VW’s GTC car first Golf 8 GTI racecar in the world
At a virtual event held recently across social media, Volkswagen Motorsport South Africa unveiled its new Global Touring Cars (GTC) racing car.
Golf 8 GTI looks
In an exciting twist, the new GTC machine is built using the Golf 8 GTI body, meaning that we’ve had a taste of the motorsport version of the eight generation GTI before the road car, which will; arrive locally in 2021, as confirmed by Volkswagen at the event.
From sedan to hatchback
Those who have been following the GTC series since its inception four years ago will remember the Jetta-bodied cars that have been so successful in the championship; however, since the Jetta is no longer sold in South Africa, it makes more sense for Volkswagen to make use of the GTI’s hatchback proportions going forward.
Volkswagen’s team
Another announcement made at the event was the fact that GTC Championship, which formerly comprised of GTC1 and the second-tier class, GTC2, will now include GTC1 and SupaCup categories. Volkswagen’s GTC1 drivers for this season are both former champions in the form of Keagan Masters and Daniel Rowe.
Taking-up the mantle in the SupaCup series for Volkswagen Motorsport is Jonathan Mogotsi. The SupaCup Polo produces over 200kW coupled to a locally developed six-speed M-Trac Sequential Gearbox.
The GTC cars
All GTC series vehicles feature the same chassis, running gear, a common ECU to control performance, tyres, suspension and other components. The GTI GTC car features a new chrome-moly tubular chassis which is stiffer and lighter than its predecessor.
“Even with five manufactures competing in the GTC series, it is one of the most premier circuit racing series in Africa due to its competitive nature. It is a tough championship to win, so consistent scoring of points at every round is very important,” said Mike Rowe, head of Volkswagen Motorsport.
When will the racing start?
The 2020 South African Motorsport circuit racing season might resume in August 2020 with the first round likely to be held at Zwartkops Raceway in Johannesburg.
Also worth a look: the Volkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen Touareg.
FAQ
Q: What makes the VW Golf 8 GTI GTC different from regular Golf GTI models?
The Golf 8 GTI GTC is a purpose-built racing car featuring a chrome-moly tubular chassis that's stiffer and lighter than previous GTC cars, plus standardised racing components like a common ECU, specialised suspension, and racing tyres that you won't find on road cars.
Q: When will the road-going Golf 8 GTI arrive in South Africa?
Volkswagen confirmed at the GTC unveiling event that the regular Golf 8 GTI will arrive in South Africa during 2021, making this racing version our first glimpse of the eighth-generation GTI.
Q: Why did Volkswagen switch from using the Jetta body to the Golf GTI for GTC racing?
Volkswagen made the switch because the Jetta is no longer sold in South Africa, so using the Golf GTI's hatchback body makes more commercial sense and keeps the racing programme relevant to local buyers.
Q: Who are the Volkswagen GTC drivers for this season?
Volkswagen's GTC1 drivers are former champions Keagan Masters and Daniel Rowe, while Jonathan Mogotsi takes on the SupaCup series in a Polo that produces over 200kW paired with a locally developed six-speed M-Trac Sequential Gearbox.
Q: Is the GTC championship competitive in South Africa?
According to Volkswagen Motorsport's Mike Rowe, the GTC series is one of Africa's most premier circuit racing championships with five manufacturers competing, making it extremely tough to win and requiring consistent point scoring at every round.
Should You Buy It?
You can't actually buy the Golf 8 GTI GTC because it's a purpose-built racing car exclusively for the GTC championship, but if you're keen on the road-going Golf 8 GTI, you'll need to wait until 2021 when it arrives in South Africa. The previous Golf 7 GTI started around R650,000, so expect the new Golf 8 GTI to kick off somewhere near R700,000 when it lands. For now, your best bet for VW performance thrills is the current Golf 7 GTI or GTI TCR if you can still find one on dealer floors.
