Volkswagen introduces the pinnacle of Golf performance with the latest Golf R and, boasting 245 kW (333 PS) – the most powerful ever in a Golf. This represents a 10 kW increase over their predecessors and brings a level of power previously reserved for exclusive special editions to standard production. Notably, this is the first time the Golf R Variant is offered with such high performance. Acceleration times for the 0-100 km/h sprint have been slashed to 4.6 seconds for the Golf R and 4.8 seconds for the Golf R Variant. With the optional Performance package, top speed can be enhanced to 270 km/h, matching the Arteon R Shooting Brake as Volkswagen’s fastest models.
In terms of design, the new Golf R models feature a sharper look highlighted by redesigned front ends featuring new LED headlights and an illuminated Volkswagen badge. The bumper includes new air curtains, while the rear showcases new LED tail lights. Optional 19-inch Warmenau forged wheels add to the sporty aesthetic. Inside, advancements include a latest-generation infotainment system with a prominent, standalone display and revamped menu structure. Models equipped with the Performance package boast a Digital Cockpit Pro upgraded with a G-meter and GPS lap timer.
Despite these enhancements, Volkswagen is launching the new Golf R models in Germany at reduced prices compared to their predecessors, thanks to efficiencies and cost optimizations. Pre-sales begin across Europe in June, coinciding with the Golf’s 50th anniversary, with availability in other global markets to follow shortly thereafter.
Introducing the exclusive Golf R Black Edition
The debut of the latest R models marks another milestone in the illustrious history of the Golf R, tracing back to the iconic Golf R32 in the summer of 2002, boasting 177 kW (241 PS). Since then, this lineage, including its four successors, has surpassed 250,000 units sold. The hallmark of 4MOTION all-wheel drive and uncompromising performance continues in the new Golf R models, exemplified by the exclusive Golf R Black Edition, available for immediate order upon launch.
The Golf R Black Edition embodies a sleek, all-dark aesthetic with a top speed of 270 km/h. It features distinctive elements such as black 19-inch Estoril wheels (optional black 19-inch Warmenau forged wheels available), darkened Volkswagen badges and R logos, as well as black R brake calipers adorned with a dark R logo and black tailpipe trims. Standard equipment includes the newly darkened IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights. Additionally, it includes the Performance package, offering enhanced top speed capabilities and two new driving modes tailored for enthusiasts: Drift and Special, specifically tuned for the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Adding downforce, a larger roof spoiler channels airflow, complementing features like the GPS lap timer and G-meter also included in the Performance package, blurring the lines between production and motorsport performance.
Cutting-edge wheels by Volkswagen R
A highlight is the introduction of the Warmenau forged wheels, named after Volkswagen R’s headquarters in Warmenau near Wolfsburg. Weighing just eight kilograms per wheel rim, they are approximately 20 percent lighter than comparable alloy wheels, reducing unsprung mass and enhancing handling. With a wide opening angle of 71 percent, these wheels improve stability and durability by efficiently cooling the brakes, crucial for intense track use.
Built on the updated Golf platform
The new Golf R models are based on the eighth generation of the Golf, recently updated in 2024. New technological advancements include the IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights, offering a main beam with 15 percent greater range. All models feature a new infotainment system with a 12.9-inch diagonal free-standing touchscreen. The multi-function steering wheel has been refined for better usability, featuring the distinctive blue R button to access various driving profiles, including the exclusive Race mode. To prevent accidental activation, the R button’s activation threshold has been adjusted. Enhancing Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), speed adjustments are now more intuitive with dedicated buttons for precise increments.
Drift Performance Profile
The Drift performance profile in the new Golf R models enhances the driving dynamics for enthusiasts on private tracks. Activating the Drift profile adjusts ESC control to ESC Sport and optimizes power distribution through the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system, allowing controlled drifting. To ensure safety, the infotainment system prompts for confirmation before activating this profile, limiting its use to private roads.
Engine Start at Increased Speed
Enhancing the driving experience, the new Golf R models feature an advanced engine start feature. When the engine start button (Engine/Start) is pressed for at least 1.5 seconds without brake application, and then the engine is started by pressing the brake pedal, the starting speed briefly increases automatically to 2,500 rpm. This mode is accompanied by a distinctive acoustic signal—a deep burbling sound.
Motorsport Sound – Inside and Out
The exhaust system has been meticulously developed to enrich the auditory feedback and evoke a genuine motorsport experience in the Golf R. External observers can enjoy audible backfire from engine speeds as low as 2,500 rpm, a hallmark of motorsport excitement. Inside the cabin, a sound actuator enhances the engine note, adding a raw, aggressive sound that resonates with motorsport enthusiasts. The R-Performance titanium exhaust system by Akrapović further refines the rich sound experience.
4MOTION with R-Performance Torque Vectoring
Every variant of the Golf R is equipped with a sophisticated 4MOTION all-wheel drive system featuring R-Performance torque vectoring. Developed by Volkswagen R, a rear differential optimally distributes power between the front and rear axles, and selectively between the left and right rear wheels. The system ensures a 50:50 power distribution between the rear wheels, even allowing them to rotate at different speeds during cornering. Additionally, the new R-Performance torque vectoring system can vary torque distribution between the rear wheels, sending up to 100 percent of torque to the outer wheel during cornering. This enhances agility, reduces understeer, and tightens cornering radius, significantly improving handling dynamics. The system adjusts power distribution based on steering angle, accelerator pedal position, lateral acceleration, yaw rate, and speed, allowing drivers to tailor vehicle dynamics via selectable driving profiles.
Introducing the Smart Voice Assistant
A new feature onboard is the IDA voice assistant in the latest Golf R models, capable of managing traditional functions like air conditioning, telephone, and navigation. It also enables activation of specific features such as driving profiles and Race mode. Notably, for the first time, IDA leverages ChatGPT’s AI capabilities to provide comprehensive answers to a wide range of general knowledge questions.
Most Powerful Evolutionary Stage
Powering the new Golf R models is the EA888 LK3 evo4 engine, a 1,984 cm³ four-cylinder turbocharged direct injection TSI. It represents the pinnacle of the EA888 series, delivering its highest output between 5,600 and 6,500 rpm and peak torque of 420 Nm from 2,100 to 5,500 rpm. Renowned for its responsiveness, the engine exhibits no turbo lag, delivering dynamic power across all driving scenarios. Innovative features include water-cooled exhaust gas routing integrated into the cylinder head and an electronic coolant regulator for efficient thermal management, reducing friction losses and fuel consumption. Variable valve timing with dual camshaft control and two-stage valve lift on the exhaust side optimize performance, efficiency, and emissions. Power is transmitted via a dual-clutch transmission and the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system with R-Performance torque vectoring.
5 + 2 Driving Profiles
The Golf R now offers expanded driving profiles including Comfort, Sport, Race, Individual, Eco, Special, and Drift (with the Performance package). Each profile tailors vehicle dynamics and features for different driving scenarios. Notably, the Comfort profile in the new Golf R models adjusts shift characteristics to shift approximately 100 rpm later, enhancing its sporty feel. Sport mode deactivates the start/stop system and coasting function, optimizing wheel torque control and drivetrain for spirited driving. Race mode further intensifies settings for DCC, wheel torque control, progressive steering, and all-wheel drive, maximizing sporty performance. Individual mode allows drivers to personalize settings to their preferences.
Enhanced R Profile
In Race mode, activated via the blue R button, infotainment system, or voice control, the turbocharger is preconditioned for faster response during acceleration. The throttle valve remains open during overrun phases, enhancing torque delivery and optimizing vehicle dynamics for sharper handling and acceleration. Special and Drift profiles cater specifically to track enthusiasts, enhancing handling dynamics and control.
Special Profile
Tailored for the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the Special profile optimizes DCC suspension for maximum road contact over undulating surfaces. The setup, managed by the Vehicle Dynamics Manager and selective wheel torque control, ensures precise handling through corners. ESC can be manually deactivated, and automatic DSG downshifts are optimized for braking pressures and corner entry speeds. In manual DSG mode, forced upshifts and kickdown are disabled, allowing for precise gear control and optimal performance adjustments.
New Infotainment Systems
Volkswagen has introduced cutting-edge hardware and software for the infotainment systems in the latest Golf R models, significantly enhancing user experience with redesigned graphics and a new menu structure for the touchscreen display. The system includes an R-specific graphic for added personalization. Standard in the Golf R models is the largest available display version, measuring 32.8 cm (12.9 inches) diagonally. The screen layout features two touch bars at the top and bottom, with a spacious home screen in the middle where drivers can customize direct-access functions. Notably, the top and bottom bars remain visible even when apps are opened on the home screen, ensuring ease of navigation.
Furthermore, the touch sliders for temperature and volume control have been newly designed and now feature illumination. An optional windshield head-up display will also be offered.
Extended Digital Cockpit Pro
The new Golf R models come equipped with the enhanced Digital Cockpit Pro as standard, featuring a 26 cm (10.2 inches) display diagonal. Drivers can select various basic graphic configurations (information profiles) using dedicated buttons on the multi-function steering wheel. Alongside classic views found in other models, the Digital Cockpit Pro in the Golf R introduces an enhanced Sport skin, highlighted by a central round rev counter with an R-specific design and logo. An exclusive three-dimensional layout, known as the R view, includes numeric fields and a horizontal rev counter with a scale from 0 to 8,000 rpm at the top edge of the display.
For models equipped with the Performance package, the display includes gearshift recommendations in manual DSG mode. In this mode, drivers can manually shift gears using either the shift-by-wire buttons on the center console or the steering wheel paddles. The gear recommendation feature is particularly useful on race tracks where automatic upshifts are intentionally disabled in Special and Drift driving profiles.
New functionalities integrated into the Digital Cockpit Pro with the Performance package include a GPS lap timer and a G-meter (measuring G-forces). Additional real-time data such as charge pressure, gearbox temperature, torque, power, and torque distribution across all wheels can also be displayed. The torque distribution visualization is newly introduced for the Golf R, providing enhanced insight into the vehicle’s dynamics.
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