The Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR, the successful racing version of the compact sports car from Wolfsburg, is getting a facelift for the 2018 season. The front end has been reworked in the same way as for the production model, increasing the emphasis on the visual similarities and close technical relationship shared by both sporty Golf models. 

"The new look for the Golf GTI TCR resulted from close cooperation with Volkswagen Design. This helps us to underline just what a close relationship exists between the production model and the racing version," explains Volkswagen Motorsport Director Sven Smeets. "For example, the engine comes directly from series production and only requires minimal adjustment for competitive racing. This is proof that the Golf GTI provides the perfect foundation for our customer racing cars."

The Golf GTI TCR is one of the most successful racing touring cars of year. In the TCR International Series, French driver Jean-Karl Vernay claimed the drivers' title last month in Dubai and the 345bhp racing Golf with the 2.0-litre turbo engine, which Volkswagen provides race-ready for professional teams and drivers, was also declared 'Model of the Year'.