Outperforming all previous Golf R generations with an output of 320PS and 420Nm of torque, the new R-Performance Torque Vectoring system promises power is brought to the road as effectively as possible while improving handling.
This system, intelligently networked via the vehicle dynamics settings, enables a new dimension of sportiness.
The Golf R has traditionally been the most powerful variant of the best-selling model.
Volkswagen engineer in charge of the Golf R development Jonas Thielebein said:
“Our goal with the Golf R was to make its driving characteristics as neutral as possible. In other words, we want to ensure that the vehicle does not under- or oversteer – it should be as straightforward as possible to control at all times."
The Golf R's new rear axle drive distributes the drive power not just between the front and rear axles, but also between the two rear wheels, making it possible to significantly increase the agility of the car, particularly when cornering.
“The selective wheel torque control allows you to take the car to new limits. Even at high speeds, the vehicle handling remains as neutral as possible,” Thielebein said.
The Golf R can also be ordered with an optional R Performance Package, which increases the top speed to 270kph.
The R Performance Package also includes a larger, prominent rear spoiler for extra downforce on the rear axle, 19-inch wheels in the Estoril design and two additional driving profiles, “Special” (Nürburgring mode) and “Drift”.
The driving profile selection can be rapidly accessed by lightly pressing the R button on the steering wheel.
The Drift mode opens up a whole new level of driving dynamics and further exploits the potential of torque vectoring by provoking oversteer instead of neutral vehicle handling.
The electronic stability control (ESC) in Drift mode is set to “Sport” as standard, meaning that the Golf R’s control electronics kick in at a very late stage.
However, real drifts are also possible with the ESC switched to OFF.
