German tuner Oettinger presented a series of visual upgrades for the VW Golf R, right on time for the 20th anniversary of the hot hatch. The new kit for the fastest and most powerful Golf follows Oettinger’s offerings for the regular Golf MK8 and the GTI variant.
The VW Golf R already sports model-specific bumpers and wheels, distinguishing it from lesser trims, but some find its looks rather restrained for such a potent hot hatch. Oettinger’s components spice up the exterior without deviating much from the stock car’s design language.
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As previewed by a series of renderings, the kit includes a new and more pronounced front splitter, canards on the front bumper, aerodynamic side skirt extensions, an extra element on the diffuser, and two different options for the rear wing. Besides the bodykit, the pictured example is noticeably lowered compared to the stock Golf R and comes fitted with a new set of forged multi-spoke alloy wheels, shaving 8 kg (17.6 lbs) of unsprung mass. We can also see Oettinger-branded brake calipers although the tuner doesn’t mention any chassis upgrades.
The components are easy to assemble, made of high-quality RIM, and compatible with all Golf R models including the ones fitted with the Performance package. The only exception is the rear diffuser wing that is designed for models without a trailer hitch.
Oettinger didn’t mess up with the underpinnings of the Golf R, so don’t expect any power upgrades. It is not that the hot hatch needed them though, as the turbocharged 2.0-liter petrol engine already produces 315 hp (235 kW / 319 PS) in stock form, or up to 329 hp (245 kW / 333 PS) in the EU-spec VW Golf R 20 Years Edition. Power is transmitted to all four wheels through a seven-speed DSG transmission and a sophisticated AWD system, while European models also get the option of a six-speed manual gearbox.
The Friedrichsdorf-based tuner is already accepting pre-orders for the kit that will be available in the first quarter of 2023. Pricing for the whole package minus the wheels is €2,785 ($2,783), with an extra €1,090 ($1,089) for a glossy black finish. Each component can also be purchased individually. As part of a promotional campaign, buyers who place their order before October 31 will get a 20 percent discount.