Volkswagen's R Performance division is celebrating 20 years with a high-performance version of It all began with the R32 Golf 20 years ago, and now the Mk8 Golf R will get a minor power boost for Europe and Australia. Volkswagen Australia reported Chasing Cars that the Golf R 20 Year Edition will arrive in Australia in Q3 2022, with 245 horsepower and "a somewhat different specification for Australia.
It was made to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Volkswagen's R performance division, which first worked on the fourth-generation Volkswagen Golf to build the 3.2-litre V6-powered, four-wheel-drive Golf R32 hot hatch.
What will be unique about the Golf R 20th Anniversary Edition?
The 2.0-litre turbocharged EA888 engine in the Golf R will get more power and torque as the first substantial improvement. A modified tuning is expected to boost outputs to 245kW/420Nm, up from 235kW in European and Australian specifications. A titanium exhaust system from Akrapovic will be installed as well, giving the Golf R more character and bark than the factory system. The DSG transmission has also been tweaked to provide stronger upshift input.
Interior and exterior enhancement:
The 20th Anniversary Edition, based on the newest 'Mk8' hatchback Golf R, has a number of exterior and interior enhancements to pay respect to the original 2002 Mk4 Golf R32 – the company's most powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Standard are 19-inch 'Estoril' alloy wheels in high-gloss black with Blue Pencil exterior paint or a mix of high-gloss black and blue with white body paint. Semi-slick Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres are available in Europe.
Blue R badges and mirror caps, a '20' badge on the front door frame, and a bespoke '20 R' branded puddle light projection are among the other cosmetic upgrades. In Australia, the special edition comes with an enlarged rear spoiler pattern. The dashboard and door cards are made of actual carbon fibre, a first for Volkswagen, and the R emblem on the steering wheel is now blue. According to Australian models, nappa leather sport seats are standard.
Technical features:
Volkswagen has gone so far as to incorporate a slew of new design and technical features, such as a new Emotional Start function that revs the engine up to 2500rpm on startup, heightening the anticipation of a normal R driving experience, according to Volkswagen.
In S or S+ mode, the dual-clutch automatic gearbox (DSG) has been modified to provide "noticeable" input while shifting up, while the turbocharger has been reconfigured to function at a consistent speed under partial throttle, resulting in faster acceleration on kick down. Volkswagen claims that a new turbo "pre-tensioning" system – and a function that keeps the throttle valve open when overtaking – increases response and produces a smoother sound. High.
Book your order
Order books for 2022 editing The Volkswagen Golf R 20 Years will debut in Europe on Thursday, June 2nd, and will be available for only one year. The new Volkswagen Golf R 20 Year will arrive in Australia in Q3 of this year, according to Volkswagen. Volkswagen has not confirmed production quantities for the Golf R 20 Years, which will be made as a limited-edition model until the middle of 2023.
