Chicago Auto Show: Volkswagen goes back to grassroots racing with GTI Cup racer
Click on the image for the a gallery of high-res shots of the GTI Cup racer
Volkswagen just announced a major return to grassroots motorsports in the United States. Starting this year, VW is establishing a $300,000 contingency fund for registered participants in Sports Car Club of America events. A lot of racers compete with a range of VW cars in various SCCA classes, and they will all be eligible for extra money from VW if they win.
In addition, VW announced the new GTI Cup series that will start in 2008 and be sanctioned by the SCCA. Competitors will run fixed specification GTI Cup cars that will be available from Volkswagen beginning later in 2007. The cars are based on the latest iteration of the GTI with the 2.0L turbocharged FSI four cylinder, mated to a DSG gearbox. The engine puts out 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. In addition, the cars will have a variety of safety and performance enhancements to make them more suitable for the track.
The Volkswagen press release is after the jump.
UPDATE: VIDEO added after the jump.
[Source: Volkswagen]
Gallery: 2008 Volkswagen GTI Cup
VIDEO:
PRESS RELEASE:
VOLKSWAGEN ANNOUNCES "GTI CUP" SERIES
Production-based GTI racing to begin in 2008
CHICAGO – Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced that it will operate a production- based GTI Cup spec racing series beginning in 2008, offering aspiring young racers an affordable entry into professional motorsports. The new series will be sanctioned by Sports Car Club of America.
"Volkswagen as an automotive manufacturer is represented around the globe, and we have a strong history in motorsports, including successful spec racing Cup programs in more than 10 countries," said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. "The GTI Cup in America will underscore Volkswagen's competitive spirit and the inspiration we take from racing into the building of our vehicles."
While the GTI Cup racer will be optimized for track performance and safety, the heart of the GTI remains the street version's high-tech, 200-horsepower 2.0T four-cylinder engine that produces 207 ft.-lbs. of torque. Fitted with its automated manual DSG® transmission, electro-mechanical power rack-and-pinion steering system, and advanced multi-link fully independent sports-tuned rear suspension, the production vehicle is an extremely capable car for the track.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Erik 4:45PM (2/07/2007)
Why would they put test mule camo on a car displayed at the auto show?
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Bill Hancock 5:17PM (2/07/2007)
I love it. I was gonna join SCCA this summer to do a little solo with my jetta. I might justs have to get one of these now and race in it's series.
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Derek Kreindler 6:13PM (2/07/2007)
Wow, good on VW!! There's never too much exposure/manufacturer support for grassroots racing!
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JRB 10:03AM (2/08/2007)
To #1, it's not Camo, it's just a generic race livery for the GTI Cup car.
Also, the GTI's that will be racing in this series will likely get a boost in HP to 230hp or even 250hp. Should be very entertaining!
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Erik 4:21PM (2/08/2007)
To #4: I know that. I was just joking around because the graphics look like the kind of eye-decieving camo manufacturers use to conceal their latest rides-in-the-making.
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Snix 11:34PM (2/14/2007)
Call me old, but that DSG trans dont sound like fun on a road course....Give me a clutch, thank you and I'll decide when I want to shift and not let the computer override me because of potential liability in the street application. It looks like the body roll has been reduced, though.
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