Volkswagen Motorsport Unveils 440 hp Golf24 Racer

We know that this is not a production car and you will probably never own one, but we’ve never seen such a stunning version of the Golf. This track attacker looks even better in our opinion than the Golf GTI W12-650. So what is it?

It’s a stripped-out, slammed-down, unique brainchild of Volkswagen Motorsport’s engineers. Designed for grueling 24-hour races, some of the toughest tests of all in motorsport, the four-wheel drive touring car has already finished its first kilometers of testing in Portugal and Italy.

“With the new Golf24 we are continuing our successful commitment at the Nurburgring 24-hour race. The event enjoys huge popularity, is one of the true classics in motorsport and, due to its extreme distance and unique race track, also represents a very big technical challenge. With our spectacular Golf we want to provide an additional highlight in front of a large audience – right in time for the 35th anniversary of the GTI,” says Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen.

The new 24-hour racer uses an updated version of VW Group’s 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine, which now produces 440 horsepower (324 kW) and a maximum torque of 540 Nm (398 lb-ft). All that grunt is sent to a permanent four-wheel drive system through a sequential six-speed gearbox with paddle shifters.

In order to prepare the car for its racing debut in June, the Golf24 will complete an extensive testing and development program at Portimao, Portugal, back in December and further tests at Vallelunga, Italy. Three races in the Endurance Championship on the Nurburgring-Nordschleife are scheduled this month.