Say hello to the most powerful production Volkswagen Golf ever.
Volkswagen has revealed the 2023 Golf R 20 Years, which celebrates the 20th anniversary of the R nameplate.
A Volkswagen spokesperson has confirmed the Golf R 20 Years is coming to Australia. It’s set to arrive during the third quarter of 2022.
It’ll be available for approximately 12 months, with more details around pricing and standard specification set to be revealed closer to its Australian launch.
This new Golf R 20 Years is based on the Mk8 Golf R, and has interior and exterior elements harking back to the Volkswagen Golf R32 which began production in 2002. It arrived locally in 2004.
Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre turbocharged EA888 four-cylinder petrol engine producing 245kW of power and 420Nm of torque. That’s 10kW more than the regular Golf R’s EA888 engine produces.
It’s also the most powerful Golf ever produced.
The engine is mated to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission, with drive sent to all four wheels through a 4Motion all-wheel drive system.
Volkswagen claims the Golf R 20 Years can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.6 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds faster than the regular Golf R hatch.
Engine responsiveness has been improved by turbocharger preloading and an open throttle valve in overrun phases, meaning the turbos spool before you accelerate and the throttle stays open for longer.
Volkswagen has added another feature which allows owners to start their Golf R 20 Years at engine speeds of up to 2500rpm, which would make the start-up louder.
The transmission and engine have been retuned to deliver a slightly different feel to that of the standard car.
Depending on the exterior colour there are blue exterior accents with contrasting side mirror covers, black or black-blue 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels, and a roof spoiler.
Australian-spec Golf R models already receive 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels and the roof spoiler as standard.
There’s also an Akrapovic exhaust system as standard, and you can option semi-slick tyres.
Inside there are carbon fibre decorative trims and sport seats with Nappa leather upholstery. Australian-spec Golf R models already receive Nappa leather upholstery as standard.
As mentioned before, pricing and standard specification for the 2023 Volkswagen Golf R 20 Years will be revealed closer to its third quarter of 2022 arrival date.
The anniversary model isn’t expected to be much more expensive than the regular Golf R hatch, which costs $65,990 before on-road costs, as it has a number of features that are already standard on the Australian-spec car.
