker says this can “optionally be increased to 260 km/h”.
In Europe, the Golf GTI TCR features technology such as front assist, the active info display and LED headlamps. The standard equipment list furthermore includes a front-axle differential lock, perforated brake discs, driving profile selection, front sport seats (with a new microfibre/fabric design), seat belts with red edging and an “exclusive” sports steering wheel.
From the outside, you’ll notice the 18-inch “Belvedere” forged wheels (or “Milton Keynes” alloy items in the same size as an alternative), black side-mirror caps, new sill extensions, fresh front splitter, TCR-style roof spoiler and a diffuser at the rear. In addition, the TCR logo is projected onto the road when the front doors are opened.
VW says the Golf GTI TCR can be further customised with options such as a new honeycomb decor foil for the side panels, carbon side-mirror caps, a black-painted roof, as well as various 19-inch alloy wheel designs.
So, is it coming to South Africa? Well, in August 2018, Volkswagen SA told us that it had “no plans as yet” to bring in what Wolfsburg describes as its fastest Golf GTI ever. We’re since posed the question again and are waiting for feedback…
[UPDATE: VW SA told CARmag.co.za “there are currently no confirmed plans to introduce the GTI TCR in the local market”].
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