As soon as the very first Mk6 spy shots hit the web last year, the Internet rumour mill has been in overdrive about the possibility of an R model based on the sixth-gen platform to replace the Mk5 R32. So when Volkswagen released details of the new Golf R, dubbed the ‘fastest accelerating Volkswagen yet’, you could almost hear the boards go into meltdown.
Like R models of the past, the new model has been developed by Volkswagen Individual, the special projects wing of VW, but unlike the Mk4 and Mk5 R32, the Mk6 R is powered not by a naturally-aspirated 3.2-litre V6 motor but by a 2.0-litre TSI engine derived from the Mk5 GTI rather than the Mk6. Boasting a similar spec to the current Audi S3, the motor features an uprated turbo, a new intercooler, high pressure injectors, a new alloy head, and uprated pistons and conrods to take power up to 270PS at 6000rpm and 258lbs ft at 2500rpm.
Equipped with a six-speed manual ‘box, the Golf lives up to its acceleration claims by hitting 62mph from rest in just 5.7 seconds with the DSG ‘box knocking 0.2 seconds off that time. Interestingly, we’ve seen a number of rumours on the Net saying that VW has been rather modest with acceleration figures but we won’t know for sure till road testers start getting their hands on them when the car hits the UK in December. From the initial hype, it looks like we could finally have a Golf that can bring the fight to the top Vauxhalls.
The R is fitted with a new type of four-wheel drive system that uses a pre-charged hydraulic system that is quicker to react and limits wheel spin compared to the setup found in the older cars. To complement it, the ESP system has been tweaked with two stages for track use, the power steering has been sharpened and the brakes and suspension have been uprated to suit too.
Of course, it wouldn’t be an R model without a few styling tweaks to differentiate it over the GTI and the new model doesn’t disappoint with new front and rear bumpers complete with LED running lights, a gloss black diffuser, a pair of centre exit exhausts out back and new 19in wheels while inside, it’s a similar story with new half Alcantara, half cloth seats and new gloss black trim pieces.
Prices and specifications will be announced closer to the car’s UK debut at the end of the year but till then, check out these shots and start working out that finance plan.
