2012 Volkswagen Golf R loses power and choice of tranny on way to U.S.
02-28-11, 09:13 PM
#1
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.
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.
On the subject of reducing the number of build configurations, all U.S. Golf Rs will be outfitted almost exactly the same way. The only options available will be a choice of two and four doors, as well as a package that incorporates things like a sunroof, navigation, smart key and the Dynaudio sound system. We will not be able to spec the Golf R with the super-supportive motorsport-designed seats available in Europe (a €3,800 option – over $5,200 USD, for what it's worth), and all Golf R interiors will be leather only. Sadly, the Euro-spec LED taillamps will not be carried over to the U.S. Golf R, as well.
As for pricing, Volkswagen is targeting a base MSRP of around $33,000 – right about where the 2008 R32 was priced. During the Golf R's run here in the U.S., Volkswagen hopes to move about 5,000 of the little hot hatches – in total, not annually. If demand meets or exceeds supply, Volkswagen will have a better case for bringing a next-generation Golf R to our shores, as well. We'll be driving the Golf R later this week in Europe, so stay tuned for our full report.
Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volks...f-r20/#2648691
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/28/2...anny-on-way-t/
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The power from the NA R will be pretty much dead even with the up coming Ford Focus ST, so look for comparisons to follow soon!! (Go Ford!! hah)
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03-01-11, 01:56 AM
#8
Lexus Test Driver
Still a nice offering. But also think it's a mistake not offering the DSG.
03-01-11, 06:10 AM
#10
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
ft86 may be nice (whatever decade it's launched) but it's obviously a totally different type of vehicle (less practical, not awd, etc.)
03-01-11, 06:55 AM
#11
Pole Position
It's a low production car so it was not worth the DSG offering, apparently. Looks like this is an experiment to see what happens.
I drive an MKV GTI with the six-speed and I wouldn't have it any other way.
The DSG's have been known to be problematic as well.
And as far as power, it's not even worth arguing here. One 5-minute reflash and you have 300hp.
I got it on mine. It can be rated at 100hp, it doesn't matter. It's a 2.0 TSI, which means it makes as much as you want to flash into it (within reason).
Agreed on the Scirocco.
The 2.0 TSI is a gem of an engine, props to VW for offering it in the Golf and not just the Audi's. The R to me is a little overpriced but if you need that AWD, you have that choice.
The GTI is one of the best deals out there for an all-around car. Good looking, fast, and can carry almost anything.
And yes, even Consumer Reports 'red dot' reliable plus recommended.
I drive an MKV GTI with the six-speed and I wouldn't have it any other way.
The DSG's have been known to be problematic as well.And as far as power, it's not even worth arguing here. One 5-minute reflash and you have 300hp.
I got it on mine.
It can be rated at 100hp, it doesn't matter. It's a 2.0 TSI, which means it makes as much as you want to flash into it (within reason).Agreed on the Scirocco.
The 2.0 TSI is a gem of an engine, props to VW for offering it in the Golf and not just the Audi's. The R to me is a little overpriced but if you need that AWD, you have that choice.
The GTI is one of the best deals out there for an all-around car. Good looking, fast, and can carry almost anything.
And yes, even Consumer Reports 'red dot' reliable plus recommended.
03-01-11, 08:21 AM
#12
They will be also similar amount of money... so it is pretty much direct comparo.
03-01-11, 08:43 PM
#13
I'm glad they went with 6 speed only this time. Much like the first R32's. Most people were upset with the MKV R32 came with DSG only. Also glad to see they're bringing the 4-door over this time as well.
But again, a lot of decontenting to keep the U.S. prices lower. (No Recaro's, LED Taillamps, etc).
But again, a lot of decontenting to keep the U.S. prices lower. (No Recaro's, LED Taillamps, etc).
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Hoovey689
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