With 256 horsepower, the Golf R is the most powerful VW sports performance vehicle ever sold
in the U.S.—and Volkswagen’s new performance icon is now available in two- and four-doors
- Most powerful Golf production engine to be sold in the U.S.
- Six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive standard
- Predicted fuel economy of 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway
- Bi-Xenon headlights and LED DRLs standard on all models
- On-sale early 2012 as a 2012 model, in both two- and four-door versions
Herndon, VA – Intelligent downsizing. That’s what the new Golf R represents. The heir to the 2004 and
2008 Golf R32 models, the new R manages to have more power, more performance, and consume less
gasoline than its illustrious iconic performance forebears. And it offers all this for just $33,990, plus
destination, for the two-door Golf R model.
Whereas the R32 models used 3.2-liter VR6 engines, the new Golf R is fitted with a high-output version
of the award-winning turbocharged 2.0-liter TSI® engine. This engine makes 256 horsepower, six more
than the VR6 fitted into the 2008 R32. As well as offering more power and performance, the Golf R is
also more economical, with manufacturer estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on
the highway compared with EPA estimated mileage of 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway
for the prior model.
Like the previous R32 models, the Golf R is equipped with Volkswagen’s 4Motion® all-wheel-drive
system: the latest generation of this system can divert up to 100 percent of the torque to the rear wheels,
if needed. All Golf R models sold in the U.S will be equipped with a close-ratio six-speed manual
transmission. For the first time, the Golf R will be available in two- and four-door guises as well as in two
trim levels: well-equipped Golf R and luxurious Golf R with Sunroof and Navigation.
Exterior
The Golf R is a refined vehicle that’s marked by clean, minimalist lines that are mixed with sharp,
intricate detailing. The style is sleek and contemporary, yet timeless and elegant.
The changes made for the Golf R are subtle yet striking, in keeping with the car’s mission of providing
sophisticated and understated performance. Up front, there’s a new bumper that incorporates LED
daytime running lights and three large black air intakes that help cool the engine. The radiator grille is
finished in gloss black and features an “R” logo that sets the front of the car apart from the rest of the
Golf range. Unique Bi-Xenon headlamps that are framed in black also have the Adaptive Front-lighting
System (AFS), whereby the lights turn with the steering wheel, up to a maximum of 15 degrees, to
provide better visibility around bends.
The car's streamlined profile continues toward the rear, with a pair of subtly flared side skirts running
along the lower edge of the body. The new 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels expose gloss-black-painted
brake calipers that incorporate the “R” logo; the exterior mirrors also have a gloss-black finish.
There’s further differentiation at the back of the R, where a new rear bumper was needed to
accommodate the central twin pipes for the exhaust system, similar to the tailpipes fitted on the original
2004 R32. The bumper also features a gloss-black diffuser. The back end is highlighted by a slightly
larger tail spoiler than that of the GTI and a subtle “R” badge. The R is available in five colors: Rising
Blue, Candy White, Carbon Steel Gray, Black, and Tornado Red.
Interior
Just like the exterior, the interior has been enhanced to make it even more purposeful and demonstrate
its role at the apex of the Golf range.
On opening the door, the driver and passenger will note aluminum “R” kickplates on the sills, before
sliding into deep bucket seats. These are adorned with an “R” logo on the head restraint and are
upholstered in supple leather.
The squared-off steering wheel is also swathed in leather, with gloss-black-finished spokes that carry
through from the exterior design. Other R-specific features include: blue pointers for the instruments; the
shifter knob with an “R” motif; aluminum trim for the dashboard and doors; and aluminum pedals.
The Golf R comes extremely well equipped, even in base form. Fully automatic dual-zone climate control
is standard, along with a multifunction steering wheel, Premium VIII audio with eight speakers, aux-in, a
Media Device Interface with iPod® connectivity, and Bluetooth®. The Golf R with Sunroof and Navigation
adds the RNS 315 touchscreen navigation system; a 300-watt Dynaudio® sound system; a sunroof; and
Keyless Entry with push-button start.
Just like the rest of the Golf range, the R is practical and versatile. The high-lifting tailgate provides easy
ingress and egress to a load area that offers 15.3 cubic feet of space. And with the folding rear seat
back split 60/40—and featuring a pass-through—there's real flexibility for load carrying.
Engine and Transmission
The Golf R is fitted with the most powerful Golf production engine ever seen in the U.S. The car uses an
uprated version of the EA113 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, rather than the EA888
engine used in the current GTI. Like the EA888, the EA113 uses direct fuel injection and double
overhead camshafts with variable intake timing. Because the Golf R develops more power and torque
than the GTI—256 horsepower and 243 lb-ft compared with 200 hp and 207 lb-ft—a number of
changes have been made. The cylinder block is reinforced, stronger connecting rods are fitted, and an
uprated BorgWarner K04 turbocharger is used, boosting at up to 17 psi. With manufacturer estimated
fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, this is the most fuel-efficient
Golf R model ever sold in the U.S.
The Golf R is offered with a slick shifting, close-ratio six-speed manual transmission that features a
magnesium selector housing and cable operation with very short lever movements. The latest-generation
4Motion all-wheel drive is also standard on the Golf R. This system uses a Haldex® clutch pack that
continuously varies the amount of torque sent to the rear wheels, depending on whether slippage is
detected at the front. In normal driving, the Golf R acts like a front-wheel-drive machine, which has
benefits for fuel economy. However, if needed, up to 100 percent of the torque can be directed to the
rear wheels for traction on more challenging surfaces.
Suspension
The Golf R has unique calibration for its suspension, even compared with the GTI. At the front, it uses a
damper-strut layout with lower control arms and a stiff, tubular anti-roll bar that combine to help keep
the front tires planted during hard cornering, reducing body roll and heightening steering feedback.
At the back, there’s a compact multilink independent layout that features coil springs, telescopic
dampers, and an anti-roll bar. The four-link layout features three lateral control arms—the spring
mounting, the track rod and upper control arm, and a trailing link at each wheel. Suspension assemblies
are attached by way of a rear-axle subframe and, as at the front, rubber and metal mountings that are
soft in torsion but stiff radially are used to help ensure the anti-roll bar responds immediately and
suppresses body roll effectively.
The spring and damper units are located separately on each side of the car at the rear, with the coil
spring bearing directly on the trailing link and the damper attached to the wheel hub assembly. This
enables the suspension geometry on the compression stroke to generate a toe steering effect that
maintains neutral behavior, or some slight understeer, in all driving and load-carrying situations. It also
helps ensure excellent driving stability on rough, uneven road surfaces. Stylish 18-inch-diameter
aluminum-alloy wheels are shod with 225/40 all-season performance tires.
Steering and Brakes
The Golf R uses a third-generation electro-mechanical power steering system that is able to vary the feel
of the steering to suit the speed and driving situation. It is firm and direct when driving at highway
speeds, requiring less effort at parking speeds. Other advantages of the system include its mild selfcentering
action, and its ability to help compensate for driving hazards like crosswinds and steep road
cambers. In the Golf R, the steering ratio is quicker than the GTI’s for an even sportier on-road feel.
The brakes were modified to cope with the Golf R’s higher level of performance as compared to the GTI.
Golf R gets vented 13.6-inch-diameter front and 12.2-inch rear discs, up from the GTI’s 12.3-inchdiameter
vented front and 10.7-inch solid rear discs. Naturally, anti-lock brakes (ABS) are standard,
along with electronic brake pressure distribution (EBS) and hydraulic brake assist (HBA). The latest
version of HBA is able to discern whether the braking is “normal” or an emergency according to the
speed with which the pedal is depressed. In the event of an emergency, HBA helps increase the brake
pressure and activates the ABS.
Safety and Security
The 2012 Golf R comes with an array of standard safety features. For driving security, enhancements
include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), and an Electronic Differential Lock
(EDL). A hill holder function automatically applies the parking brake when the vehicle comes to rest and
the brake is depressed in traffic, preventing the car from rolling backwards or forwards. The brake is
released once the driver presses the accelerator pedal. This is especially useful in slow traffic on long
inclines.
Should the car be involved in a crash, the occupants are protected by driver and passenger front and
front side thorax airbags together with Side Curtain Protection® head airbags for front and rear
passengers. Volkswagen's advanced Intelligent Crash Response System shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks
the doors, and even switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collisions.
Like all 2012 Volkswagen models, the Golf R is covered under the no-charge Carefree Maintenance
Program. All scheduled maintenance is covered for the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty—
three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
Model Line-up
The base Golf R is a sophisticated and luxurious performance car, with a high level of standard
equipment.
Golf R
Starting at $33,990, the two-door Golf R comes equipped with Bi-Xenon headlights; dual-zone
Climatronic® air conditioning; cruise control; leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel; power
windows with auto up/down function; leather seating surfaces; 60/40-split folding rear seat with pass
through; aluminum pedals; a leather shifter knob and brake lever; and Bluetooth® technology. The
eight-speaker sound system has an in-dash six-CD changer, AM/FM/SiriusXM™ Satellite Radio, and
auxiliary input jack along with an iPod® adapter.
Golf R with Sunroof and Navigation
Starting at $35,490 for the two-door model, this adds: a power tilt-and-slide sunroof; Keyless Entry with
push-button start; the RNS 315 touchscreen navigation system; and the eight-channel 300-watt
Dynaudio® premium sound system.