Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR will take the GTI racing in 2016

The Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR has been revealed as a stripped down GTI with extra power as VW attack the 2016 TCR touring car championship.

Volkswagen’s dieselgate crisis may have had them looking at every way they can to keep costs in check, but that hasn’t stopped VW developing this, the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR, to tackle the 2016 TCR touring car championship in the hands of private race teams.

Based on the production version of the Golf GTI, the GTI TCR gets an uprated version of the four-cylinder turbo-charged 2.0 litre from the Golf R, with 325bhp and 302lb/ft of torque, and despite its engine coming from the Golf R it sends its power to the front wheels – just like the production GTI – although it’s done through a six-speed sequential gearbox.

Volkswagen has also stripped the GTI down to reduce weight, and on the face of it it looks like the total weight loss has been around 300kg, which makes the GTI TCR quite lively at 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds.

Cosmetic and aerodynamic tweaks include a carbon fibre front splitter and rear wing, 18″ wheels, and stripped-out interior with roll-cage and racing seats.

Other changes include revised steering, high-performance brakes and adjustable suspension.

Volkswagen are building just 20 GTI TCRs, and all have already been sold to private racing teams competing in the 2016 TCR touring car championship.