Volkswagen Golf R.
Volkswagen’s top-of-the-line performance hatchback is upon us.
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF R: MOTORSPORT-INSPIRED DESIGN
The new Volkswagen Golf R gets a new front bumper featuring a motorsport-inspired splitter and R-specific air intake grilles.
A blue crossbar at the top of the radiator grille lights up as soon as the engine starts and stretches all the way into the fenders serving as the car’s daytime running lights.
Golf Rs bound for the US get 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels paired with summer performance tyres, exclusive side skirts, and matte chrome exterior mirror caps that project the R logo onto the road.
The Golf R also sits 20mm lower to the road. Blue brake callipers, adorned with an R logo on the front, peer through the wheels.
The Golf R gets 19-inch rims and a high gloss black diffuser at the rear.
At the back, the rear bumper incorporates a newly designed high-gloss black diffuser which houses chrome-plated twin tailpipes for the standard sports exhaust system. A roof spoiler ensures the necessary level of downforce for the rear axle.
The new Volkswagen Golf R can be configured in three different colours. Lapiz Blue Metallic is the signature color for the R, but it will also be available in Pure White or Deep Black Pearl Effect.
INTERIOR TOUCHES
Inside, the Volkswagen Golf R gets Nappa leather sport seats with carbon-look elements and blue accents in the side sections, as well as a blue “R” logo on the backrest.
The cabin will also feature a 30-colour ambient lighting function.
Other standard equipment includes a carbon look dash panel decor, R-specific door trim; brushed stainless-steel pedal caps, as well as 30-colour ambient lighting for the dash panel and doors.
TRACK-OPTIMISED DRIVETRAIN
The turbocharged 2-litre 4-cylinder engine in the Volkswagen Golf R is currently the most powerful EA888 powerplant. European models will see this engine delivering 316bhp, and 420Nm of torque from just 2100rpm.
Power is sent to the wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission for US and Canadian markets. A 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch) transmission is also available.
“R” logos and blue accents for the Nappa leather sports seats.
A newly developed rear differential now not only distributes power variably between the front and rear axles, but also between the left and right rear wheels.
Up to 100% of the power sent to the rear axle can be directed to either wheel, reducing the cornering radius and helping to eliminate understeer.
To ensure confident braking at high speed, the Volkswagen Golf R has been equipped with an improved braking system, with the front discs now at 358mm x 33mm. Aluminium twin-piston callipers hold the discs at the front, and are served by a larger brake master cylinder.
The negative camber on the front axle has been increased to allow higher cornering speeds and also improve stability.
A new aluminum subframe and modified transverse link mounts and hub carriers on the rear suspension of the Volkswagen Golf R also help shave weight.
CHEEKY SPORT
A new driving dynamics control system continues to feature the “Special” driving profile first seen in the Golf GTI Clubsport, which optimises the suspension setup and all-wheel drive system for the Nurburgring Nordschleife.
Aided partly by the new drive mode, Volkswagen claims the dual-clutch-equipped Golf R is up to 17 seconds quicker on the Nurburgring Nordschleife than its predecessor.
A “Drift” driving profile is now also available, adjusting the stability control and optimising said all-wheel-drive system for tail-happy slides.
See how the the former Golf R squares up against the MINI JCW Clubman here!
Or if 316bhp sounds just a bit too much, you can always opt for the Golf GTI instead!
