VW Golf R Uncovered Ahead of Frankfurt Debut

Volkswagen is unveiling the second new R model in its current lineup at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The Golf R shares its basic underpinnings with the recently-unveiled Scirocco R. It also adds VW's 4Motion AWD to its architecture.

Replacing the heavy naturally aspirated 3.2-litre V6 found in the Golf V R32 is a 2.0-litre petrol turbo engine. Power is 195kW (265hp) and torque is around the 350Nm mark. The 0 - 100km/h time should be covered in about 6.5 seconds for the 6-speed manual and 6.4 seconds for the DSG model. These figures compare very well with the Audi S3 and the TT S with which the Golf R shares its engine.

If you thought it would be a basic upgrade on the GTI you'd be wrong. The car features a host of changes including new front grille with LED daytime running lights, a different set of wheels, R side sills, R badging at the rear and those twin tailpipes almost come together in the middle. The interior is much sportier as well with two-tone sports seats, aluminum pedals and R badging in places like the flat-bottomed steering wheel.

The good news for US fans is that the Golf R is headed for North America according to reports, although nothing has been confirmed for its 3-door Scirocco relative.

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