Winging it: VW creates Golf R racer
VW creates Golf R-based race car concept to go touring car racing. Has monumental aeroVolkswagen’s motorsport arm has created a race car based on the road-going Golf R to potentially compete in the global Touring Car Racer International Series.
Created for what VW says are 'evaluation purposes', the new Golf-based concept is a real, fully operational race car that will be tested this weekend at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria.
Volkswagen says its Golf-based racer could be ready for the 2016 season that begins in March next year, for which it is hoping to tempt lucrative customer race teams.
Powered by an uprated 242kW/410Nm version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that powers the Golf R, the racer keeps its MQB platform but ditches its all-wheel drive hardware. Drive is, instead, channelled through its front wheels via a six-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox.
Wearing new 18-inch race-spec alloys, the Golf racer is an incredible 400mm wider than the standard car, with an aggressive front splitter and huge rear wing hinting at many hours spent in the wind tunnel.
Converting any small hatch to race-spec involves a huge amount of work, but Volkswagen motorsport admits it had an advantage over other car-makers. Volkswagen Group-owned SEAT already compete in the series with its Leon Racer that donated much of its parts and race know-how to ensure the Golf will be quick from its first race.
Volkswagen Motorsport has not released pricing for the Golf race car.
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