With the reveal of the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport final week, there’s only one extra step to ascend on the Golf ladder, the one labeled “Golf R.” The Wolfsburg model teased the flagship trim throughout the annual ice races at Zell am See at first of the 12 months. Because the launch nears, we’re getting video of the hatchback and the wagon physique type that can be a part of it in “close to manufacturing research” type. Naturally, our market ought to solely anticipate the hatch. We have been extra hopeful of getting extra energy over the present Golf R, however the newest Clubsport has tempered our expectations; the tweener trim between GTI and R picked up a extra refined chassis, however not one horse extra from its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. If the R holds regular as nicely, it should roll into its Mk 8.5 section with 315 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque within the U.S., despatched completely by means of a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission because of the demise of the six-speed handbook.
It is exhausting to know for sure if that is the ultimate pure ICE-powered Golf R, because the EV sport retains altering the foundations and transferring the goalposts, and followers preserve leaving the stands. If it’s the final name for gasoline, a 329-hp flourish to match the output within the “20 Years” and “333” particular editions would possibly make a effective outro.
As for seems to be, in comparison with the present Golf R, the approaching entrance fascia is much less ornate, extra mature. The hexagonal mesh and the fog lights discovered on the GTI are changed right here by a single line by means of the decrease consumption and angled strakes that body a radar unit. Additional again, blue brake calipers change the purple items on the GTI, there is a plump wing atop the hatchback, and quad pipes poking out from the rear diffuser.
The outgoing Golf R begins at $46,890 after the $1,225 vacation spot cost, precisely $1,000 greater than the 2024 Honda Civic Sort R that makes 315 hp and 310 lb-ft and solely comes with a six-speed handbook gearbox. The rivalry between the 2 is about greater than MSRP and output, however we’ll be trying intently at these columns when the brand new R seems.
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