WOLFSBURG, Germany — Volkswagen has officially unleashed its Golf R and Scirocco R models in Germany, with the Golf starting at the equivalent of $54,400 and the Scirocco at $49,950.
Both vehicles use a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder TSI engine. It makes 265 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque on the four-wheel-drive Golf and 261 hp on the Scirocco. The German automaker upgraded the power plant with a new head, uprated pistons and con rods and higher-pressure injectors. VW's Golf R sprints to 60 mph in less than 5.7 seconds, and both cars max out at a top speed of just over 155 mph. Fuel consumption has also been decreased. The Golf uses 21 percent less fuel, and the Scirocco attains an impressive 29 mpg.
Exclusive "R" features include 17 or 18-inch "Mallory" alloy wheels, R-designed bumpers, a roof spoiler, high-gloss radiator grille and black rear diffuser. The Golf R is distinguished by its newly developed LED front and rear lights.
To spice up the interior, the automaker added sport seats, "R" logo on the headrests and side sills, a sport steering wheel and stainless-steel pedal covers.
VW showcases the Scirocco R in the virtual world with the "Scirocco R 24h Challenge" iPhone application, which has already been downloaded more than a million times. It reached the top spot in the App Store in some 32 countries. Check it out here and see how fast you can pilot the Scirocco R around the 'Ring.
The cars are now available at German Volkswagen dealerships.
Inside Line says: Both vehicles are aesthetically pleasing and have a surprisingly powerful four-banger under the hood. — Mike Lysaght, Correspondent
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dpc9000 says:
08:59 PM, 02/07/2012
I guess I spoke too soon about the Golf R. I really want to test drive this thing.
dpc9000 says:
08:46 PM, 02/07/2012
VW doesn't get it... stupid corporate decisions keep these cars off our shores. With companies such as Honda and Mitsubishi losing in the market of sport compact car enthusiasts, VW has real opportunity to capture decent market share. These 2 cars could be winners in the US. I would definitely be looking at the Scirocco R if it ever came here! I know someone who's got an R32. Even though it isn't the fastest car out there, it definitely is an impressive overall packaged car for those who are more mature than your typical Civic Si/WRX STI crowd.
VW - bring the Scirocco R here!
coolb944 says:
10:04 AM, 10/11/2010
I want a Scirocco! If VW of A got smart and pressured VW AG to send that puppy over here, I'd be buying a Scirocco when the lease on my CC is done. I really don't see how selling a Scirocco would be impinging on Golf/GTI sales anyway. They have two distinctly different purposes. I don't think that Americans are any less sensitive to the differences between a sport coupe and a sport hatch than Europeans are.
jm1212 says:
03:34 PM, 11/03/2009
it will probably be more like the R32 in terms of price if it is brought here, not 55K
perrito says:
10:39 AM, 10/29/2009
Um...$54K for a Golf? No thanks.
btrdayz says:
09:23 AM, 10/21/2009
They do, malik14. They just call it the Audi TTS here in the US. All VW did was take the TTS running gear and place it inside the Golf and Scirocco. When you convert Euros to US Dollars, looks like the 2 VDUBS would cost just as much as the TTS, but the TTS is faster because it's lighter due to extensive aluminum use.
malik14 says:
04:30 AM, 10/21/2009
Why can't they bring the Golf R and the Scirocco/Scirocco R to the U.S.? Man, come on, Volkswagen, we're ready!