The Golf R has been doing quick and refined for 20 years. Naturally, Volkswagen is celebrating with an equally refined Anniversary Version.
The Volkswagen Golf R, the quickest model of the hatchback, has simply turned 20. So VW is constructing a particular Twentieth Anniversary Version of the automotive for 2023 with much less weight and a few particular touches. Simply 1,800 shall be bought in North America.
VW Golf R Historical past
Let’s first look again at 20 years of Golf R historical past to see how we got here to this newest fourth-iteration rocket bunny.
Mark IV Golf R32
The primary of the quickest Volkswagen Golfs was referred to as the R32. Launched for the 2003 mannequin yr, this was a really particular Golf — it was the primary manufacturing automotive on the earth with a dual-clutch gearbox.
Powering the automotive was a 238-horsepower 3.2L VR6 engine taken from the Audi TT, 4MOTION all-wheel drive, and sports activities seats made by Konig. A large hit in Germany, the R32 stood out from the usual automotive with its facet skirts and daring new bumpers entrance and rear.
The automotive bought so nicely in 2003 that availability was expanded to the U.S. (and some different markets) for 2004.
The R32 Continues for One other Era
A brand new mannequin went on sale in 2005 based mostly on the then-new Golf chassis. It had an up to date 3.2L VR6, making 10 extra horses. This one didn’t make it stateside till the 2008 mannequin yr, restricted to only 5,000 constructed. It established the formulation of constructing a model of the Golf that was even sooner than the Golf GTI however regarded as sedate as the usual variations of the automotive.
For the Mark VI Golf, an R model got here to the U.S. in 2012. It used a 2.0L turbo-four that made 256 horsepower. It nonetheless provided all-wheel drive and nonetheless got here with a physique package distinctive to the mannequin, but it surely was robust to inform other than its GTI siblings.
The Mark VII Golf R didn’t make any massive adjustments to the now-familiar formulation. A 2.0L turbo-four made 296 horsepower, a six-speed stick or seven-speed dual-clutch had been provided, and it had AWD. This time, it added dynamic chassis management, Volkswagen’s adaptive damping system that provided Consolation, Regular, and Race modes.
Newest Golf R Is a 4th-Gen Rocket Bunny
This brings us to the most recent Golf R, launched final yr and based mostly on the eighth-generation Golf chassis. Now the Golf R makes 315 horsepower, and patrons within the U.S. and Canada opted for the six-speed stick so ceaselessly that they’re the one two international locations the place it’s provided. Everybody else will get the seven-speed DSG solely. It’s this mark VIII Golf R that’s the foundation for the Twentieth Anniversary Version.
In line with the Golf R’s legacy of subtlety, the Twentieth Anniversary adjustments aren’t massive or flashy. However a few of them are fairly helpful.
Golf R Twentieth Anniversary Adjustments
Dropping the panoramic roof, for instance, cuts kilos from the automotive at the perfect level to enhance dealing with and agility. VW says it streamlines the look, too, however we’re not so positive about that one. It probably does enhance headroom, although.
The wheels are the identical as the usual Golf R (VW names them Estoril), they usually put on the identical 235mm-wide efficiency tires. However VW has painted the wheels gloss black for this one, telling those that know the model they’ve received the particular one at a look.
Lapiz Blue, the signature R shade, shall be provided. Deep Black Pearl and Pure White will even be accessible, and all three get restricted allocations. Volkswagen is portray the mirrors on black and white vehicles in the identical Lapiz Blue, a tribute to how necessary the colour is.
Inside, the sprint and entrance doorways are trimmed with actual carbon fiber. VW says it’s the primary time it has carried out that on a manufacturing automotive. A brand new and enormous blue R emblem is on the steering wheel.
Outdoors, you’ll discover some refined “20” badges and even “20 R” puddle lights.
Twentieth Anniversary Version Golf R a little bit of a Cut price?
The Twentieth Anniversary Version of the 2023 Volkswagen Golf R goes on sale this fall, ranging from $44,940 for the stick or $45,740 for a DSG. As particular editions go, it’s a little bit of a discount. Simply $650 greater than a non-Twentieth model of the automotive.
