With 300 horsepower being enough to outsprint the Porsche Boxster, there's bound to be a Golf R driver somewhere who once said "it's a racecar". However, only for this particular Golf are those words true.
We're taking the first look at a concept for a customer racing vehicle that complies with the Touringcar Racer International Series. It's based on the production Golf, and although it looks much like the 300 horsepower R model, all the major components have been changed.
Under the bonnet is a 2-liter turbo engine with direct fuel injection that delivers 300 hp and 410 Nm of torque. It's been developed with help from SEAT, who had extensive experience from the Leon Cup Racer.
Just like on the Golf R, the power is delivered through a 6-speed DSG gearbox. However, only the front wheels benefit from this because that's just how things roll in the TRC. Hiding behind the wider fenders are broad tracks and race-tuned suspension.
Extensive changes were also made to the bodywork, including cutting an enormous vent in the hood and installing a wing on the back. The cabin has been stripped out to make room for an OMP racing seat and a roll cage.
The yet unnamed Golf racing car will be tested under competitive conditions this weekend in Spielberg, Austria. Volkswagen hopes to have everything ready and FIA-homologated by the 2016 season.
What races in the TRC Series?
Since you've probably never heard of the Touringcar Racer International Series, we thought it would be a good idea to mention what it's like. Currently, the field is made of the SEAT Leon that was created by the SEAT Sport division. There are also some teams that use the Audi TT or the Honda Civic. A Subaru WRX STI is currently under development.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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