New Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR
Published Date: 21st Mar 2016
The New Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR has completed successful TCR touring car comparison tests in Spain.
Before this, five cars were delivered to customers. The New VW Golf GTi TCR’s have been put through their paces in a two day test at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo. Engstler Motorsport from Germany and the W-Racing Team from Belgium, who are entered in the TCR International Series in 2016, took to the racetrack for the first time with the new 330-bhp VW Golf GTi TCR.
As well as getting to grips with the new car, this programme included a Balance-of-Performance test (BOP). This means performance is monitored, car measurements are taken and the car's centre of gravity noted. Acceleration and deceleration tests are also undertaken by an official TCR driver at the wheel. The data gathered in the BOP is analysed and used to achieve a similar level of performance between the cars of different manufacturers, thus ensuring everyone has the same chance of winning. However, this task proved far from easy as heavy rain repeatedly disrupted the two test days.
In total, eight customer sports teams will field the Golf GTI TCR in 2016: Engstler Motorsport, Kai Jordan, D&T Drive & Training (all Germany), W-Racing Team, Gtps Delahaye Racing Team (both Belgium), Milo Racing (Luxembourg), Gusto Technik Performance (Hong Kong) and Novaplus Gestao Desportiva (Portugal). The racing Golf will start in five TCR championships: in the international series, the Benelux and Asia series as well as in the German and Portuguese championships.
Eduard Weidl, Head of Customer Sports announced: "The comparison tests with the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR went well. We are happy, but we also know that we still have some work ahead of us - particularly when it comes to the cars' traction. As such, the tests were very helpful and revealing. The Engstler team completed more than 50 laps with its three cars on both days, allowing it to make some valuable findings. The feedback received from the customer sports teams and drivers on the Golf GTI TCR was certainly very positive."
Jordi Gene, test and development driver said: "The Golf GTI TCR is a real racer. Compared to last year's concept car, we have made good progress in many areas. Thanks to the new six-speed sequential racing gearbox, an improved braking system, and modifications to the aerodynamics, the Golf is now even better to drive. We will obviously continue to work on the car throughout the season, where the regulations allow it, in order to ensure that we improve continuously. As far as performance is concerned, I am sure that the customer sports teams will be able to challenge for the championship in the various TCR series."