Volkswagen thought that by removing the
camouflage and badging from this red prototype, people would mistake it for the
regular Golf GTI. However, what we have here is the hardcore TCR model, which
will bridge the gap between the base FWD Golf GTI and the upcoming Golf R AWD
model. From a visual standpoint, there isn’t that big a difference compared to
the 2020 Golf GTI on which the TCR is based.
Exceptions include the redesigned front
bumper with a larger lower air intake and thin apron, the bigger roof-mounted
spoiler, and a few tweaks to the rear diffuser, which still incorporates dual
exhaust pipes. Until the interior opens up to the camera, we can assume that
aside from the body-hugging front seats, which are partially visible in this
latest set of spy shots, it will feature more exclusive upholstery. Carbon
fiber trim could be part of the offering and Volkswagen will probably go the
extra mile and add model-specific loading screen animations for the new
infotainment system and digital instrument cluster.
The new TCR will retain the standard Golf
GTI Mk8’s front-wheel drive system and will be powered by a 2.0-liter TSI
turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine hooked up to a dual-clutch automatic
transmission. Output and torque figures remain a mystery, but we could be
looking at around 300 PS. That’s a safe bet given that the
current Golf GTI TCR boasts 290 PS and the 2020 Golf GTI has
245 PS available on tap.
Meanwhile, the upcoming Golf R’s
four-banger should deliver around 333 PS to the all-wheel
drive system. The range-topping fast Golf is expected sometime this summer,
whereas the Golf GTI TCR should follow before the end of the year.
