# Race-Focused Concept Cars This Version of the Volkswagen Golf R is Designed For Speed By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2015-07-14 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/golf-r References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/vw-golf-trc/38389/) & [volkswagen-motorsport](http://www.volkswagen-motorsport.com/index.php?id=1086&L=1) The [Volkswagen](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volkswagen-idx-performance) [Golf R](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volkswagen-golf-gti) isn't normally the kind of vehicle you would associate with racing, but the German automaker has in fact taken this vehicle and converted it into a 325 horsepower racing machine designed specifically for the Touringcar Racer International Series. This vehicle is based on the seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf R and is powered by an updated version of the 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbo engine used in the Golf R. Rather than putting out 296 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque like the road-focused version, the racer offers 325 horsepower and 410 Nm of torque. This vehicle goes to show how smart engineering and design can lead to the conversion of seemingly harmless cars into [lean, mean racing machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/competitiononly-vehicle). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.2/10 - Popularity: 83% | Activity: 64% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **High-performance Concept Cars:** The development of high-performance versions of everyday cars demonstrates the potential for creating disruptive innovations in the automotive industry. - **Customized Racing Vehicles:** The modification of existing car models for racing purposes presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the automotive industry. - **Engine Upgrades for Performance:** The enhancement of engine power in vehicles highlights the potential for disruptive innovation in the automotive industry, particularly in racing circuits. ### Who This Affects Most - **Automotive:** The automotive industry can explore opportunities in producing and marketing high-performance concept cars for racing enthusiasts. - **Motorsports:** The motorsports industry can capitalize on the demand for customized racing vehicles by offering modification services and racing championships. - **Automotive Parts and Components:** The automotive parts and components industry can innovate by developing specialized engine upgrades that cater to the needs of racing professionals and enthusiasts. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sporty All-Electric Concept Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volkswagen-idx-performance.md) - [Rally-Inspired Sports Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gr-corolla.md) - [Automatic Transmission Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volkswagen-golf-gti.md) - [Rally-Ready Subcompact Vehicle Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toyota-gr-yaris-aero-performance.md) - [Japanese Customer Race Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toyota-gr-gt3.md) - [Riproaring Electric Vans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/riproaring-electric-van.md) - [Consumer-Grade Sports Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2023-civic-type-r.md) - [Hydrogen-Powered Race Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toyota-gr-h2-racing-concept.md) - [Track-Ready Electric Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hyundai-rn22e.md)