2018 VW Golf Lineup Revised, R Misses Extra Power in US
Europeans will get a better Volkswagen Golf R than North Americans.
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf will get a mid-cycle refresh that includes minor exterior changes and a new, large infotainment screen from the new Atlas that will be available across the Golf lineup.
Car and Driver is also reporting some performance specifications, saying the Golf GTI will get a power bump of 10 horsepower, bringing it to 220 hp for all trim levels. The transmissions will likely be updated with shorter gearing and while the chassis will be unchanged, the GTI will receive new front and rear bumpers, headlights, tail lights, new paint colors and trim choices.
In the U.S., the Volkswagen Golf R will retain its 292-hp figure, but in Europe it will see a bump to 306 hp due to boost increasing from 17.4 psi to 20.3 psi. The European Golf R will also benefit from new software and wastegate settings, in addition to an optional performance package which adds an Akraprovic exhaust, a performance braking system from the Golf GTI Clubsport and unique wheels. Top speed also increases from 155 mph to 166 mph, but not for the U.S.-spec model.
SEE ALSO: VW Golf GTI Clubsport S Breaks Honda Civic Type R Nurburgring Record
For now, the manual transmission is safe for the Golf, with Car and Driver reporting half of GTI buyers in the U.S. opt for the manual. The publication also got confirmation the Volkswagen Golf R400 is dead, but Volkswagen seems content with the Golf GTI Clubsport S, saying it “sold out immediately.”
[Source: Car and Driver]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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In light of the worldwide "Dieselgate," does VW not want to capture more American buyers? I guess not...especially for you American buyers...NO sunroof for U.S. Golf R like other countries...NO increase in hp and torque in U.S. Golf R like other countries...NO "Akraprovic exhaust, a performance braking system from the Golf GTI Clubsport" in the U.S. Golf R like other countries...and "stick to America"...with limited quantity of production and priced above $45K when outfitted with all the limited options. Does VW just hate USA???