Fyidriving will have a chance to get behind the wheel in a couple of weeks, but here are the delicious details of the latest Golf R, direct descendant of the legendary Golf R32 and a worthy heir to the title: turbocharged 2.0 liter, 296 horsepower, 4MOTION all-wheel drive and a 4.9-second 0-60 run.
Volkswagen has traditionally pulled out all of the stops with the Golf R, and this edition is no exception. The engine is turbocharged and uses direct fuel injection, and the cylinder head, pistons and injection valves have been upgraded to boost output by 69 horsepower over the similar GTI engine. The Golf R cranks out 280 pound-feet of torque. The 4MOTION permanent all-wheel drive and a racetrack-friendly ESC Sport stability control setting are standard. A choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmission is offered.
The retuned suspension features a .8-inch drop, with new lower front wishbones and rear toe link bearings. Volkswagen’s DCC dynamic chassis control system is available, providing three distinct driving modes to suit the driver’s preference.
As always, the Golf R’s styling is subtly upgraded. A body kit with side skirts and a rear diffuser featuring dual chrome exhaust tips is complemented by a choice of eighteen or nineteen-inch wheels. From the front, a larger air intake and LED daytime running light set the Golf R apart. Aggressive sport seats and unique stitching are used inside.