Triumphantly returning to the North American marketplace for the 2010 model year, Volkswagen Golf’s resurgence came with a trophy case full of accolades. The new Golf also brought a redesigned GTI version which has brought some incandescent smiles to the faces of Volkswagen drivers. As the 2010 Golf GTI has provoked a raise of adrenaline, the addition of a Volkswagen Golf R in 2012 will likely lure some hot hatch affection. The top Volkswagen Golf model in Europe, the Golf R newly-planned United States arrival succeeds the beloved GTI edition through kicking performance-tuning up an extra notch
Identified by its unique front and rear fascia, the Volkswagen Golf R is a hot hatchback that does not want to draw immediately show its muscle. Other styling details that accompany the R badging of either the 3-door or 5-door model coming statewide includes special “Talladega” style 18-inch alloy wheels, a body kit as well as a rear diffuser assembly partnered with a dual exhaust
The Volkswagen Golf R engine will shame the current GTI powerplant’s 200 horsepower and 207 pounds-feet of torque. Producing a little over 266 horsepower from a juiced-up 2.0 turbocharged aided by a new inter-cooler and an improved turbo boost pressure topping out at 1.2 bars (roughly 17.4 PSI). Altogether, the upcoming American Volkswagen Golf R will eclipse the power output last seen with the six-cylinder R32 model in 2008. While a dual-clutch automatic exists for the Golf R European market (similar to the one found inside of the GTI and TDI models), the 2012 Golf R destined for sale on the east side of the Atlantic Ocean will be exclusively fitted with a 6-speed manual gearbox to fully absorb the high-performance driving experience
From the manual transmission translating the driver’s shift timing, the Volkswagen Golf R’s superior power is translated through a Haldex 4Motion all-wheel drive system. Sourced by the same company that supplied the all-wheel drive system to the Bugatti Veyron and several Saab products, 258 pounds-feet of torque punches out ultimate Volkswagen Golf R performance. Accelerating through a 0 to 62 miles per hour run 1.2 seconds faster than the current Volkswagen Golf GTI, the Golf R’s top-level engine power launches in only 5.7 seconds. Speed electronically tops out at 155 miles per hour while VW’s Electronic Stability Program, sports-tuned suspension and the Golf R’s larger diameter disc brakes harnesses the sport compact car’s four-wheel power supply
When the Volkswagen Golf R arrives, the vehicle termed as “The fastest ever production Golf” will face-off between a contentious compact sports car collection. The Mitsubishi Eclipse, Volvo C30 and the Hyundai Genesis Coupe are some under $40,000 cars presented in 2011 capable of matching performance wits with the incoming Golf R sub 6-second time
So far, the German company is only saying the Volkswagen Golf R will be ready for the United States by the 2012 calendar year. More precise details on release and pricing should be forthcoming within North America’s annual winter auto show circuit through 2011. An estimated price tag under $30,000 does not seem impossible. Availability is said to be kept limited for the United States which poises the Golf R three and five-door models will start in the fast line off dealership showrooms