There’s something about wide-bodied cars that makes enthusiasts go all swoony, and VW’s new race-spec Golf TCR has plenty of that going on.
Developed by VW’s Motorsports division in cooperation with the sports department at SEAT, it’s a new concept car made in accordance with TCR regulations to help the German brand evaluate a potential customer racing program from the 2016 season onwards.
“The newly created TCR category provides a promising platform for customer racing – on a national and international level,” said VW Motorsport Director Jost Capito (of former Ford RS fame). “With exciting races, production-based technology and reasonable costs, it offers a new outlook for private racing teams.”
The Golf TCR is based on the production Golf R and is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four that generates 330PS (325hp) and 410Nm (302 lb-ft) of torque, up from the standard car’s 300PS (296hp) and 380Nm (280 lb-ft), linked to a DSG gearbox with steering wheel mounted shift paddles.
On the outside, the TCR is roughly 400mm (close to 16 inches) wider than the production Golf with is muscular wheel arches making room for 18-inch rims shod in super-wide racing tires, along with matching bumpers, a deeply vented hood and a massive roof wing.
The interior was gutted out and fitted with a full roll cage, racing steering wheel, and a single racing seat with head protectors in accordance with FIA regulations.
VW said that to accelerate development, it will test the car under competitive conditions at the remaining four race weekends in the international TCR series in association with Liqui Moly Team Engstler.
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