Volkswagen has pulled the curtain on the ultimate Golf: the brand new Golf R! That is just a step more extreme than its predecessor on several fronts.
Highlights:
- 320 hp 2.0 TSI
- Seven-speed DSG automatic
- Torque Vectoring
- Four wheel drive
After the Volkswagen Golf GTE, GTD, GTI and GTI Clubsport, we had to wait for the crème de la crème of sporty Golfs; the R. The wait has been rewarded. The brand new Golf R is ready to take home in hot hatchland. And in that regard, the most potent Gulf is well prepared. In fact; it is more powerful than the new Audi S3. Although it has a further developed 2.0 TSI under the hood, just like its brother from Ingolstadt, that power source in the Golf R is good for 320 hp and 420 Nm. The same figures as the Arteon R puts in the scale. Then consider that the Golf R is a hefty blow lighter than that Arteon and you know that it must undoubtedly be a party to go out with it.
Golf at its best
The power is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission, because a Golf R without 4Motion drive is obviously not possible. According to Volkswagen, the DSG must pick up even faster than before and reduce the shift times further. The full power is also used faster than before. Already at roughly 2,000 rpm, the blown 2.0-liter petrol engine delivers its maximum torque. This is distributed over the wheels via an electronically controlled differential lock. In addition, the new Golf R also has Torque Vectoring, with which the drive per wheel is adjusted depending on when you go around the corner. This must of course ensure optimal grip.
Although Volkswagen has not yet revealed at the time of writing how fast the new Golf shoots from a standstill to 100 km / h, we expect this to be over in less than 5 seconds. It is already known that the top speed is usually limited to 250 km / h. With the optional Performance Pack that goes up to 270 km / h. All in all, according to Volkswagen, it is good for a remarkably faster lap time over the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. It says it chased the Gulf R in 7:53. The Golf 7 R needed 8:10 for that.
Extra thick
No Golf R without the necessary appearance, of course. First of all, the large recess in the front bumper for air supply to the engine is striking. The Golf R sucks in driving wind over almost the entire width of the nose. At the rear, the sturdy rear spoiler and the equally subtle glossy black diffuser at the bottom of the extended rear bumper catch the eye. As with the previous Golf R, four sturdy round chutes ensure the exhaust of the exhaust gases. Those who pay extra will receive a titanium exhaust system developed by Akrapovič. The Golf R is further 20 mm lower above the ground than a regular Golf and sits on new minimum 18-inch alloy wheels. If they are not big enough, Volkswagen is also happy to deliver 19-inch copies for an additional cost. In any case, the large perforated brake discs and blue calipers are not to be missed. The camber of the wheels, how slanted they are in relation to the car, is also a lot more negative than normal (1 degree and 20 min.). That should of course benefit the grip even more.
In the interior you are also frequently reminded that you have a Golf R under your hole. The blue R color returns in the various stitching and accents, as well as in the digital instruments. Extra sporty seats with the R logo in the headrest should offer you sufficient grip during the firm cornering. A carbon fiber print on the dashboard trim and blue interior lighting complete the picture.
The new Volkswagen Golf Variant will undoubtedly come as R again, although that will still have to be done. In any case, the upper Wave is now a fact.