Autoblog

2012 Volkswagen Golf R [w/video]

Michael Harley — Thu, 10 May 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen, New Car Reviews

Boiled Down, But Still Delectable

It is nearly impossible to avoid reminiscing about the 1983 Volkswagen GTI while driving the 2012 Volkswagen Golf R. As you may recall, "the original hot hatch" arrived on our shores seemingly eons ago with a naturally aspirated 1.8-liter four spitting out just 90 horsepower. While hardly brawny, even in an era of wheezy outputs (the 1983 Mustang GT 5.0 generated just 175 horsepower), its low curb weight of 2,100 pounds and a base price of $7,995 made the range-topping Rabbit not only light, tossable and reasonably quick, but very affordable.

Fast forward nearly three decades to the 2012 Volkswagen Golf R, a direct descendant of that first-generation GTI. Thoroughly modernized, and riding on a sixth-generation chassis, the new two- or four-door range-topping Golf boasts a bit more displacement and gobs more horsepower. But that is not all today's hot hatch has gained. With innovation and refinement come mass and cost - both of which have risen dramatically over the past three decades.

After falling head-over-heels for the 2012 Golf R after our first drive of the Euro-spec model in Switzerland last spring, it was time to put one in our garage for a longer run on domestic soil. With an eager and open mind, we welcomed the Golf R into our lives for a week. While we didn't have a chance to toss it around a closed racing circuit, we did put in several hundred miles on the highway, wrung it out on Mulholland and frolicked in wet Southern California mountain snow. In the process, we not only learned plenty about Volkswagen's hot hatch, but we met several other Golf R drivers who were more than willing to talk to us about their own experiences.

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2012 Volkswagen Golf R [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 May 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen to unveil production Golf GTI Cabriolet in Geneva

Noah Joseph — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen

If you were watching the news out of Wörthersee last year, you may recall the Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet concept pictured above. The show car debuted at the annual Volkswagen fan-fest in Austria, alongside an even hotter Golf R Cabriolet and a whole mess of other machinery from the burgeoning German auto empire. But that was the last we heard of it ... until now.

Reports coming in from across the pond indicate that Volkswagen is planning to actually build the GTI Cabrio, and that it will unveil the production version at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show next month. Although Volkswagen has offered the GTI's engine in versions of the Golf Cabriolet and Eos in some markets, this would only be the second time that a full-on GTI convertible will be offered from the factory, complete with the suspension and other bits that go along with it.

Word has it that the GTI Cabrio would be the final swan song for the current sixth-generation Golf before it's replaced next year. But if that's not enough, VW is also tipped to be preparing the hotter 268-horsepower, all-wheel-drive Golf R Cabrio for production as well. Chances that either of these would be offered on this side of the Atlantic, however, don't look good.

Volkswagen to unveil production Golf GTI Cabriolet in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hagerty predicts this year's future classics

Zach Bowman — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Classics, Etc., Audi, Buick, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Jeep, Nissan, Porsche, Volkswagen

The world would be considerably less entertaining if we could all predict the future. Even so, the classic car gurus at Hagerty Insurance have cast a few chicken bones in an attempt to figure out which vehicles produced today might eventually turn collectible.

The company restricted entrants to hardware with a price tag of less than $100,000, so the list isn't populated with too many wild exotics. While vehicles like the Nissan GT-R Black Edition, Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca Edition, Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and Porsche 911 are low-hanging fruit, the list also featured a few surprises.

For starters, it begins with none other than the mighty Buick Regal GS. Hagerty says the vehicle is a win because it's the first Buick with a manual transmission since the fall of the Holy Roman Empire. The Fiat 500 Abarth also makes an appearance alongside an even hotter hatch, the Volkswagen Golf R. Of course, we're simply thrilled to see the sinister Audi TT RS make a showing. Hit the jump for the full list or view each vehicle in our gallery above.

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Hagerty predicts this year's future classics originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nothing says "Chip Foose" like... Volkswagen?

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Design/Style

To help tell the story of the 256-horsepower 2012 Golf R, Volkswagen has enlisted aid from an unexpected quarter: hot rodder and kandy-kolored-tangerine-flake-inclined Chip Foose.

Turns out that Mr. Overhaulin' owned a 1985 Golf GTI and thought the world of it, and he engages in a couple minutes of reminiscing about his Mk II to prove it.

The video is after the jump, and there's a new Golf R Apple iPad app which should also help those of you looking for more interactive elements when digging into the history of one of the original hot hatches (we've included a video of the app after the jump, too).

Continue reading Nothing says "Chip Foose" like... Volkswagen?

Nothing says "Chip Foose" like... Volkswagen? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen R cars' future is diesel, AWD; light weight trumps hybrids

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Diesel

The Volkswagen R performance sub-brand isn't just a niche cog in the massive machine known as the Volkswagen Auto Group. If R GmbH's heads are to be believed, it's an instrumental component of the German automaker's push to offer something for everyone. And after speaking with the two men shepherding R into the future, it appears that good things are on the way.

With the Golf R set to go on sale in the U.S. early next year and R-branded performance parts already proliferating throughout VW's core products, Ulrich Riestenpatt gt. Richter, R's Executive Director, and Dr. Hendrik Muth, R's marketing head, are looking to the future. Fortunately, they were thoughtful enough to provide Autoblog with a small glimpse into what's on the way.

"The future is diesel and all-wheel-drive," Richter told us on the floor of last week's LA Auto Show. That could mean that the next great performance offering from VW R could come in the form of an AWD diesel hatch - essentially an oil-burning Golf R. Further, Richter contends that he can make an R version of any vehicle in the VW stable, so don't be surprised to see a Passat R in the coming years and the Beetle R getting the green light.

Just as telling, Richter says that while hybrids have their place (VW will be introducing a Jetta hybrid at the Detroit Auto Show), the fuel savings of hybrid-electric systems pale in comparison to weight reduction. "You can get the same efficiency [as a hybrid] by dropping 100 kilos," Richter admits, but the high cost of advanced composites - namely carbon fiber - is still too high. So that means more aluminum is on the way, and partnered with a high-performance diesel powerplant, enthusiasts should be able to have their tire-shredding cake and eat less at the pump in the process.

Volkswagen R cars' future is diesel, AWD; light weight trumps hybrids originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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256-hp Volkswagen Golf R priced from $33,990*

Zach Bowman — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Volkswagen has finally released official U.S. pricing and specs on the 2012 Golf R. The meanest hatch in the company's stable will set you back $33,990 (*plus destination). That's a sizeable chunk of change, to be sure, but it will net you the most powerful Golf production engine to be sold in the States. At 256 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque, the turbocharged 2.0-liter turns out six more horsepower than the 2008 Golf R32 VR6 while sucking down less fuel. Volkswagen says that the company's internal estimates put the 2012 Golf R at 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. That's an impressive jump compared to Environmental Protection Agency estimates of 18 mpg city and 23 mpg highway for 2008 R32.

The 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder engine is bolted to a six-speed manual transmission and a Haldex all-wheel drive system, and the car will be offered in both two- and four-door bodystyles. Volkswagen has also taken the time to sharpen the vehicle's suspension even beyond what the already lithe GTI has to offer. Changes include a larger, tubular anti-roll bar up front and a four-link rear with three lateral control arms. Hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading 256-hp Volkswagen Golf R priced from $33,990*

256-hp Volkswagen Golf R priced from $33,990* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Volkswagen GTI mule snapped

Zach Bowman — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf GTI test mule - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen has apparently commenced road tests for the company's next-generation Golf GTI and Golf R. Our legion of crafty spy photographers managed to nab a few photos of a pair of test mules spotted out and about in public. From the looks of things, the upcoming Golf GTI will rely on a set of dual-exhaust pipes in the future while the more menacing Golf R will go for quad pipes.

Volkswagen hasn't released any final details on either vehicle, but from the whispers kicking around the web, it sounds like both hatches will need their new easy-breathing exhausts. In GTI trim, the Golf is expected to kick out around 230 horsepower - 30 more ponies than the current model. Step up the Golf R and you'll likely be treated to closer to 300 ponies.

Long live the hot hatch. Stay tuned for more details as they surface, but in the meantime, check out this high-res gallery of spy shots.

Next Volkswagen GTI mule snapped originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen drops Golf R Cabriolet concept at Wörthersee

Noah Joseph — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Performance, Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows

Volkswagen Golf R Cabriolet concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The annual Volkswagen hot-hatch gathering at Lake Wörthersee has been packed so far with enticing show cars. Audi came with a 500hp A1 concept, and Skoda rolled in with a radical rally roadster. But you didn't think the VW brand itself would let its sister companies have all the fun, now did you?

Of course not. So feast your eyes on the Golf R Cabriolet concept. The recipe is as simple as can be: take one Golf Cabrio, and one Golf R. Put 'em in a blender to extract the best parts of both, and voilà! The fastest droptop VW ever.

Along with fitting the Golf R's 265-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbo four, the show car's suspension has been dropped by an inch and fitted with 19-inch alloys shrouding massive 17-inch brakes. The interior has likewise been upgraded to Golf R specifications, all decked out in blue and gray with piano black and carbon-fiber trim.

Like the production Golf R tin-top, VW says the Golf R Cabriolet concept can reach 62 mph in under six seconds and power on to a top speed of 155 mph.

While the car you see here is strictly for show for the time being, if public reaction among its most dedicated fans and customers at the Austrian lakeside expo proves sufficient, there's no telling what might ensue. In the meantime, you can check out the trio of images in our high-resolution gallery below and the official press release after the jump.

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Volkswagen drops Golf R Cabriolet concept at Wörthersee originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW creates edible print ad for Golf R

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 27 May 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Ever heard someone say their car eats up the road? Volkswagen is taking that phrase to a whole new level in a new print ad for the 2012 Golf R. Placed between the pages of South Africa's Auto Trader magazine, the road on the page is edible... as in, you can literally eat this road.

We're not sure how many calories this will add to your daily intake (perhaps you could figure it out... VW says the page is made from glutinous rice flour, water, salt, propylene glycol FD&C color and glycerine). Also, we'd wager that this page needs some Ranch dipping sauce or Red Hot (or both) to make it remotely tasty.

Regardless, it's a smart bit of advertising, and we expect that auto repair shops across South Africa are filled with Auto Trader mags bearing teeth marks.

VW creates edible print ad for Golf R originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 May 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2012 Volkswagen Golf R

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen, First Drives

A Hotter GTI Is Hatched

2012 Volkswagen Golf R - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're slumming through traffic in downtown Geneva, Switzerland, making our way towards the French border where we're about to spend a few hours flogging the 2012 Volkswagen Golf R along the twisty, narrow roads of the Alps. Right now, we're focused on the Golf's comfortable, well-appointed interior, and how its good visibility and relatively small stature make it a pleasant drive through heavy city traffic. It's just like every other GTI - or Golf, for that matter - in this regard. But as soon as we approach the entrance to highway A40, we find out exactly what that R badge is for.

We speed towards the sharp, right-hand on-ramp with a furious growl coming from the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, and as we throw the wheel to the right, the Golf R hunkers down, digs its claws into the pavement, clips the apex of the ramp and sends us blasting onto the A40 with tremendous force.

"A GTI would have fallen all over itself right there," our co-driver states, matter-of-factly. He's right, too. Even with Volkswagen's nifty new XDS active differential, the GTI is prone to understeer when coming into a turn at high speed, and there's a decent amount of torque steer that makes the exit a bit more skittish than you'd prefer. But in the Golf R, with its fourth-generation 4Motion all-wheel-drive system and more powerful engine, every step of the high-speed cornering dance is executed perfectly.

You can imagine, then, that the rest of our drive through the French Alps was nothing short of bliss. The Golf R is Volkswagen's new poster child for hot hatchery, and if you've ever fallen in love with a GTI, be prepared to be absolutely smitten with this little number.

Continue reading First Drive: 2012 Volkswagen Golf R...

Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen Golf R: First Drive

Continue reading First Drive: 2012 Volkswagen Golf R

First Drive: 2012 Volkswagen Golf R originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Volkswagen Golf R loses power and choice of tranny on way to U.S.

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 10:32:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf R - Click above for high-res image gallery

As part of its 2011 Geneva Motor Show festivities, Volkswagen is letting us loose behind the wheel of its range-topping Golf R, set to arrive in United States as a 2012 model. Production of the Stadeside-spec car begins at the automaker's Wolfsburg plant this November, and we've just learned how different our version of the Golf R will be from the model that's already on sale in Europe.

Don't worry - we're still getting the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to the company's fourth-generation Haldex 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. But while the European car cranks out 270 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, Volkswagen tells us that the U.S. car will produce something closer to 256 hp and 243 lb-ft (not yet confirmed). Still, that's 56 hp and 36 lb-ft more than the standard GTI, and since the Golf R is estimated to weigh around 3,300 pounds - 250 pounds lighter than the most recent R32 - the end result should be quite lively. Volkswagen is estimating that 0-62 mile-per-hour times will fall somewhere in the 5.7- to 5.9-second range.

As we reported earlier, the Golf R will only be offered with a six-speed manual transmission when it hits our shores. European cars can be had with Volkswagen's slick-shifting DSG unit, and we must admit, not offering the twin-clutch setup in the States seems like a curious omission, especially when you consider that the take rate on DSG in the less powerful GTI is around 50 percent. Still, Volkswagen says that its research with different enthusiast groups and dealers suggests that the vast majority of U.S. consumers have been clamoring for a row-your-own Golf R, and since the automaker had to keep the number of build options to a minimum in order to get the vehicle approved for American consumption, manual-only was the way they decided to go.

Follow the jump for more details on the U.S.-spec version of Volkswagen's Golf R hot hatch.

Gallery: Volkswagen Golf R

Continue reading 2012 Volkswagen Golf R loses power and choice of tranny on way to U.S.

2012 Volkswagen Golf R loses power and choice of tranny on way to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Volkswagen Golf R headed to U.S. for 2012

Chris Paukert — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen

2010 Volkswagen Golf R20 - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been a couple of years since Volkswagen's heavyweight hot hatch, the R32, graced America's shores, but now we have official word of a successor. Tuned by the in-house R team at Volkswagen, the Golf R should be a good bit more exciting than its already entertaining forebear, and hopefully, it will shave a few pounds off, too.

Unlike the R32, which was powered by VW's popular VR6, the new model will be powered by Volkswagen's ubiquitous turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. And while Volkswagen isn't quoting power output for the new U.S. model, the European version currently on sale conjures up 270 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. All of that gumption will be routed through VW's fourth generation Haldex 4Motion all-wheel drive system, which means the VW should once again be a good foil for cars like the Subaru WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart.

Along with the power increase, VW is promising bigger brakes, an uprated suspension, 18-inch wheels, center-exit dual exhaust and a more liberally tuned ESP. Perhaps most interestingly, the Golf R will be available in both two and four doors and be paired exclusively with a manual transmission. That's right, we said it.

Although the press release after the jump doesn't mention when it will debut (our money's on Detroit), additional R accoutrements include model-specific aero bits and badging, along with upgrated trim and a new steering wheel, shift knob, and so on.

In other words, it's time to get excited.

Gallery: Volkswagen Golf R

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Officially Official: Volkswagen Golf R headed to U.S. for 2012

Officially Official: Volkswagen Golf R headed to U.S. for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Volkswagen establishes R brand

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Volkswagen, Design/Style

Volkswagen Golf R - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ever since Volkswagen pulled the wraps off of the Golf R and Scirocco R, it was rumored that the automaker would be creating a separate R division, solely focused around creating new performance models, as well as special design packages. The new company, Volkswagen R GmbH, will take on the responsibilities of developing, implementing and selling R-badged products henceforth.

By making R GmbH its own separate division, we'd expect to see more R-badged products hitting the streets in the near future. The new Passat CC R-Line is already on sale in Europe, and the rumormill is buzzing about a possible Jetta R, previewed by the New Compact Coupe concept at this year's Detroit Auto Show. The Golf R is expected to arrive in North America next year, and we sincerely hope that R GmbH delivers more products our way shortly thereafter. Hit the jump for Volkswagen's official press release.

Gallery: Volkswagen Golf R

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Officially Official: Volkswagen establishes R brand

Officially Official: Volkswagen establishes R brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: VW to announce formation of R performance division in Geneva

Noah Joseph — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf R and Scirocco R - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW has M. Mercedes has AMG. Audi has Quattro. Now Volkswagen is slated to launch the R brand as its own separate performance division. This according to a report from Inside Line, quoting an unnamed VW exec during the launch of the new Golf R.

The official announcement is expected at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March. After that, it'd be reasonable to expect additional performance models to come out of the new R GmbH. So far we've got the new Golf R (which is expected to arrive in North America early next year), the Scirocco R (which, to our eternal chagrin, remains grounded overseas), and there are reports of an upcoming Jetta R (previewed by the New Compact Coupe concept unveiled in Detroit), to say nothing of appearance-only packages like the CC R-Line.

Push comes to considerable shove, the reported formation of R GmbH only stands to bring some exciting new offerings to the street.

[Source: Inside Line]

Report: VW to announce formation of R performance division in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: 265-hp 2011 Volkswagen Golf R plays in the snow

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen

2011 Volkswagen Golf R - Click above for high-res image gallery

Yes, we're still bitter about the Scirocco not making it to the States, but some manner of consolation may be on the way in the form of the 2011 Volkswagen Golf R.

Although VW has yet to confirm that the fastest ever Golf is headed to the U.S., the word on the street is that the 265-hp, all-wheel drive hatch is on its way to the Colonies later this year, with a choice of either a six-speed manual or dual-clutch gearbox.

The turbocharged 2.0-liter TSI four-cylinder's performance stats are almost enough to make us forget about the Scirocco, if just for a moment, with a 155 mph top speed and a 5.5-second run to 60 mph (5.7 seconds with the manual gearbox). While it's hardly a lightweight hatch (coming in at around 3,400 pounds with the DSG), the massive brakes, bi-xenon headlamps, 18- or 19-inch wheels and beautifully bolstered thrones have us champing at the bit for some seat time. Here's hoping VW sees fit to send over a few examples after the R20's launch in Ellmau, Austria.

Gallery: Volkswagen Golf R

Pics Aplenty: 265-hp 2011 Volkswagen Golf R plays in the snow originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen prices UK Scirocco R and Golf R, debuts new ad [w/VIDEO]

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Videos, Hatchback, Volkswagen, UK

VW Golf R and Scirocco R - Click above for high-res image gallery

For those of you in the U.K., the R-line versions of the Golf and Scirocco have been priced and can now be ordered. The Scirocco is the bargain of the two, going for £26,945 ($44,257 U.S.), while the Golf takes you slightly higher up the currency chart, priced at £28,930 ($47,518 U.S. -- nota bene: U.S. prices don't directly translate). They both come standard with a 6-speed manual, but if you want the car to shift for you, the DSG transmission option adds £1,300 ($2,135 U.S.) to either car.

They're the fastest and most powerful versions yet in their respective models: the 261-hp, front-wheel-drive Scirocco runs to 62 in 6 seconds; the 266-hp, 4MOTION-equipped Golf in 5.7. If you get the manual you can add 0.2 seconds to those times. The cars will make it to U.K. showrooms in February of next year, but in the meantime follow the jump to read all the specs and watch the video, and check out the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Volkswagen UK Golf R and Scirocco R

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen prices UK Scirocco R and Golf R, debuts new ad [w/VIDEO]

Volkswagen prices UK Scirocco R and Golf R, debuts new ad [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: New VW Scirocco R and Golf R hit the track

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf R20 and Scirocco R track-side -- Click above to watch video

In another astronaut-ish commercial, VW has thrown two test drivers in a G-force simulator and on the track in two of its blistering blue R-line cars: the Scirocco R and the Golf R20. It's like the Ferrari video, but with less yellow and red... and less money. We're not quite sure what's happening with the G-Force segments, but we'd like to be driving those track portions ourselves. Follow the jump to check out the video. Hat tip to Mehdi

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: New VW Scirocco R and Golf R hit the track

VIDEO: New VW Scirocco R and Golf R hit the track originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen to debut four new models in Frankfurt?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 11 May 2009 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Truck, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Germany only gets its own top-tier international auto show every other year, with the Frankfurt Motor Show alternating with the Paris salon. So when the circus rolls into town, you can bet Germany's giant auto industry will embrace the opportunity to reveal their latest. Audi's tipped to unveil its A5 Sportback and revised A8, Mercedes is expected to unveil its new E-Class Cabrio, BMW the new X1 and 5-Series GT/Progressive Activity Sedan... even Opel is anticipated to unveil its new Astra in Frankfurt. But according to the latest reports, Volkswagen is preparing to upstage them all with four new models.

First up is the Robust pick-up truck recently spied undergoing testing at the Nurburgring. A more versatile version of VW's midsize hatchback called the Golf Variant is tipped to join the show stage, too. But the real excitement is in the pair of hot hatches set to make their debuts in Frankfurt. The Golf R is anticipated to pack a 265-hp 2.0-liter TFSI with all the trimmings, while a mini-Scirocco based on the Polo could also be in the cards, packing a 180-hp 1.4-liter four. Of course, it's entirely possible that one or more of these could drop off the card for the upcoming show in September, but either way, Volkswagen looks set to make a big splash in Frankfurt this year, and of course we'll be on hand to catch it all for you.

[Source: AutoWeek.nl]

Volkswagen to debut four new models in Frankfurt? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 May 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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