After months of eagerly waiting, Volkswagen has finally revealed the 2015 Volkswagen Golf R and it’s certainly been worth the wait! Featuring a host of visual and engine updates compared to the previous-generation Volkswagen Golf R, the new car promises to redefine the high-powered, hot hatch market.
Starting straight with the engine, the 2015 Volkswagen Golf R features an advanced turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine helping to produce an impressive 300PS from 5,500 to 6,200rpm. Maximum torque is now 380Nm, an increase of 30Nm over the previous generation Golf R. These figures become even more impressive when you consider that the Volkswagen GTI delivers just under 230hp, and that’s already an extremely potent hot hatch.
Compared to the Volkswagen GTI, the 2015 Volkswagen Golf R’s engine features a new cylinder head, exhaust valves, valve seats and springs, pistons, high-pressure injection valves as well as a redesigned turbocharger. All that power is then sent through a permanent 4MOTION all-wheel drive system which has always been a trait of the Golf R. Completing the powertrain is a 6-speed manual transmission featuring a reinforced clutch and short-travel shifting. The 2015 Volkswagen Golf R can also be purchased with a 6-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox.
The 2015 Volkswagen Golf R then features a new sports suspension setup individually tuned to the new car. Compared to the regular Golf, the new Golf R sits 20mm lower, thus making it a further 5mm lower compared to the GTI. Helping to deliver optimal handling in the new Volkswagen Golf R is a MacPherson-type front spring strut with a newly developed low wishbone and track-stabilising scrub radius.
From a steering perspective, the 2015 Volkswagen Golf R is equipped with the same progressive steering system as the recently updated Golf GTI. This system reduces the required turning radius of the Golf R dramatically from 2.75 turns for full steering down to 2.1 turns.
Helping to bring the 2015 Volkswagen Golf R to a stop are new internally ventilated discs and black brake calipers complete with the’R’ logo at all four corners. The front brake pistons measure 60mm in diameter, with 42mm diameter ones used in the rear.
As all previous Golf R’s, the new car also features dramatic new styling. This comes in the form of new bumpers, side sills, rear diffuser, chrome dual tailpipes and a new layout design of the bi-xenon headlights. The 2015 Volkswagen Golf R then comes fitted with 18-inch wheels as standard and can be optioned with 19-inch alloy wheels.
The 2015 Volkswagen Golf R can be optioned in eight different body colors. They consist of Lapis Blue Metallic, Pure White, Tornado Red, Night Blue, Limestone Grey Metallic, Reflex Silver Metallic, Deep Black Pearl Effect and Oryx White.
The 2015 Volkswagen Golf R will make its public debut at next month’s IAA Frankfurt Motor Show 2013. European deliveries will begin in end-2013 into early 2014, the Chinese introduction will take place in the summer of 2014 and the U.S. deliveries start late 2014. German prices will start at 38,325 euros.