Volkswagen is sending off the sixth generation of its Golf series with a powerful bang in the form of the new Golf R Cabriolet that was officially revealed today after many months of teasing.
At the heart of the first-ever open-top “R” badged model and simultaneously, the fastest-ever production Golf Cabriolet in the history of the series, beats the same 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four petrol as found in the Golf R hatch, albeit slightly de-tuned at 261hp (265PS).
Unlike the tin-top model, though, the Golf R Cabriolet ditches the Haldex 4motion all-wheel drive system with power transmitted to the front wheels alone via a standard six-speed DSG gearbox.
VW quotes an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250km/h), and a 0-62 mph (100km/h) sprint in 6.4 seconds, which is 0.4 seconds less than what it had said it would do during the presentation of the pre-production concept at the 2011 Wörthersee GTI meet.
The cloth-top model sports the same styling kit as the hatch , with bespoke front and rear bumpers, LED daytime running lights, bi-xenon headlights with black housings, gloss-black door mirror casings and black-painted brake callipers with R logo.
The side sill extensions, a gloss black rear diffuser framed by chrome-tipped exhausts on either side, smoked LED tail lights, a 25mm lowered body and 18- or optionally, 19-inch alloy wheels complete the more aggressive exterior look.
Inside, the interior features four individual sports seats in ‘Vienna Cool Leather’ and ‘R’ logos in the head restraints, along with a flat-bottom steering wheel and aluminum trims.
As with any other Golf Cabriolet, the fabric hood is operated by a switch in the center console, and can be lowered in 9.5 seconds at speeds of up to 18 mph (29km/h) and raised in 11.0 seconds.
For the time being, we know that the Golf R Cabriolet will go on sale in Europe this spring, priced at £38,770 OTR in the UK, and €43,325 in Germany. VW has not said if it plans to offer the car in other parts of the world.
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