ensures that the front-wheel drive vehicle’s stability is maintained, even when pushed to the limits in racing. The dimensions have also increased – a total length of 4.60 metres (including the spoiler) and round about 15 centimetres more width make the Golf GTI TCR a large-calibre racer.

The interior complies with FIA rules. The dashboard and door panels are reminiscent of the series models with road use approval.

This two-litre TSI engine can also be found in the normal Golf GTI. In the GTI TCR, it works with a turbocharger taken from the Golf R2 and a modified air intake.

Series production quality for racing drivers
The 2018 version of the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR is naturally another direct descendant of the series production model. Its bodyshell is painstakingly optimised by internaljust under 65 per cent of all the parts used are series production components taken from the road models.

Volkswagen Motorsport Director Sven Smeets and Sebastian Wilhelms, head of vehicle deliveries at the Autostadt, symbolically presented racing team boss Franz Engstler with the steering wheel of the GTI TCR.

Cleverly composed matrix
High-quality series production components pay off twofold: the Golf GTI TCR is a production model GTI which has been uncompromisingly further developed into a puristic touring car. Nonetheless, approximately 65 per cent of its parts – including heavy-duty components such as the rear axle brake and the wheel bearings – are taken from series production. In practical terms, this composition is a major advantage, because racing use always comes down to wearing and spare parts being available quickly and