Volkswagen could be on the brink of expanding one of the most famous hot hatch lineages in history with a new road-going version of the TCR Golf GTI racing car.
Although officially labelled as a concept at this stage, Volkswagen executives say the model would open a new chapter in Golf GTI history and are seemingly all-in on the thought of production model.
"At the moment, the Golf GTI TCR Concept is a study," said Volkswagen Board Member for Sales, Jürgen Stackmann. "But at the end of the year, we want to make this GTI vision come true."
Come true it should. Not only would the TCR version be more powerful than the current Golf GTI, it would also come tantalisingly close to annoying the current hot hatch performance king - the Honda Civic Type R.
The Golf TCR concept is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 213kW of power and 370Nm of torque from just 1,600rpm. The updated engine is mated with Volkswagen's 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a locking differential. The TCR model aslo features two extra radiators for improved cooling and engine performance.
The top speed is a limited 250 km/h, but this can be increased to 264 km/h by opting to remove the electronic Vmax limiter, making this Golf the fastest GTI of the current model range.
However, Volkswagen will let you go a step further and fit a more dynamic sports chassis and adaptive chassis control (DCC) system which adapts to the characteristics of the electrically adjustable shock absorbers for added grip.
Like the rest of the Golf range, only small details identify the TCR as Volkswagen's most potent Golf. At the front, a newly designed bumper with sharply contoured splitter is the first five away. Also new: the newly designed panel attachment on the side which runs the length of the car to join the rear diffuser.
"TCR" lettering above the sills is another give away and can be optionally customised in a GTI honeycomb design. The TCR logo is then projected on to the asphalt when you open the doors.
On the inside, the sport seats, gear leaver and door inseret are all finished with newly designed microfibre/fabric covers. The seat centre sections finished in “Flash Red” contrast with red stitching on the sports steering wheel, which also feature a red 12 o’clock stripe like the real TRC race car.
The TCR will feature 18-inch “Belvedere” forged wheels are fitted as standard with optional 19-inch alloy wheels also be available and bigger brakes in all four wheel wells.
To top it all off, Volkswagen will fit an Akrapovič titanium system which was previously only available on the Golf R as an option.
Current mermerings in Europe suggest the new Golf GTI TCR will be offered in unrestricted numbers by the end of the year. With a new generation Golf expected next year, the TCR could well be the seventh germination's last hurrah.
