Volkswagen has confirmed that it will unveil the new Golf GTI TCR at Wörthersee, billing the special-edition model as the fastest Golf GTI ever.

The Wolfsburg-based automaker has released a handful of teaser sketches of the new Golf GTI TCR, saying it is “nearly ready for production”. Describing the newcomer as the “future top model in the Golf GTI series”, VW says it will be launched in production form at the end of 2018.

VW says the front-wheel-drive special-edition model is essentially a road-legal version of its customer track car of the same name. The upcoming model's turbocharged 2,0-litre four-cylinder engine will develop 213 kW (between 5 000 and 6 800 r/min) and 370 N.m (from 1 600 to 4 300 r/min), up on the standard GTI’s 169 kW and 350 N.m.

Interestingly, the peak power output equals that of the all-paw Golf R (which is detuned slightly for the South African market), although the latter makes a little more torque at 380 N.m.

A seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a front axle differential lock will come standard. The vehicle’s maximum speed will be pegged at 250 km/h, but VW says it can be increased to 264 km/h “by opting to remove the electronic limiter”. This, of course, would make the new GTI TCR the fastest Golf GTI in history.

Volkswagen has yet to reveal the new model’s claimed 0-100 km/h time. Worthy successor to the Golf GTI Clubsport? Let's hope so...