FastMotoring Motor News In Speed
The first six months of 2013, Volkswagen debuts the new Mark 7 Golf GTI, Golf GTD, Golf Estate and Golf TDI BlueMotion. Now, Volkswagen shows off the flagship of the model series – the new Golf R.
The Golf R is powered by a newly designed 300PS TSI, up by 30PS than the previous generation plus 18% more fuel-efficient. Like all three previous Golf R models, the new model also transfers its turbocharged engine power to the road via a permanent all-wheel drive system; in this case, it is the latest version of the 4MOTION system with a fifth-generation Haldex coupling.
Delivering pure dynamic performance are a newly configured sport suspension system (body height lowered by 20 mm), the new progressive steering system and “ESC Sport” – which can now be fully deactivated for driving on a race track. Optional highlights include the further developed DCC dynamic chassis control system with the driving profile selector that features a new Race mode.
The Golf R with a manual gearbox reaches 100 km/h after just 5.1 seconds (previous model: 5.7 s); with an automatic dual clutch gearbox (DSG) the sports car completes the classic sprint in an even faster 4.9 seconds. The car’s top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. Despite the car’s exceptionally agile driving performance and 30 PS more power, fuel consumption of the Golf R was reduced from 8.5 to 7.1 l/100 km compared to that of the previous model.
CO2 emissions were also improved from 199 to 165 g/km. Even more fuel efficient is the Golf R that is equipped with a Stop-Start system and battery regeneration, together with the optional 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG). In this configuration, fuel consumption is 6.9 l/100 km (159 g/km CO2). Fuel savings compared to the previous model with DSG (8.4 l/100 km) are 1.5 l/100 km, which represents the mentioned 18 per cent improvement.
The new Golf R is equipped with an extensive package of customized and exclusive features. Along with specially designed bumpers, side sills and 18-inch alloy wheels, the Golf R can also be visually distinguished as an impressive sports car by details such as standard bi-xenon headlights with newly designed LED daytime running lights (in dual-U design), dark red LED rear lights and two-branch exhaust system with four chrome tailpipes. Inside, the Golf R underlines its position as the flagship of the model range with sport seats in a “fabric-Alcantara” material mix, leather-trimmed three-spoke sport steering wheel, ambience lighting, automatic climate control and a radio-CD system with touchscreen.
The market launch of the most powerful and fuel-efficient Golf R as a two and four-door car will take place in the fourth quarter of this year.
