VW unveils wild Golf concept trio

VOLKSWAGEN has used the 37th GTI meeting in Worthersee, Austria to reveal the concept version of the upcoming Golf GTI TCR, the fastest Golf yet which is a high chance to arrive in Australia in production form next year.

Both visually and mechanically differentiated from the regular GTI, the TCR features 18-inch Belvedere alloy wheels, high-performance brakes and perforated discs, newly designed bumper with front splitter, fresh side panel attachment, rear diffuser and exhaust.

Inside, the TCR gains premium sport seats with newly-designed microfibre/fabric covers, microfibre door inserts and gear stick cover, and contrast Flash Red seat centres and 12 o’clock steering wheel stripe.

As previously reported by GoAuto, the TCR is powered by an up-rated version of the GTI’s 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, boosted to produce 213kW/370Nm thanks in part to two extra radiators to help cooling in high performance applications.

Power is channelled to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, with a locking differential helping to channel power to the road.

Buyers will also be able to option a performance package that includes 19-inch alloys, a more dynamic sports chassis and adaptive chassis control.

The event was also used to showcase two Golf concepts from Volkswagen’s apprentices based in Wolfsburg and Zwickau, consisting of a super high-powered GTI and a natural gas-powered Golf wagon.

Created over a period of nine months by 29 different apprentices, techniques such as 3D printing and computer-assisted design (CAD) were employed to produce the two concepts.

The first, called the Golf GTI Next Level, was designed by the Wolfsburg team and features the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol GTI engine uprated to produce a massive 302kW/511Nm, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch auto.

Among the powertrain changes for the three-door hot hatch are an upgraded turbocharger with new inlet and outlet system, larger intercooler, and forged pistons.

Other performance enhancements include a specially modified stainless steel exhaust with remote exhaust valve control, Bilstein coilover suspension with adaptive chassis control, and hi-po Brembo ceramic brakes.

The Next Level is easily identified by its livery, a white silver metallic paint hue with contrasting deep-black pearl effect paint at the rear, down the centre of the bonnet and in forked arrows along the doors. A rear diffuser and 20-inch, 10-spoke wheels borrowed from the Audi R8 complete the sporty look.

Meanwhile, VW’s Zwickau apprentices came together to create a natural gas-powered Golf wagon, called the TGI GMotion.

The Zwickau apprentices have shoehorned a 1.5-litre natural gas engine under the bonnet that produces 96kW and is mated to a seven-speed DSG box.

A 4Motion all-wheel-drive system has been integrated into the GMotion for added off-road versatility, while the special coilover suspension can be lowered by 40mm.

Four-piston brakes have been introduced, as well as a custom exhaust, underbody protection and three-part 20-inch multi-spoke Messer black alloys.

Combined with the standard deep-black pearl effect paint, the apprentices raided Bentley’s colour palette to include ‘ice’, ‘hallmark’ and ‘St James’ red hues for a unique livery.

A Thule Motion XT roof box was added for extra versatility, while the Alltrack black cladding around the wheelarches and sills give the impression of an adventure-ready vehicle.

Inside, the GMotion scores leather/Alcantara sports seats with honeycomb stitching, Alcantara steering wheel, gear lever, and central armrest, ambient lighting and two additional mini subwoofers under the cargo floor.