Premiering alongside the TDI Bluemotion at the 2013 Frankfurt show will be yet another new Golf, the R. It is powered by a 221kW/300PS version of the Volkswagen Group’s turbocharged 2.0-litre EA888 TSI engine.
Compared to the GTI’s version of EA888, the Golf R has a modified cylinder head, exhaust valves, valve seats and springs, pistons, injection valves and turbocharger. Six-speed manual or DSG dual clutch automatic transmissions will be available, depending on the market.
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The latest fifth-generation Haldex four-wheel drive system, branded 4MOTION, will be standard. Under low loads or when coasting, the rear axle is decoupled, which slightly lowers fuel consumption. The coupling, which is actuated by an electro-hydraulic pump, is activated when needed. Depending on traction conditions, almost 100 percent of power can be instantly and automatically transferred to the rear axle.
The car sits 5mm lower than a GTI and 20mm lower than a standard Golf. Like the GTD and GTI, the R is to have so-called ‘progressive’ steering. This reduces the number of turns lock to lock to 2.1, rather than 2.75. Adaptive Chassis Control will be available as an option.
From the outside, the fastest Golf yet is distinguished by its new front bumper with large air inlets, a modified grille with an R logo and unique DRL integrated into standard bi-xenon headlights. At the sides, there are body-coloured sills, while behind the standard 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/40 tyres are black-painted brake calipers with R logos. At the rear, there are smoked LED tail lights, an ‘R’ diffuser and two chrome-tipped exhaust pipes at either side.
Interior changes include sports seats with a cloth centre section and Alcantara bolsters, while the instrument dials are bespoke and have typical Golf R touches such as blue needles.
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By GlobalDataVolkswagen quotes a zero to 100km/h or 62mph time of 5.3 seconds (5.7 seconds for the previous model), or 4.9 seconds when fitted with the DSG. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.
The Golf R goes on sale across Europe from the fourth quarter.
Volkswagen of America has issued its own press release about the Golf R. Curiously, this says nothing about potential sales of the model in the US market.
The current generation Golf is yet to be launched in North America. It is due to go on sale in March as the 2015 Golf and 2015 Volkswagen GTI. Cars for the region will be supplied from Mexico – production at Puebla is due to commence in January.
Author: Glenn Brooks
