TCR allows three-door cars and 2.5-litre engines from 2026

WSC, the TCR rights holder, has announced changes to the technical criterias for eligible car models for 2026.

Having previously had a maximum engine capacity of 2000cc, the new maximum has instead been increased to 2500cc.

The majority of TCR models today have 2000cc engines, while some feature smaller engines, such as the 1598cc engine of the Peugeot 308TCR.

The maximum power output remains at 340hp.

The regulations previously only allowed four and five-door models, something that has been changed to “minimum three doors”.

There is so far no official confirmation of any manufacturer set to utilise the changed regulations.

The most recently homologated TCR model is the Geely Preface TCR which will be raced by Geely Cyan Racing in the 2026 FIA TCR World Tour season.

The Preface is a four-door model and uses the same base 1969cc engine as the Lynk & Co 03 TCR.

The wording regarding the required number of produced cars of the base model has been specified, now stating that a minimum of 3000 units per year is required.

Previously, the regulations stated that “the model of car is produced by an OEM and belongs to a mass-produced family”.

Another new technical feature for 2026 is the introduction of a certification joker.

Each manufacturer is entitled to apply for one joker per year for each car model under the following conditions:

– It allows the replacement of a single component, with an equivalent new part.
– The integration of the new part must have limited alterations to already
certified components.
– All cars must be updated within one year from the certification date.
– The final decision for its application is at the discretion of WSC.