The 325bhp VW Golf TCR is back for 2016

Remember the Golf TCR Concept? We do. Volkswagen fielded a couple in the TCR International Series last year as part of the car’s ongoing development. Some success was had. Now the TCR is back for a proper season, and all 20 VW is set to build have already been sold. 

Under the skin, the TCR - which is eligible for 16 national and international touring car championships - shares a great deal with the Seat Leon Cup Racer. No surprise considering VW called on Seat Sport’s expertise to help with the TCR’s development. The engine is the 2.0-litre four from the Golf R, here with 325bhp and 302b ft of torque, and the gearbox is a proper sequential job. The chassis - and therefore track - is a massive 40cm wider than a normal GTI’s. 

You’ll have noticed the spoiler. It joins a front splitter, safety-cell and FIA-approved fuel tank on the list of modifications made by the VW Motorsport guys. How much? No word from VW, but the mechanically similar Leon Cup Racer is around £85K. Not that it matters, because they’re all sold. VW will hand cars over to customer teams in Spain on March 11.