AUSTRALIAN production of the fastest official Golf GTI to date, the TCR special edition which celebrates Volkswagen’s success in Touring Car Racing, commences next month, ahead of its arrival in July.
It will arrive priced from $51,490 plus on-roads, and is the ultimate expression of the current generation Golf GTI, the world’s favourite performance hatchback. It will be the final iteration of the existing model.
The Golf GTI TCR is the latest in the line of GTI special editions that began with the GTI Pirelli (Mark 5), through GTI 35th Anniversary (Mark 6) and GTI 40 Years (Mark 7, 2016).
The GTI TCR succeeds the acclaimed GTI 40 Years as the most powerful production version of the original ‘hot hatch’ model line.
While both emulate the 213kW of the Golf R, the 40 Years achieved this power on over-boost. In the GTI TCR this output is constantly attainable; an appreciable increase over the standard GTI’s 180kW.
The GTI TCR’s estimated 0-100km/h time is 5.7 seconds – 0.6 more rapid than the GTI 40 Years with DSG transmission, and within one second of the Golf R DSG hatch’s 4.8 seconds.
Unlike the Golf R, GTIs eschew all-wheel-drive for the lighter weight of a front differential lock. In the TCR this is augmented by a bespoke adaptive chassis control and performance front brake system.
The TCR also rides more firmly and 5mm lower than the standard GTI. The difference with GTI TCR and the usual GTI is also audible with a freer flowing system providing a distinctive note.
A six-speed version of Volkswagen’s wet clutch DSG comes with the unfiltered 350Nm version of this engine tune. Available in the Pure White and Tornado Red shades synonymous with GTI, the GTI TCR is also available in a new Pure Grey.
All colours come with a black roof, distinctive honeycomb side decals and bespoke 19-inch alloys.
Interior features include Alcantara accents, black/red sports cloth upholstery, a new version of the GTI steering wheel with perforated leather at the hand positions and a red 12 o’clock marker. Just 300 GTI TCRs will be available.
