Spy Shots: Volkswagen Golf R20 snapped on the 'Ring
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Apr 1st 2009 at 11:30AM 
Volkswagen Golf G20 - Click above for a high-res gallery
Spy shooters have managed to snap a few pictures of Volkswagen's upcoming Golf R20 lapping the Nürburgring in Germany, in this case disguised as a mild-mannered 2.0 TDI.
The new hot hatchback will reportedly be available in both three- and five-door styles, and it will take the place of the now-departed R32. As the name suggests, the R20 will feature a four-cylinder engine displacing just 2.0 liters. Fortunately, that little engine looks to be direct-injected and pressurized by a big 'ol turbocharger, boosting output to an estimated 270 horsepower. Those ponies should be funneled to the front tires (not through all four contact patches as with the R32) through either a standard six-speed manual or VW's excellent DSG dual-clutch gearbox. Expect 0-60 mph times of around five seconds.
Besides the influx of power, VW's new R20 is expected to arrive equipped with a set of upsized brakes cribbed from the Audi A3. We're hoping that rumors of the new VeeDub R20's entrance into the States as a 2010 model come true, but in the meantime, it seems that the car will make its debut at the 24-hour Nürburgring race in May.
Gallery: Spy Shots: Volkswagen Golf R20
[Photos: KGP Photography]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Mr. H 11:38AM (4/01/2009)
This isn't what everyone else is reporting. I've been hearing it's going to be AWD this entire time.
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Jj 12:08PM (4/01/2009)
This is the first I have heard that the R20 will not be AWD as well. I'm curious why makes Autoblog say it will not be. I still hold out hope for AWD though as the sentence on the subject is written with some ambiguity. ("Those ponies SHOULD be funneled...")
zamafir 12:11PM (4/01/2009)
It's going to be 4motion, it's always been slated to be 4motion, it will be 4motion. Not sure who autoblog's 'sources' who continue to funnel them 'accurate' news are, but they're not working in wolfsburg. Pity they can't get anyone to talk to them in a non Detroit based company and are forced to relegate the task of non domestic info collection to a blogging staff which frequently, like this article, report 'news', a day late (literally) and a dollar short (literally again).
Stick to what you guys do accurately, reviews. if you want to keep reporting the 'news', get some real sources, or break false info before anyone else. Don't screw it up after everyone's already confirmed what's accurate.
nighttime__ 12:11PM (4/01/2009)
I've been reading that the R20 would be AWD and also be a Scirocco not a golf.
I've read this in Wheels Australia and Top Gear Britain magazine!
what a shame :(
does that mean there is no Hypo-version of the Scirocco :(
hoosker_doo 12:11PM (4/01/2009)
Yeah, it seems like every time Autoblog reports on the "R20" they claim that it will be FWD. Maybe someone REALLY wants it to be FWD.
John Johnson 11:42AM (4/01/2009)
If it's just FWD, good luck selling a chipped GTI.
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Randy915 5:50PM (4/01/2009)
If it's FWD they might have a tricked diff similar to Focus RS' RevoKnuckle. I doubt VW will just take a GTI, add more power and bring to market.
Randy915 5:51PM (4/01/2009)
Sorry was typing too fast, tricked diff AND something similar to RS's RevoKnuckle.
chromosphere10 11:46AM (4/01/2009)
If this is the R20, what is the big difference between this and a GTI? Just the same 2.0T with higher output, brakes from an A3 and some unique body work? I guess this is fine as long as its much cheaper than the R32 has been. I just don't get the need for two performance versions of the same car when an A3 or TT is so close in price.
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jc 11:50AM (4/01/2009)
Putting large dual exhausts and gratuitous ground effects on their high performance model telegraphs the message that this vehicle is an aspirational model for tuner kids.
It also attracts attention from traffic cops who love to pull over these little boy racers.
Isn't their some way VW would consider offering a more low key, sophisticated appearance for the more self-assured over 30 crowd ?
I like the idea of the car but don't want to be associated with jerky little 20 somethings.
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Librapaj 12:28PM (4/01/2009)
Jc,
Sorry to disagree with you buddy, but I would take this any day over any of the other "hot hatches" out there on the market. This one actually looks to be the more "refined" one out of all them.
why not the LS2LS7? 12:58PM (4/01/2009)
Agreed. Also these rims area joke. Hit even a minor road imperfection and you risk bending a rim. How about we get some rims optimized for performance instead of looks?
416Hammy 2:14PM (4/01/2009)
@jc:
VW makes a car for you already. It's called the Passat. It's specifically-geared toward dentists, podiatrists, and all other sorts of whiny dullards.
jc 2:17PM (4/01/2009)
Librapag.
If you compare it to the other hot hatches then it's more refined relatively speaking.
I still think the exhaust tips should best be left in the cartoons.
And the ground effects are borderline
My point is I'd like to see some sophistication in the segment for those of us who know what we've got and don't feel the need to show off.
montoym 11:42PM (4/01/2009)
Yeah, it's called an Audi.
The R32 is an A3 with a Golf body. There's also the TTwhich shares the same powertrain as well(3.2L VR6 and AWD). All are built off the same platform.
The past 2 .:R's have had the same powertrain as an up-level A3, it seems to make sense to me that the next one will carry on that tradition and will be mechanically similar to the S3. Considering the hopped-up 2.0T we already know about, I suspect AWD will come along as well.
Javanese 12:00PM (4/01/2009)
Thanks for making the GTi redundant...
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petee209 12:00PM (4/01/2009)
I hope it also comes with an LSD to handle all that power going to the front wheels
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Nico 12:01PM (4/01/2009)
Tss, 270hp in a FWD Golf, who needs that. 200hp is more than enough if you ask me. If you want more power, buy a 130i - a car that can actually handle a lot of horsepower.
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Eric 12:11PM (4/01/2009)
So it's basically the current GTI with a stage 2 tune and a side of ugly.
The more I see the 2010 Golf/GTI/R20 the happier I am that I snapped up one of the 2009 GTI's before the ugly tree fell on it.
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Heimbachae 1:09PM (4/01/2009)
hear hear!!! i had the same exact thought. i'm happy with my decision. can't wait for the warranty to run out so i can really mess with it.