Now that the 2011 installment of the legendary 24 Hours of Nurburgring is upon us, participating automakers are slowly coming out of the woodwork with the presentation of their endurance race cars.
For their part, Volkswagen has developed a high-powered race-spec version of one of its most popular models. Called the Golf24, Volkswagen’s entry to the 24 Hours of Nurburgring will be a four-wheel drive and will carry a 2.5-liter, five-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 440 horsepower and 398 lb/ft of torque mated to a sequential six-speed transmission with paddle shifters.
"With the new Golf24 we are continuing our successful commitment at the Nürburgring 24-hour race," said to Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen.
"The event enjoys huge popularity, is one of the true classics in motorsport and, due to its extreme distance and unique race track, also represents a very big technical challenge."
There’s no doubt the Volkswagen Golf24 will have its hands full at the day-long endurance race this weekend, but if there’s a brand that can steal the show at Nurburgring, we wouldn’t bet against one of the biggest auto brands in the world. The fact that they have a car that poises a threat to its competitors makes them all that more dangerous come race time.
There’s another video of the Golf24 doing some test runs at the ’Ring after the jump.
