All-new Volkswagen Golf R to debut in IAA Frankfurt 2013

The seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf will get its performance flagship soon, with the all-new Golf R set to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2013 next month. The new model stays faithful to the template laid out by its predecessors, featuring a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine mated to an AWD drivetrain.

Switching over from the predecessor’s EA113 to the new EA888 engine, the engine of the new Golf R is an enhanced version of the same powertrain used by the new Golf GTI which we tested only last week. It features the GTI’s efficient thermal management system and dual injection technology, but uprated with a redesigned cylinder head, pistons, high-pressure injection valves, and a stronger turbo.

The new technologies incorporated into the engine helped facilitate a considerable improvement in outputs over its predecessor, going from 267hp and 350Nm previously to an impressive 296hp @ 5,500 – 6,200rpm and 380Nm @ 1,800 – 5,500rpm. It is worth noting however that in high-sulphur fuel markets like Malaysia, the previous Golf R’s engine was detuned to 252hp and 330Nm. It is unknown if the new Golf R will have to be similarly detuned for our market if it comes.

Two 6-speed transmissions are on offer, a traditional manual or a wet clutch DSG, both mated to Volkswagen’s latest 4Motion permanent AWD system with a fifth-generation Haldex coupling. Top speed is electronically limited to 250kph, and the century sprint is completed in 5.1 seconds in manual guise; cars with DSG do it quicker at 4.9 seconds. Equipped with stop-start and battery regeneration, the new Golf R’s fuel consumption has been slashed from a rated 8.5 to 7.1 l/100km, emitting 165g of CO₂ per kilometre. The DSG model is even more economical at 6.9 l/100km.

Featuring the same basic all-independent suspension setup as high-powered variants of the Golf 7, the Golf R’s unique sports suspension lowers ride height by 20mm over the regular models, and comes with a sports-oriented stability control that can be fully deactivated on a race track. Buyers can additionally opt for an enhanced DCC dynamic chassis control system with Race mode.

Visually, the new Golf R can be distinguished by its specially designed bumpers, side sills, quad tail pipes and 18-inch alloy wheels. Illumination is provided by standard bi-xenon headlights with newly designed LED daytime running lights (in dual-U design) and dark red LED rear lights. The interior is lined with a mix of fabric and Alcantara trim, featuring sports seats and leather-trimmed three-spoke steering wheel.

The new Golf R will be available in both three- and five-door bodystyles, with market launch scheduled for the fourth quarter of this year. No details are as yet available on its potential arrival in Malaysia.

KON