GTI-R, R20, R20T – no, ‘Golf R’ is what VW have elected to call their re-incarnation of the R32, which was officially introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Enthusiasts need not be disappointed by the removal of the trademark V6 with the new Golf R boasting the title as the fastest-accelerating Volkswagen ever.
The Golf R is equipped with a 2,0-litre TSI four-cylinder engine, producing peak power of 199 kW at 6 000 rpm and 350 N.m of torque, coupled with a new generation all-wheel-drive system.
Not only is the new engine 35 kg lighter and 15 kW more powerful than the 3,2-litre V6 found in the outgoing Golf R32, it is also more efficient, with a combined fuel economy figure of just 7.1 litres per 100km while CO2 emissions fall from 257 g/km to 199 g/km.
Despite its gains in efficiency, the new car can accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds, or 0.2 seconds quicker when equipped with a six-speed DSG transmission.
The four-cylinder 2,0-litre engine is derived from the MkV Golf GTI and features a reinforced cylinder block, uprated pistons, conrods ,high pressure injectors, an uprated turbocharged and new intercooler.
The new 345 mm front brakes are joined by uprated suspension that has been lowered by 25 mm with revised spring and damper rates and new anti-roll bars.
The Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) has also been revised for the Golf R with two stages designed for track use.
Unlike the four-wheel-drive system offered on the R32 that relied on differing wheel speeds between the front and rear axles to engage the four-wheel drive, the system fitted to the Golf R uses a pre-charged hydraulic system that’s able to react more quickly while also limiting the torque being channeled through either axle to reduce wheelspin. In certain circumstances, the Golf R is able to channel 100 per cent of the torque available to the rear wheels if required.
To differentiate the Golf R from the standard Golf or GTI model, it features new front and rear bumpers complete with LED running lights at the front and a gloss black diffuser at the rear housing a pair of central exit exhausts. A set of Xenon headlights, new black grille and wing mirrors create a menacing look which the sill extensions are flanked by 18-inch five-spoke wheels complete with 225/40 tyres as standard – 19-inch wheels with 235/35 tyres are optional.
Inside, owners will be greeted by a set of distinctive aluminium ‘R’ kick plates which are joined by new seats finished in grey Alcantara contrasted against high-grip black mesh cloth.
The new Golf R is set to arrive in the UK in December with local prices and specifications due to be announced closer to launch.
Adapted from CarAdvice
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April 29th, 2010 at 6:58 pm
High time vw has replaced the Gti 5.5 with a powerhouse.Still holding on to my 5 until the proper 6 arrives…
Hope vw can deliver on their promise of 3rd quarter in R.S.A
Well done boys, lets show em’
congrats
July 23rd, 2010 at 12:15 pm
i used to own a golf vr6 and i’m driving a golf5 gti. Im overly impressed by the golfR. The GTI6 lacks the spuck, and only the GolfR is the replacement for GTI5. When is it gettin launched in SA?