The Golf R “20 Years” surpasses everything that has been launched with the “Golf” label up to now with its drive technology. The anniversary model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds: the top speed is electronically limited to 270 km/h. The Golf R “20 Years” edition makes its exceptional nature known as soon as the engine is started. It is impossible not to notice the 245 kW / 333 PS) delivered by the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine. The driver can select an Emotion Start to activate an initial engine speed overshoot extending up to 2,500 rpm. In combination with especially striking drive acoustics, this additionally heightens the anticipation of a typical R driving experience.
When the driver shifts up manually in S and S+ gear selector positions, the DSG provides noticeable feedback from the gearbox and drive train each time the right paddle is operated. In addition, the optimised engine tuning means that the load change response is extremely spontaneous. The turbocharger is preloaded to keep it at a constant speed during part-load driving. This then allows faster power development for subsequent acceleration. The open throttle valve in overrun phases also improves dynamics and performance on the road. When the driver takes their foot off the accelerator and then accelerates again, this allows faster build-up of the engine torque and noticeably improves the engine’s responsiveness. This allows the Golf R “20 Years” to be driven even more dynamically and with a higher level of driving stability in sporty driving situations.
The Golf R “20 Years” will be available as standard with the R Performance package already familiar from the Golf R (including, for example, R-Performance Torque Vectoring in conjunction with the Vehicle Dynamics Manager and two additional driving modes, Special and Drift) and will be further enhanced by exclusive design highlights. At the rear, the roof spoiler emphasises the sporty look of the vehicle, which is fitted as standard with 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels.
The sporty and exclusive nature of the premium performance brand from Volkswagen is also evident in the interior. For the first time in a production Volkswagen, the dash panel and door trim feature decorative trim elements in Genuine Carbon. The special-edition model sports blue R logos, including on the multifunction sport steering wheel (at 6 o’clock position). The blue R logo can also be found on the vehicle key cap to underline the fact that the key belongs to a special vehicle.
Like all Golf models, the Golf R “20 Years” will be produced in the Wolfsburg factory – the home of the Golf. The Golf R “20 Years” will reach dealerships in many European markets and North America from the middle of 2022.
The Golf R “20 Years” is the fifth edition of the extremely sporty Golf R. The success story of the model began in 2002 with the Golf R3204 and its 3.2-litre six-cylinder engine with an output of 177 kW (241 PS). It was the most powerful Golf that Volkswagen had built up to that point. Featuring all-wheel drive in combination with exclusive design and equipment, this highly dynamic car was the technological benchmark in its class. The Golf R32 was an immediate success, and its sales were triple the originally planned amount.
