Volkswagen R GmbH Officially Announced as New VW Performance Brand
Once again the rumors were correct with VW now officially announcing Volkswagen R GmbH, a special division of the German automaker dedicated to “sporty exclusive models.” Something akin to BMW M or Mercedes AMG, VW’s R brand will oversee the development of special R models as well as R Line design packages and special “Volkswagen Exclusive” items including things like custom leather interiors and new wheel designs. Currently Volkswagen has developed two R model, the Scirocco R and Golf R.
Currently both models are only available in Europe, but the Golf R may yet see our shores. It uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine to makes 265-hp and 258 ft-lbs of torque and combines it with VW’s 4MOTION AWD setup to deliver a 0-62 mph time of just 5.5 seconds!
VW created the R division to cater to what it sees as an increasing demand for individualization in the marketplace, while also acknowledging it will help promote the sporty side of the automaker.
GALLERY: Volkswagen Golf R
Official release after the jump:
PRESS RELEASE
Volkswagen R GmbH in the starting blocks
Wolfsburg, 16 March 2010 – The Volkswagen R GmbH will be the specialist for sporty exclusive models from Volkswagen in the future. Volkswagen AG has bundled the responsibilities and competencies for development, implementations and sales of individualised vehicle offers into Volkswagen R GmbH. For example, its portfolio includes the two new top models, the Scirocco R und the Golf R as well as the dynamic R Line design packages and luxurious Volkswagen Exclusive items.
“Our vehicles contribute to the emotionalisation and growth of Volkswagen brand,” explained Ulrich Riestenpatt gt. Richter, General Manager of Volkswagen R GmbH.
The company’s name, Volkswagen R GmbH, responds to the increased global demand for individualised vehicles with contemporary sportiness and exclusivity. The sporty positioning will be reflected more intensely in the programme of Volkswagen R in the mid and long term. The company has its headquarters in Warmenau near Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen R GmbH employs a staff of more than 350.
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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