Sebastien Loeb Racing Chooses VW Golf TCR For WTCR Series

Despite Sebastien Loeb’s ties with Citroen, his racing team will use a Volkswagen in its bid to conquer the newly-formed FIA World Touring Car Cup (WTCR), after previously winning two titles in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC).

The Golf GTI TCR puts out 350 PS (345 HP) and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) of torque, allowing for a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time of 5.2 seconds. It is also 40 cm (16 in) wider than the production model and comes with an adjustable aluminum rear wing for additional downforce.

Other mods include the aerodynamically designed front splitter, racing seat with head protectors, racing safety cell and an FIA-approved safety fuel tank.

2012 world touring car champion Rob Huff and 2016 WTCC Trophy champion Mehdi Bennani will be the team’s drivers for this season.

“Over the past few years, Sebastien Loeb Racing has shown emphatically what it is capable of in touring car racing,” stated VW Motorsport boss Sven Smeets. “I am delighted that another successful team, with two absolutely top drivers, has chosen to run the Golf GTI TCR. We will obviously have our fingers crossed for the team, and hope that the Golf GTI TCR will again be up there challenging for the championship in 2018.”

The TCR (Touring Car Racing) class was introduced in 2015 and has since grown to about 20 national and regional championships. The 2018 calendar kicks off in Morocco on April 8th.