VW Golf R Gets More Power And A Revised Stance From ABT

While the all-new Volkswagen Golf is not far from an official unveiling, ABT believes there’s still time to make a few adjustments to the outgoing iteration.

Mind you, this isn’t the average Golf, but the range-topping R spec. In base form, the 2.0-liter turbo-four produces 300 PS (296 hp / 221 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. After receiving the tuner’s engine control unit, the output has increased to 350 PS (345 hp / 257 kW) and 440 Nm (325 lb-ft) of torque.

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Admittedly, this Golf R won’t blow anyone’s mind in terms of performance, but it’s not ABT’s nature to overdo things. Even with the small boost in power, performance has likely been improved beyond stock model’s ability to accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a little under 5 seconds when equipped with the dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Also, top speed can be increased to 270 km/h (168 mph) with the optional Performance Pack.

New suspension springs and the height-adjustable suspension kit make the car more dynamic around corners while also leaving room for relatively large wheels – 18-, 19- and 20-inch in diameter, available in four different design patterns. The tuner’s sport anti-roll bar kit can also be added.

Meanwhile, the hot hatch also gets a distinctive muffler system developed in Kempten, southern Germany, featuring four dark chrome tailpipes, with 102 mm (4 in) in diameter each. By enhancing the soundtrack of the car, this upgrade will be winning “plenty of hearts” in the process, as ABT put it.