VW’s performance stable is at its strongest at the moment. The MK 7.5 Golf GTI and Golf R haven’t just won hearts and minds the new golf R has been trading blows with cars way above its pay grade with some journalists even going as far as calling it the best car ever made.  The new Arteon introduced consumers to a brave new world and reception to the new Toureg has been exceptionally warm. The problem with all of this is that VW is slowly but steadily moving into a market segment that was previously reserved for automotive marques with premium badges.

When it comes to performance derivatives car companies now offer variants with so much power and torque with levels that border on silliness. With all this move upwards the effects of these power wars has trickled down to what was once deemed as entry level performance car territory. Entry level performance cars are also now fully engaged in a battle for dominance and the result of all of these is that their  prices are steadily creeping upwards.

Enter the VW Golf GTI TCR. Deemed as a replacement to the Golf GTI clubsport the TCR will be the most powerful VW Golf GTI to date. Fitted with the same engine powering the base car and the R the TCR has 213 kw(290PS)and 370 Nm of torque. While the clubsport could produce similar numbers on overboost this engine produces these numbers all the time. With maximum torque available from between 1600 rpm and 4300 rpm. Maximum power is delivered between 5000 rpm- 6800 rpm. To help cool the engine VW has fitted two extra radiators to the TCR.

The engine has been mated to VW’s seven speed DSG gearbox as standard. All the power is sent through to the front wheels via a locking differential. 18 inch wheels are available as standard but can be upgraded to 19 inch wheels. VW has also fitted ventilated disk brakes with specially engineered pads and calipers. The exhaust system from Akrapovic which has hitherto only been available on the R will also be optionally available.

VW will offer the TCR with an optional driver’s package which will feature chassis revisions and also include the optional 19 inch wheels. Dynamic Chassis Control(DCC)will also come as standard with the package. The top speed of the standard car is set at 250 kph but the optional driver’s package raises the limit to 264 kph.

Visually the Golf GTI TCR manages to pull off the classic VW GTI cues. It looks as special as the Clubsport but even more so. The aggressive styling does fan service to enthusiasts who prefer body kits but it is functional and not purely for aesthetics. There is an integrated rear boot spoiler and a rear diffuser for some downforce on the rear axle. Much like BMW M products the roof can also be ordered in a contrasting black colour to the exterior paint. The front bumper has also been redesigned for the new car.

While still a concept for now VW is confident that the TCR will be rolling off the production line by the end of the year.