The Golf GTI is an international hot hatch superstar that is adored by scores of fans from every walk of life. This hot version of the pedestrian Golf hatchback offers one of the best-balanced driving experiences in its class but can feel a bit too relaxed when compared to competitors such as the Honda Civic Type R. The good news is that Volkswagen has been hard at work to bring its fans a spicy version of its front-wheel-drive GTI, over and above the hardcore Golf R which is set to be released later this year. The Golf GTI MK8 was released at the end of February, and now spy shots reveal further progress of the high-performance TCR version.

The TCR made a brief appearance in the MK7 range, but according to Volkswagen will now be a permanent member of the GTI family, slotting in between the regular GTI and the top of the range Golf R. A newly released video of the TCR shows the car being tested on the Nurburgring with virtually no camouflage. The only bits that were covered up was the side badge on the front fender.

Leaked images from earlier in the year showed the car sporting a more aggressive front bumper with larger intakes. The car in the video shows a lowered ride height and drilled brake disks hiding behind newly designed alloy wheels. The exhaust tips also look larger than those of the standard GTI and the interior also gets some carbon fiber bits and beefier bucket seats.

Leaked info has revealed that the 2021 Golf GTI TCR will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 296 horsepower, up from the standard 241 hp found in the GTI, and the torque figure should climb to around 295 lb-ft. It is not clear whether Volkswagen will be offering the car with a manual transmission, but it will most likely stick to the trusted DSG configuration. The TCR is expected to be released in the coming months, with the faster Golf R showing its face at the end of 2020, but it is still uncertain if the TCR will be making its way to our shores. Only time will tell.