Volkswagen's fastest ever Golf: the "R"
Australian availability of the new four cylinder
Volkswagen Golf R is anticipated in Q3 2010.
It will replace the six cylinder VW Golf R32.
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Volkswagen
18th September, 2009
- World premiere of top Golf at Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA)
- New 4 cylinder Golf R consumes up to 21 per cent less fuel
– All-wheel drive top Golf shows superlative handling
- First sixth generation Golf to display new LED taillights
Automotive passion – even in 2009 it still has something to do with power and performance. At the IAA, however,
Volkswagen is demonstrating – in the world premiere of the new Golf R – that fuel consumption values can even be
corrected downward in the high-end sports car area. And, indeed, without even a hint of a compromise in dynamic
performance. On the contrary. Traditionally each new R version of this model series bears the title “strongest
Golf of all times.” With a power of 199 kW (at 6,000 rpm), the new VW Golf R is continuing in this dynamic
tradition; the previous model transferred 184 kW to its all-wheel drive system. The highlight here: while the now
retired Golf R32 processed 10.7 litres of fuel through its fuel injection system every 100 kilometres, on the new
Golf R the figure is just 8.5 litres – 2.2 litres or 21 per cent less! CO2 emissions were reduced from 255 to 199
g/km. Like all R models, this one was also conceptualised by Volkswagen Individual.
In parallel, its performance data advanced as well. The new Golf R sprints from 0 to 100 km/h – also via
all-wheel drive – in 5.7 seconds. On the previous model, the stopwatch ran to 6.5 seconds. The new model puts the
1,000-metre mark behind it in 25.4 seconds, while the already masterful Golf R32 shot past this mark in 26.7
seconds. The Golf R does this even better with the optional DSG gearbox, sprinting to 100 km/h in a sensational
5.5 seconds and requiring just 8.4 litres petrol per 100 kilometres (equivalent to 195 g/km CO2) at the fuel
pump.
The enormous efficiency gain of the new Golf R is not based on some magical trick, rather it is the result of
highly advanced downsizing. Its legendary predecessor generated its power from a displacement of 3.2 litres (“32”)
and six cylinders. In the new model, this is done with four cylinders and 2.0 litres of displacement – a highly
advanced direct injection petrol engine with turbocharging (TSI). At the fuel pump and on the winding mountain
road, this high-tech alliance is superior to a classic six cylinder unit with multi-point injection. Proving that
even the sound of a four cylinder can leave a strong impression are the fifth and sixth generations of the Golf
GTI, which is also powered by a four cylinder TSI. And the Golf R exhibits an even greater “sound range.”
The TSI’s torque characteristic is just as impressive. By comparison: The six cylinder of the previous model
(the 5th generation Golf) developed a maximum torque of 320 Newton-metres at 2,500 rpm. And that was remarkably
good. The turbo four-cylinder direct injection engine of the new Golf R, on the other hand, transfers 350
Newton-metres torque to the crankshaft, which is also available from 2,500 rpm, but it can maintain this peak
value up to 5,000 rpm. So the new car delivers a fascinatingly high level of basic dynamic performance. The Golf
R32 and Golf R are really only equal in one discipline; they both have a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically
limited on the Golf R).
TSI of the Golf R
The EA113 series direct-injection petrol engine is used in the new Golf R; its turbocharger makes it very
flexible and variable right up into the highest performance ranges. The 1,984 cm3 TSI’s specific power is a
respectable 100.3 kW per litre displacement, and its response is just as impressive. The engine’s power can be
spontaneously summoned in the blink of an eye throughout its speed range. The engine also impressively
underscores its potential acoustically. Visually too: Its two chrome tailpipes can be seen at the centre of the
bumper under the diffuser integrated there – an “R trait” that the previous model also displayed.
The in-line four-cylinder engine develops its tremendous propulsive power via a turbocharger (up to 1.2 bar
boost pressure) with intercooling. The engine, with a weight of just 152 kilogrammes, is controlled by a fully
electronic engine management system with E-Gas. The cylinders of the four-cylinder engine have been equipped
with reinforcing bolts, unlike less powerful TSI versions. Also designed to be stronger are the connecting rods,
so that they can reliably transfer the engine’s high torque to the crankshaft. Last but not least the cylinder
block was also reinforced to handle the aggressive engine forces.
New all-wheel drive on the Golf R
As standard equipment, the Golf R transfers the TSI’s power to the road via the latest generation of
Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system. Compared to the version implemented in the Golf R32, the system
underwent significant development. Above all, power transmission between the front and rear axles – especially
the all-wheel differential that operates in an oil bath – exhibits clear advances compared to the previous
version. The most important one: Activation of the all-wheel differential no longer requires a difference in
speeds between the front and rear axles.
That is because, different than on the previous generation, for the first time an electric pump is used to
build pressure. The electric pump supplies oil to a hydraulic reservoir whose working pressure is 30 bar. A
control module computes the ideal drive torque for the rear axle and controls, via a valve, how much oil
pressure is applied to the working pistons of the multi-plate clutch. The contact pressure at the clutch
plates rises in proportion to the desired torque at the rear axle. The amount of torque that is transferred
can be varied continuously with the magnitude of the pressure applied to the clutch plates. Compared to the
previous 4Motion generation, the system operates independent of slip, since the system’s working pressure is
always available. When starting up and accelerating, this prevents spinning of the wheels at the front axle
more effectively, since the control module regulates the torque distribution based on dynamic axle loads. In
extreme cases, nearly 100 per cent of the drive torque can be directed to the rear axle. This results in
further gains in active safety and dynamic performance.
Sport chassis and brakes on the Golf R
When it came to the chassis, development engineers were able to adopt the first-class system in the current
production Golf. This means: In front the familiar McPherson strut suspension with helical springs and
telescoping shock absorbers; and at the rear a multi-link suspension ensures that the standard ESP seldom
needs to intervene. Nonetheless, the basic layout was transformed into a sport chassis with ride-height
lowered 25 millimetres, and the springs, dampers and stabilisers were completely retuned to match.
The brake system was also modified for the higher level of driving performance on the Golf R. In place of
a 16-inch system, a 17-inch brake system is used with internally ventilated discs all around and R-specific
brake callipers painted a high-gloss black with R logo. In front the discs are 345 millimetres in diameter,
and 310 millimetres at the rear. The electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) was also modified. It can be
switched to a new Sport mode via the ESP button. During very fast and curve-filled drives – as on a motor
sport race course – the ESP system delays intervention, enabling even more responsive handling properties.
The electro-mechanical power-assist steering of the Golf R was also given a sportier characteristic. If the
sports car is ordered with the optional DCC dynamic chassis control option, the power-assist steering even
assumes a specially tuned characteristic for each of the system’s driving modes (Sport, Normal, Comfort).
The chassis maintains contact with the road through its standard newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels
(“Talladega” type) with 225/40 tyres. As an option, the same wheels are available in a 19-inch version with
235/35 tyres.
Exterior features of the Golf R
Like the first two generations of the Super Golf (I starting in 2002, II in 2005) and the new 'sister'
model, the Scirocco R, the new Golf R too sports a completely modified set of exterior and interior
features. Volkswagen designers, led by Klaus Bischoff, have given the Golf R an independent image with a
bundle of well-coordinated refinements. The Golf R unmistakably marks the peak of the model series, and the
quality of its styling follows the basic postulate of “La Semplicità” set forth by the Head of Group Design,
Walter de Silva.
Outside, the customisation includes new wheels and brakes as well as new bumper designs. In front, three
very large air intakes characterise the Golf R in the bumper area; the louvres on the intakes are painted
in high-gloss black, and standard LED strips that serves as daytime running lights are integrated in the
two outer air intakes. Also painted in high-gloss black are the two louvres of the radiator grille. Placed
on the right side of the grille is the newly designed R logo in chrome. Bi-Xenon headlights, included
without surcharge, illuminate the way through the night. On its sides, the Golf R is identified by its
Talladega wheels, side skirt extensions in car colour and mirror housings painted in high-gloss black.
It is also possible to recognise the Golf R as an independent top model at the rear. Along with the
bumper with diffuser and tailpipes, R logo and larger roof edge spoiler, the newly developed taillights
stand out. They operate with standard, distinctive LED technology. The taillight covers are also smoked.
Interior features of the Golf R
The sixth generation Golf, with its high-end interior materials, breaks through boundaries to the next
higher class. The Golf R also benefits from this quality image; it is in a league of its own based on its
power reserves. Additional special upgrades developed by Volkswagen Individual underscore the car’s
high-class positioning.
A key equipment option here is the newly designed “Top Sport seat system” with its excellent ergonomic
properties. The driver just sits down, adjusts the seat longitudinally and in height, adjusts the steering
wheel, buckles up, and is ready to go. The seat fits as though tailor-made. Together with the similarly
customised Golf GTI and Golf GTD, the Golf R sets standards here among the international competition. The
centre panels of the sport seats are upholstered in the honeycomb textured grey-black “Kyalami” design –
named after the race course by the same name in South Africa. The front edge of the seat is upholstered
in Titan Black fabric, while the inside panels of the side supports are upholstered with crystal-grey
“San Remo” micro-fibres. The rest of the seat components and the roofliner are coloured black. The new R
logo is embroidered in the front head restraints as well. Motor sport shell seats for driver and front
passenger are also available as an option. In this case, the centre seat panels are upholstered in the
“San Remo” micro-fibre fabric. On the outside, the shell seats are covered with black leather.
All seams of the interior are in “Art Grey”; this is also true of the decorative seams on the
three-spoke leather steering wheel. Perforated leather is used at the top and bottom of the steering
wheel, ensuring maximum hand grip. The sides of the steering wheel featuring ergonomic motor sport
attributes are covered by continuous leather. Spokes in fine black piano paint add an elegant aspect to
complete the sporty image. The centre steering wheel spoke bears the new R logo. The fascinating material
contrast of piano paint and chrome conveys an image of the passion for finesse and precision in every
detail.
Other new design features include the R gearshift knob, carpet floor mats, aluminium door tread plates
with R logo and the instruments with their blue pointers. Stainless steel sport pedals and R-specific
instrument and door accents in “Silver Lane” style complete the customisation. Another standard feature
on the Golf R is an automatic climate control system (“Climatronic”), “RCD 310” radio-CD system (4 x 20
Watt) including MP3 player plus dual tuners. The Golf R will be released in Germany at the end of this
year.
Note: All data and equipment contained in this news item apply to models offered in Germany. They
may differ in other countries. All information is subject to change or correction.
TDI, TSI, DSG and Twincharger are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG or other companies of the
Volkswagen Group in Germany and other countries.
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