We were at Wörthersee last summer for the unveiling of the TCR Concept. We love it and still do but unfortunately, it’s availability is limited to Europe, at least for the moment.
The 2019 Volkswagen GTI TCR is the road-legal version of the brand’s race car which participates in the TCR International Series. Contrary to many race-inspired street cars which get aero bits and cute seats, the new GTI TCR shares more than 60% of its parts with the race car.
The most important is what’s located under the bonnet. The GTI TCR sports a tuned version of the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that now produces 286-horsepower and a healthy 273 lb.-ft. of torque. By comparison, the standard GTI gets 220-horsepower while the race car boasts upwards of 350 horses. The only transmission will be a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) complete with a locking differential.
With this power comes great acceleration, for a GTI. The TCR will reach 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds with a top speed limited to 250 km/h. Optionally, increased that number can rise to 264 km/h by removing the electronic Vmax limiter.
The 2019 Volkswagen GTI TCR is obviously physically enhanced with a newly designed more aggressive bumper with sharply contoured splitter, a different roof spoiler, rear diffuser and side sill extensions. The TCR will be delivered with 18-inch “Belvedere” forged wheels and 19-inch wheels will be available as an option.
The cabin gains highly bolstered sport seats covered in microfibre/fabric covers like the door cards and shifter.
Pricing in Europe is set at 38,950 euros. In converted CDN dollars, the number hurts: $59,000. Doubtful we will get it… We sad.
2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR | Photo: Volkswagen
2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR | Photo: Volkswagen
