In the first six months of this year, VW has launched the new Golf GTI, Golf GTD, Golf Estate and Golf TDI BlueMotion. Now, VW’s Golf product offensive continues at the Frankfurt Motor Show with the world premiere of the Golf R – the most powerful production Golf ever made.
Along with the Golf Sportsvan pre-production study and the zero-emission e-Golf, the Golf R is one of the main attractions of the VW stand. Powered by a 2.0-liter TSI turbocharged gasoline engine developing 300 PS (296hp), the new R is not only 30 PS stronger than the outgoing model but also 18 percent more fuel-efficient. The engine produces 30 Nm (22 lb-ft) more torque, for a total of 380 Nm (375 lb-ft).
When fitted with the 6-speed DSG gearbox, the new Golf R sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds (5.1s with the manual) and reaches an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). Power is sent to all four wheels via a permanent all-wheel drive system – the latest version of the the 4MOTION system with a fifth-generation Haldex coupling.
The Golf R features a sports suspension that lowers body height by 20mm (0.79in), the new progressive steering system and “ESC Sport” – which can now be fully deactivated when driving on a racetrack. Optional features include the DCC dynamic chassis control system with the driving profile selector that features a new Race mode.
The new Golf R averages 6.9 l/100 km (34 mpg US) when equipped with the DSG gearbox (down from 8.4 l/100 km in the previous model) and 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 mpg US) when fitted with the six-speed manual (down from 8.5 l/100 km). Fuel economy improvements are mainly due to the standard Stop-Start system and battery regeneration.
Compared to the seventh-generation Golf upon which it is based, the Golf R features aesthetic upgrades such as bigger air intakes, more aggressive bumpers and side skirts, plus double exhausts on each side of the rear diffuser.
The new Golf R will arrive in European markets in the fourth quarter of 2013, with prices in Germany starting from €38,325 ($50,610).
By Dan Mihalascu
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