We are at the wheel of the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR 2017, the weapon with which VW faces different TCR championships worldwide. Now with 350 hp.

He Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR It is manufactured in Spain by department Seat in Martorell competition. The VW Group has entrusted Seat Sport the manufacture of the three models for the TCR: Audi RS3 LMS, Seat Leon Cup Racer TCR Y VW Golf GTI TCR. This means, besides a pride for Seat a important recognition for the work so many years has been carrying out the department heads Jaime Puig. There the three models are manufactured with a capacity of five cars a week. All three share a 65 percent of the pieces taken from the street car and they differ only in the body, as I found in my visit to the factory Martorell one day before the test of Golf. The body comes as it goes to the series and employs 120 Sport Seat reinforce hours, remove what is not necessary and add the roll bar. From there it is painted and passed directly to the mounting section, wherein all components are installed.

The engine is the Employing the 2.0 TSI GTI Cupra versions strict or RS series. The changes are external to it and affect the intake, the exhaust, electronics and oil, with which achieved 350 hp. Includes a much larger intercooler, from another Group model, has an air filter and competition exhaust manifold is specific, followed by a pair of catalysts competition, located in the exhaust pipes to reduce temperature. With all this gains 20 horses to 300 originals. Also includes an oil recirculation system, a mini booster tank located at the top, to ensure lubrication regardless of lateral and longitudinal G’s are reached. To 350 horses arrive by modifying the ECU programming standard, that puts greater proportion of gasoline; Curiously, the average consumption up to 47 l / 100 km.

You have two options for change. On the one hand is the 6-speed DSG, Also standard but with its reprogrammed ECU and the final development adapted to the fastest championship circuit, and the other a sequential change Sadev straight teeth. Both are managed by cams, although the Sadev includes clutch pedal (for outputs only). The DSG is associated with the differential serial VAQ, with its electronics adapted to the requirements of adherence of slicks, while enjoying a Sadev traditional mechanical limited slip. The difference between the two changes is that DSG is more reliable and requires more maintenance Sadev. Track circuit depends on the particular test or one can be faster than the other. The DSG in endurance racing seems to be the most adapting while the other is recommended for sprint races. The brake system, steering knuckle, shock absorbers and suspension arms are specific racing and they have little to do with the series. It includes a hydraulic handbrake, which is used to hold the car on the outputs that are not flat, the Jarama for example.

And the time to start. Test VW Golf GTI TCR was held at the Castellolí circuit. The rain showed no mercy and did not get back to a single dry. I had two godfathers of exception, advising me at all times and to which I was honored to be able to continue on track. On the one hand Benjamin Leucher, until recently holder of front-wheel drive record at Nurburgring -is it just removed the Golf GTI Honda- with Clubsport and another one of my childhood heroes, the very Hans J. Stuck; too many presentations.

Sensations at the wheel of the Golf GTI TCR are brutal. It runs much, much, slows deviously and cornering speed is really high, despite the poor condition of the track. In ABS option can lead, ideal for endurance racing or rain (less tiring and better tire care), but this unit did not. I’m surprised driveability and transmitting subject is the rear, which is nothing radical in their reactions. The state of the track I could not put the frame in trouble; breaking a car so a day of testing is not well seen and that day invited it, so I limited myself to always anticipate braking and stop the car straight. Yes, always following Mr. Stuck, who went before doing anything hare and slowly. Yes I could do several tests traction gas brusquely opening or not and I was pleasantly surprised by the traction -this unit was the DSG- and how well they entered the front. The differential works better than I expected, considering that this is the same car that bears the street. It’s a good race car very high quality. The sharing of so many pieces allows you a competitive price and maintenance is not high, considering the level. I liked it.

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