The design, power and performance of the Golf GTI TCR Concept follow pure sports car doctrine. The power of the 370Nm strong turbocharged engine is already transmitted to the front wheels from 1600rpm as standard via a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) and a locking differential. The top speed of the standard version will be 250km/h, but this can be increased to 264km/h by opting to remove the electronic Vmax limiter, making this Golf the fastest GTI of the current model range.
Numerous individual features contribute to the particularly sporty character of this new Volkswagen. The future standard version will leave the Wolfsburg plant with 18-inch “Belvedere” forged wheels, with 19-inch alloy wheels available as an option. Behind the large wheels is a high-performance braking system with perforated discs that decelerate the production car just as effortlessly as the TCR racing car. The top Golf GTI model features two extra radiators to ensure sufficient cooling for high engine performance.
If desired, particularly enthusiastic drivers can order a package that pushes the performance even further towards the racetrack – besides removal of the Vmax limit and fitment of the new 19-inch wheels, it includes an even more dynamic sports chassis and the adaptive chassis control (DCC). It adapts the characteristics of the electrically adjustable shock absorbers at the touch of a button.
The Golf GTI TCR Concept shows that the future standard version will also prove its outstanding position in terms of looks. At the front, a newly designed bumper with sharply contoured splitter (front spoiler) identifies the Golf GTI as a TCR version, and there’s a newly designed panel attachment on the side, which is continued to the rear. Here, they join a diffuser and the exhaust system tailpipes. In the silhouette, the “TCR” lettering above the sills also attracts attention and is optionally customised with an additional decoration in the typical GTI honeycomb design.
The Golf has a particularly inviting effect when opening the front doors, with the TCR logo projected on to the asphalt. The stainless-steel sill panel trim is personalised by means of a red illuminated element.
On the inside, the premium sport seats are finished with newly designed microfibre/fabric covers. The door inserts and gearstick cover have also been finished in microfibre. The seat centre sections are in the contrasting colour “Flash Red”, which is the bridge to the red contrasting stitching on the sports steering wheel, which is – just like in the racing world – provided with a red 12 o’clock stripe. 
Volkswagen Motorsport has delivered 100 TCR racing versions of the Golf GTI.
Read about the Nurburgring lap record set by the VW Golf GTI Clubsport S.
