It’s almost here… the most powerful Golf to ever be sold on U.S. soil, and Volkswagen has just released official pricing with the 2-door model starting at $33,990. An over $10,000 premium from the GTI, the Golf R adds custom bodywork, a retuned suspension system, 18-inch wheels and upgraded brakes, plus tighter steering. But that’s only the start, with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine’s output being increased to 256-hp and 243 lb-ft of torque – up from 200-hp and 207 lb-ft in the GTI. Available exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, fuel economy is rated at 19/27 mpg. And let’s not forged that like the old R32 models the Golf R gets VW’s 4MOTION AWD system, which can deliver up to 100 percent of the power to the rear wheels.

Standard equipment on the two-door Golf R includes bi-Xenon headlights, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, heated leather seats, a leather steering wheel and shift knob, Bluetoooth, an eight-speaker audio system with aux. and iPod hookups, not to mention power windows with auto up/down.

On sale in early 2012, VW will offer a Sunroof and Navigation package (that also includes keyless entry and a push-button ignition) bringing the total to $35,490, while 4-door models will retail for $36,090. The Golf R will be available in five color options: Rising Blue, Candy White, Carbon Steel Gray, Black, and Tornado Red.

GALLERY: 2012 Golf R

Read AutoGuide’s 2010 Volkswagen GTI Review here

The eagerly anticipated  high performance Volkswagen Golf R has been confirmed for sale in the U.S in early 2012.

With the cancellation of the GTI Edition 35, and the outgoing R32 beast, VDub enthusiasts will be extremely pleased to know that a hot-hatch version of the Golf is coming. Volkswagen’s product and technology communications manager Mark Gillies explained that the Golf R was always on the list for the U.S market, and is now in the final stages of compliance procedures.

The U.S version of the R will be a slightly detuned version of the model sold in Europe (boo!). But expect the R to crank out 250-hp from the 2.0-liter four cylinder engine coupled to a 4Motion all-wheel drive system. The U.S version will only feature the six-speed manual as opposed to the dual clutch DSG option – perhaps the better unit in this case. The R will get to 62 mph in 6.0 seconds, is electronically restricted to 155 mph and should get around 28 mpg.

GALLERY: Volkswagen Golf R

[Source: Motor Authority]

Two very special birthdays are about to be celebrated with the legendary Volkswagen GTI turning 35 as well as 30 years of GTI owner meetups. The double anniversary will be celebrated in some very special ways.

The 235-hp GTI Edition 35 can be ordered now, and the 440-hp all-drive VW Motorsport Golf24 will compete in this year’s 24-hour race at the Nürburgring (23 to 26 June).

VW enthusiasts are assembling for the biggest Golf GTI Meet ever recorded in Wörthersee held from June 1st to 4th.

Because of this very special double anniversary that a second Golf race car will be presented to fans in a debut at Wörthersee. The remarkably restored 1977 Golf GTI 16S  really is a unique car. It may be a classic but this 1.6-liter non-turbo engine can produce 215-hp to the crankshaft and will be raced in the 24-hour Classic (3-hours for distance) that will be held before the main event.

The Golf 16S comes equipped with Bilstein shocks, a 5-speed manual sequential racing transmission, and an 80-liter fuel tank. KWL Motorsport has rebuilt a first generation Scirocco that won two class victories at the 24h classic at the Nürburgring. However this year, the race allows engines with up to 2.0-liters. The VW drivers Patrick Simon and Heinz Stuber are hoping for a third consecutive win for VW after winning in 2009 and 2010.

The limited production Golf GTI Edition 35 produces 235-hp, 25-hp more than the “regular” GTI, and will utilize the engine of the all-wheel drive Golf R.

Over 200,000 VW fans are expected to attend the meet in Wörthersee, making it the largest VW meet ever!

An Ogilvy Cape Town South African Volkswagen Golf R advertisement is encouraging the reader to ingest the advertisement(see picture above). The ”Eat the road. Seriously, eat it” ad is made of “glutinous rice flour, water, salt, propylene glycol, FD&C colour and glycerin.”

The idea behind this ad is giving people a test drive in their mouth. This takes perfume testers found in magazines to another level. Hopefully it is obvious that you should simply read this ad instead of eating it for lunch, however it will be interesting to see how many people are hungry while reading this ad and decide to look over their shoulders to make sure the coast is clear.

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]

Volkswagen‘s hottest of hatchbacks will make its way to U.S. soil, confirms the German automaker. A spiritual successor to the R32, the Golf R is part of VW’s new ‘R’ performance brand, and gets its motivation from VW’s always-impressive 2.0T turbocharged 4-cylinder rather than the old V6 in the R32.

While VW hasn’t released specs on the engine, in Europe it receives the same state of tune as in the Audi TT-S, making 265-hp and 258 ft-lbs of torque. So far, VW USA will only say it’s a,”significant hp increase over GTI.”

Mated to VW’s 4MOTION AWD system and offered exclusively with a six-speed manual, the car should be able to hit 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds.

The upgrades don’t stop with the engine, however, with the full R model getting 18-inch wheels, a center-exit dual exhaust, upgraded brakes, a lowered suspension and a more aggressive stability control program. VW also plans to offer the car in both 2-door and 4-door hatch versions.

A special R interior will also be included with a special shift knob and steering wheel, although it’s not likely to be exactly like the Euro-spec model and we’d be surprised to see the same sports seats here in the U.S.

VW is likely to debut the U.S.-spec Golf R at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show as it moves ahead with a plan to uphold its brand with special high-performance models while it simultaneously pursues a plan to offer lower-priced volume models like the new Jetta and upcoming Passat replacement.

GALLERY: Euro-Spec VW Golf R

Official release after the jump:

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While still less than certain, the Volkswagen Golf R is reportedly set to be offered in North America next year, with a likely announcement set for the upcoming Detroit Auto Show in January.

The ultra-hot hatch has already been on sale in Europe for close to a year, making the GTI look tame in comparison with a 265-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder – the same engine offered in the Audi TT-S. Mated to VW’s 4MOTION AWD system and using a dual-clutch transmission, VW claims a 0-62 mph time of 5.5 seconds.

GALLERY: Volkswagen Golf R

GALLERY: Volkswagen Golf R Debut in Frankfurt

[Source: Car and Driver]

MR Car Design has taken Volkswagen‘s Golf R and added a touch of spice with a new tuning package. The tuning package increases horsepower from the factory 266-hp to a respectable 325-hp while torque jumps from 256 ft-lbs to 345.

The performance increase is courtesy of a retuned ECU, stainless steel exhaust system and other unlisted modifications (we’re guessing an intake or filter upgrade of some sort). Naturally the 2.0L TFSI powerplant is able to take advantage of a more aggressive ECU tune. The performance package is available for a very reasonable $970.

For the exterior, MR Car Design offers a set of H&R springs to go with the 19×8-inch Strada wheels that sports a unique 10-spoke design. The wheels are wrapped with 235/35/19 tires.

GALLERY: MR Car Design VW Golf R

Yes, we are in love with Volkswagen‘s Golf R and every time we see yet another tuner releasing upgrades for it we curse the fact that it isn’t offered here. Mcchipp-DKR is the newest of our interests, with a simple ECU tune that boosts the stock figures of 270-hp and 256 ft-lbs of torque to an impressive 315-hp and 325 ft-lbs of torque.

All this can be hand for a tad over $1,150 and no one would know that the car has been modified for the increase in performance. And naturally like any ECU upgrade, it works on any transmission setup. For those looking for more, Mcchip-DKR offers a set of H&R springs for $449 installed. And for wheels and tires, Mcchip-DKR chooses 19×8-inch OZ Ultraleggera wheels for $4,100. The wheels come wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup rubber in a 235/35/19 variety.

Obviously the non-Mcchip-DKR parts are available at a premium and can be hand for much cheaper elsewhere; but the ECU upgrade is definitely worth a grab at its price point. Especially those that don’t really want to do any other bolt-on modifications.

GALLERY: Mcchip-DKR VW Golf R

[Source: WorldCarFans]

OK we just wanted another excuse to mention Volkswagen‘s Golf R in a post. And even though this isn’t even a Golf R, it packs the same punch under the hood. JE Design has come up with a nice little package for the Volkswagen Golf GTI to up the horsepower to 270-hp while adding its own take with more aggressive styling.

Taking the stock 2.0-liter turbocharged motor, JE Design pushes out another 60-hp from 210-hp to 270-hp. Torque goes from roughly 205 ft-lbs to a little over 270 ft-lbs. The 0-60 mph time is now a tick shy of 6.4 seconds. This all stems from an ECU retune for close to $2,000 and even includes a one year warranty on the motor, turbocharger, gearbox and drivetrain. Warranty extensions are offered for vehicles under two years old with less than 62,000 miles (100,000 km) for only a little over $250.

And to help enhance the aesthetics, JE Design offers a front spoiler with a carbon fiber splitter ($445), side skirts ($380) and a rear diffuser ($320). In the grand scheme of things, that’s a very affordable body kit for a stylish vehicle. They also offer an exhaust system for close to $1,150.

For those wanting to round off the package, 1.4-inch lowering springs are available for around $200 and a set of 19×8-inch wheels with 225/35/19 tires round it off at $3,730.

The total package price is a small chunk of change, but still makes it more affordable to turn your Golf GTI into one with R power and unique looks.

GALLERY: JE Design Volkswagen GTI

Official press release available after the break:

Continue Reading…

Volkswagen will offer its new mid-size sedan with both gasoline and diesel engines says VW North America boss Stefan Jacoby. In doing so VW will be the only automaker in North America to offer a mid-size diesel sedan, competing against the likes of the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion. The popularity of hybrid mid-size sedans has grown and if VW decides to offer the same TDI motor that powers both the Golf and Jetta then we should expect hybrid-rivaling fuel economy numbers with the Jetta TDI achieving 29/40 mpg (city/highway).

The new mid-size sedan is expected to be larger and less expensive to help it compete with other mid-size sedans and while part of the cost is expected to be the result of a less-premium interior compared to VW’s current mid-size offering (the Passat), much of the cost savings will also made from building the car in the U.S. at the company’s Chattanooga, Tennessee plant. The new mid-size sedan from Volkswagen is set to go on sale next year.

In other VW news, during the same press conference Jacoby waffled on earlier reports that the Golf R was destined for U.S. shores, saying the decision was, “still up in the air.” The main reason the car might not be offered in the U.S. is the poor dollar-to-Euro exchange rate right now. The Golf R, currently on sale in Europe, uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine to makes 265-hp and 258 ft-lbs of torque, combined with VW’s 4MOTION AWD setup to deliver a 0-62 mph time of just 5.5 seconds! We’ve speculated in the past that despite those reports to the contrary, the Golf R is unlikely to find its way to the U.S. due to how much it would cost here.

As for the Audi brand, the high-performance S5 model will continue to be offered with a V8 for 2011, rather than the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 currently being used in the A6 3.0T and S4.

[Source: NewYorkTimes]