FRANKFURT, Germany — Volkswagen has unveiled its new Golf R model at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show. The German automaker swapped out the normally aspirated 3.2-liter V6 found in the Golf R32 for the same turbocharged four-cylinder from the Scirocco R.
Called the "most powerful and fastest-accelerating Golf ever produced," the 2.0-liter TSI four-banger sends 265 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels. A six-speed DSG gearbox helps the car accelerate to 60 mph in less than 5.5 seconds (5.7 for the six-speed manual) and max out at 155 mph. It achieves this all while maintaining a combined fuel economy figure of 28 mpg and emissions of 199 g/km.
Other performance mods include a reinforced block to handle the 17 pounds of boost, 13.5-inch front and 12.2-inch rear brake discs, a 1-inch dropped suspension and complex four-wheel drive that uses a precharged hydraulic system with the ability to transfer 100 percent of torque to the rear wheels in extreme cases.
Visual enhancements include new front and rear bumpers, LED daytime running lights, a rear diffuser, a dual central-exit exhaust and blacked-out grille and mirrors. Buyers will have a choice between a set of 18-inch five-spoke wheels with 225/40 tires, or larger 19-inch alloys wrapped in 235/35 rubber.
The inside gets a set of aluminum "R" kick plates, gray Alcantara seats and gloss black trim.
Expect the Golf R to arrive in the U.K. in December along with pricing and further specs.
Inside Line says: Volkswagen makes its performance-bred Golf more powerful while still paying attention to gas mileage and emissions. — Mike Lysaght, Correspondent
Add A Comment »