The updated Volkswagen Golf R, the fastest Golf
Drivetrain Volkswagen Golf R
Under the hood of the updated Volkswagen Golf R is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder TSI turbocharged gasoline engine with variable valve timing. Top power of 245 kW (333 hp) is available from 5,600 rpm and maximum torque of 420 Nm between 2,100 and 5,500 rpm. Shifting is done with a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission.
4Motion
Of course, this fast Golf 4Motion has all-wheel drive with variable distribution of drive power. R Performance Torque Vectoring can variably distribute torque to the rear wheels when cornering. Thereby, up to 100% can be steered to the outer wheels in the turn. This prevents understeer.
Lowered suspension
The updated Golf R further features lowered (-20 mm) suspension with McPherson front axle, a multilink rear axle and a braking system with 18-inch brake discs and blue calipers. Progressive steering with variable transmission is also standard. The Vehicle Dynamic Manager coordinates the operation of the electronic limited slip differential (XDS), the adaptive shock absorbers of the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) as well as the R Performance Torque Vectoring.
Riding modes
In addition to eco mode, there are Comfort, Sport and Race modes. The Performance package adds Special and Drift modes. Due to later shifts, Comfort mode is now sportier than before. In Sport, the start/stop and “sail” functions are disabled, while Race represents a decidedly sporty tuning. Individal mode allows the driver to achieve his or her own set-up.
Special-profile
The Special profile, included in the Performance package, was developed for use on the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring. A softer tuning of the dampers (compared to Race mode) keeps the wheels in optimal contact with the undulating road surface on the famous circuit. In this mode, the stability system ESC can be manually deactivated. Drift mode allows for drifting.
Akrapovič
The optional R-Performance titanium Akrapovič exhaust system contributes to a sportier experience with a penetrating sound and backfire noise from 2,500 rpm. The Sound actuator ensures that sound enters the occupants both literally and figuratively.
This is how you recognize the updated Golf R
The updated Volkswagen Golf R features new bumpers with aero accents, a splitter in high-gloss black and LED Plus headlight units, which are interconnected by a continuous light strip with a blue accent above it. The Volkswagen logo is illuminated and IQ.Light LED matrix lighting is standard. The exterior mirrors are finished in matte chrome and the hub caps of the standard 19-inch alloy wheels now bear the R logo (formerly Volkswagen). New are the “Warmenau” alloy wheels, which are about 20% lighter than conventional ones. The name is a reference to the location where Volkswagen R’s headquarters is located.
The design of the taillight units is also new. In combination with IQ.Light LED matrix headlights, various animations are possible. Other eye-catchers at the rear are the specific R bumper with a diffuser in high-gloss black and the four exhaust pipes. The standard Performance package includes a larger roof spoiler for maximum downforce.
Interior Volkswagen Golf R
The updated Golf R has a new infotainment system with a large (32.8 cm), centrally located touch display. Ease of operation is key. The menu structure is simple and the driver can assign functions to the home screen and to the ever-visible menu bar at the top of the display. The touch sliders for sound volume and temperature setting are now illuminated. A head-up display is optional.
Through the otherwise comprehensive Digital Cockpit Pro with large (26 cm) display, all vital information can be seen at a glance. The multifunction steering wheel allows the driver to change the display. In addition to the Classic display, there is a special R look that includes a centrally located tachometer. Then there is the three-dimensional numerical “R view” that includes a horizontal tachometer at the top. The display provides shift recommendations when the manual mode of the DSG transmission is activated, for example on the race track. Manual shifting can be done with steering wheel paddles or the shift-by-wire buttons in the center console.
Racing Features
The GPS lap timer is new: by driving a lap on a track, the timer, which works with GPS data, determines where the start and finish lines are and learns the layout of the track. In it, three points can be marked to record sector times. The fastest lap is automatically saved and the display shows the time difference from this lap. This automatic timing allows the driver to concentrate fully on driving. The new G-force gauge has three functions: from 0-100 km/h, from 80-120 km/h and the quarter mile. In doing so, the driver can make use of a starting light with five lights that go out successively as at the start of a race.
Sporty chairs
The sports seats with integrated headrests and R logo are partially upholstered in the luxurious ArtVelours. They offer perfect support under all conditions. The multifunction, leather-clad sports steering wheel was designed specifically for the Golf R. Notable are the large paddles and blue 12-hour markings. The R button is used to select driving profiles. In addition, there are many options for putting together the Golf R according to your own wishes and tastes.
Volkswagen Golf R Black Edition
Right from its introduction, the Golf R will also be available with a Black Edition package, which is completely finished in dark tones: from the 19-inch ‘Estoril’ alloy wheels, brake calipers, exhaust pipes and logos to the IQ.Light LED matrix headlights.
