286HP VW Golf GTI TCR Introduces Itself In Huge Photo Gallery

Starting this month, European customers can place orders for the motorsport-inspired Golf GTI TCR.

Marketed as the road-going version of the namesake touring racer, the Golf GTI TCR is the pinnacle of front-wheel-drive Golfs you can buy today. Of course, there used to be an even more hardcore 306hp (310PS) Golf GTI Clubsport S but that limited-run special is sold out.

The Golf GTI TCR has just gone on sale with a 2.0-liter TSI turbo-four delivering 290 PS (286 hp) at 5,400-6,400 rpm and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque constantly available from 1,950 to 5,300 rpm.

Fastest front-wheel-drive Golf on sale now

The engine is mated to a standard seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission that drives the front wheels, and it does a pretty good job at that. 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes 5.6 seconds and the top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph) as standard. However, customers have the option to remove the limiter, enabling the Golf GTI TCR to hit its natural maximum speed of 260 km/h (162 mph).

From the Golf family, only the Golf R sprints more quickly from 0 to 100 km/h — it does it in 4.6 seconds and it tops out at 267 km/h (166 mph) when fitted with the optional seven-speed DSG transmission and the Performance package.

Motorsport-inspired exterior and interior details

You can easily recognize a Golf GTI TCR thanks to the unique front and rear bumpers featuring a splitter at the front and diffuser at the rear, as well as the exclusive roof spoiler and standard stainless-steel exhaust system.

Other exclusive features include the 18-inch “Belvedere” forged wheels (19-inch “Reifnitz” and “Pretoria” also available), smoked headlights and taillights, optional black contrasting roof and mirror caps, as well as a new “Pure Grey” exterior color. As for the side decals, you’ll be happy to know they’re optional.

Inside, the Golf GTI TCR sports a steering wheel with a red 12 o’clock stripe, sports seats upholstered in microfiber/fabric in an exclusive design, red stitching all over the cabin (including the seatbelts), and new interior trim. Equipment-wise, the Golf GTI TCR offers pretty much everything as standard.

Not that many optional extras as standard equipment is generous

The list features automatic all-LED lights, Active Info Display, ambient lighting, rain-sensing wipers, Composition Media infotainment system with 8 speakers, dual-zone Air Care Climatronic, progressive steering, Front Assist with City Emergency Braking System and Pedestrian Monitoring, and more.

Besides the beefy powertrain, standard hardware also includes a high-performance braking system with perforated front discs, special brake pads, and red brake calipers, as well as a front locking differential and two extra water radiators for added cooling capacity.

The main optional feature is the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive damping system that brings a 5mm (0.2in) lower ride height than the standard Golf GTI and sports-tuned shock absorbers. Prices start from €38,950 (about $44,300) in Germany.

https://youtu.be/Xz4unQJm2Tc