Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR delayed until 2020
213kW front-drive hot hatch has been pushed back until next year due to production delays, after originally being scheduled for launch this month.
It appears the limited-edition Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR won't hit Australian showrooms until the new year, with the local arm confirming the most powerful production GTI yet has been delayed.
Volkswagen Australia has now indicated a tentative "Q2 2020" launch frame for its race-inspired front-drive hot hatch, after it was initially slated to arrive Down Under this month.
Why? The company's local PR and brand experience manager, Kurt McGuinness, said: "as you can imagine there’s strong global demand for the car, so we’re still working with the factory at the moment on securing our allocation".
The Australian arm still intends to offer the previously promised run of 300 units, however, which will be the "biggest allocation internationally" according to VW's local communications boss, Paul Pottinger.
Final pricing and specifications for our market are still to be confirmed, though we do know the GTI TCR will be powered by a 213kW/380Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine shared with the all-wheel drive Golf R flagship.
Peak torque is available between 1800 and 5300rpm, with maximum power coming in from 5400rpm to 6400rpm.
Drive is sent to the front axle via a seven-speed DSG automatic and a locking front differential. There's also two additional water radiators up front to provide extra cooling compared to the 'standard' GTI Performance, just like the Golf R.
Volkswagen claims the GTI TCR will dash from 0-100 in just 5.6 seconds, making it one of the quickest-accelerating front-drive hatchbacks on sale today, on its way to an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h. It's worth noting there's an option overseas to derestrict the V-max to 260km/h.
In Europe the GTI TCR comes with 18-inch 'Belvedere' forged alloys as standard. As an option, buyers can choose from 19-inch 'Pretoria' or 'Reifnitz' designs, both in black, which also upgrades the brake package with perforated discs and special brake pads.
Model-specific appointments in its home region also include a specially-tuned stainless steel exhaust system, microfibre/textile upholstery with unique design, optional contrasting roof and mirror caps (depending on body colour chosen), a perforated leather steering wheel with red 12 o'clock marker, and the option of Pure Grey exterior paint – similar to Audi's popular 'Nardo Grey'.
Two option packs are available in Europe, the first including the aforementioned 'Reifnitz' alloys, the removal of the 250km/h speed limiter, and adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control (5mm lower ride height and adaptive dampers).
A second option pack brings lighter 'Pretoria' alloys wrapped in track focused semi-slick 235/35 R19 tyres, derestricted top speed, a sportier version of the adaptive rear shocks, and additional anti-theft wheel locks.
Currently, the DSG-only Golf GTI Performance and Golf R hatchbacks are being advertised with ongoing drive-away deals, listed at $47,990 and $54,990 respectively. Expect the TCR to slot somewhere in between but closer to the R flagship.
Stay tuned to CarAdvice for all the latest over the coming months.
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