Volkswagen has unveiled their latest race car called the Volkswagen Golf24. The Golf24 is powered by a turbocharged 2.5 liter 5-cylinder engine that produces a whopping 440 horsepower and a maximum torque of 398 pound-feet (540 Nm). The power is sent to all four wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox with paddle shifts.
The Golf24 is going to be raced at the Nurburgring 24 hour race in June and signals a return to the race for the hatchback as it hasn’t competed there since 2007. The race represents a very big technical challenge…and we want to provide an additional highlight in front of a large audience – right in time for the 35th anniversary of the GTI
– commented Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen.
The race version of Volkswagen’s best-selling model has already undergone initial testing ahead of the legendary 24-hour race, regarded as one of the toughest tests in the motorsport calendar. “The competitiveness of the event has increased enormously meaning a new technical concept was required.”
The last time Volkswagen fielded a factory Golf for the famous Nürburgring endurance race was in 2007, at which time, the 300HP, front-wheel drive Golf that delivered about 300 horsepower finished in eighth place overall. For the past three years, the Germans have been competing in the race with the Scirocco GT24. To prepare for the 24-hour race in June, the Golf24 will complete an extensive testing and development program. After initial tests at Portimão, Portugal, back in December and further tests at Vallelunga, Italy, in February three races in the Endurance Championship on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife are planned, among others.
The Volkswagen Golf24 is not only a lot more powerful than the stock Golf it also looks a lot more menacing. The car sits really low to the ground and has very large fender flares at the front and back which should give the car great handling. The front bumper comes with a chin spoiler and small carbon fiber wings, at the back the car features a diffuser and a massive wing for added down force and to complete the racing look of the Golf24.
Volkswagen Golf24 Track Video
