VW has opened its UK order books for the new Golf
GTI TCR, the latest evolution of the hot-hatch icon and, quite probably, the
swansong of the current generation. The TCR moniker pays tribute to
the Touring Car Racing series, which was won twice by the race car of the same
name.
Power comes from a tuned version of the turbocharged
2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 286 hp and 380 Nm of
torque that’s available from just 1,800 rpm. Paired to the standard seven-speed
dual-clutch gearbox, the Golf GTI TCR is capable of a 0-100 km/h sprint
in 5.6 seconds while flat out it’ll do 264 km/h without the speed
limiter, which makes it the fastest front-wheel drive GTI ever.
As standard, the Golf GTI TCR comes with 18-inch
‘Quaranta’ alloy wheels, distinctive front and rear bumpers, matte black door
mirrors and a TCR-branded motif on the rear quarter panel. The interior
features model-specific seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with a red
marker and a gear gater dressed with Alcantara that matches the door cards.
Customers can opt for a £ 2,000 package that includes
19-inch alloy wheels, a 20mm lower adaptive suspension and the removal of the
standard 155mph top speed limiter. VW also offers a special Pure Grey paint
option, as well as honeycomb decals and a black roof.
The first examples of the new VW Golf GTI TCR are
expected to arrive this March in the UK, with prices starting from £ 34,135 OTR.
