Volkswagen Golf R Mk8 officially presented: 315 hp and 420 Nm; from zero to 100 km / h in 4.7 seconds; Drift mode



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Here it is, the most powerful Volkswagen Golf R ever built by the German automaker. Based on the eighth-generation Golf (Mk8), the new hot hatch takes its place at the top of the lineup, ahead of the Golf GTI that made its debut in February.

Power comes from a 2.0-liter EA888 turbocharged four-cylinder generating 320PS (315PS) and 420Nm of torque, a step up from the previous Golf R Mk7 with just 300PS (296PS) and 380Nm. In terms of performance, it takes 4.7 seconds for the new car to go from zero to 100 km / h, 0.2 seconds faster than before, while top speed remains limited to 250 km / h.

The engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, with the option of a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission. Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive is standard here as well, but has been revised to include a newly developed rear differential that not only distributes power variably between the front and rear axles, but also between the left and right rear wheels.

Where the old system is capable of splitting power 50:50 through a multi-disc clutch on the left and right rear wheels, the new one can send up to 100% of torque to the outer wheel to increase agility.

Managing torque distribution is the Golf R’s Vehicle Dynamics Manager, which also works with Electronic Differential Locks (XDS) and Adaptive Damping System (DCC) to optimize handling. The system also handles torque vectoring through braking and comes with six drive modes: Comfort, Sport, Race, Individual, Special and Drift.

As you would expect, each mode changes the characteristics of the car, and Comfort and Individual are self-explanatory. In Sport mode, powertrain response is increased, while Race mode disables the inertia function, increases engine sound, and adjusts the DSG, DCC, steering, and all-wheel drive system to make it even sportier.

The first of the two new modes, Special, prepares the car to take on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife, and is similar to the Race mode, but with softer damping settings given The Green Hell’s very specific track characteristics. Meanwhile, Drift mode redials the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and readjusts the power distribution of the all-wheel drive system to allow the Golf R to ride well. Of course, you can turn ESC off completely, if you’re sure you know what you’re doing.

As for the chassis, the Golf R has a 20mm lower ride height compared to a standard Golf, and compared to the previous version, the stabilizer bar and spring rates have been increased by 10%. An aluminum subframe also helps shed three kg of the front suspension, which houses the MacPherson struts; the rear uses a multi-link configuration.

Other changes include modified transverse link mounts and hub mounts on the rear suspension, while negative camber has been increased at the front axle (now at -1 ° 20 ‘) to allow for higher cornering speeds and improved stability. .

Stopping power comes courtesy of the 358mm front discs, which are 18mm larger than the previous Golf R. The discs are accompanied by two-piston aluminum calipers, which help reduce unsprung mass by 60% per side.

Visually, the latest Golf isn’t ashamed of its aggressiveness, with a dedicated front bumper incorporating a motorsports-inspired splitter, R-specific air intake grilles, and high-gloss black trim. The slim grille between the headlights also features a blue crossbar that lights up and extends to the fenders.

Other cues include 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, side skirts, matte chrome side mirror caps with R logo puddle lights, blue painted brake calipers, a rear diffuser, a roof spoiler, and four tailpipes. chrome exhaust.

Inside, you get the same styling as a regular Golf, with model-specific touches to mark it as an R model. These include Nappa leather seats with carbon-look elements, blue accents, and R logos stitched into the seatback as well. like a sports steering wheel with a dedicated R button to cycle through the various drive modes.

In other areas, there are carbon-look and R-specific trims, stainless steel pedal caps, a 30-color ambient lighting system, ergonomically shaped shift paddles, a Discover Pro touchscreen infotainment system from 10 inches and the Volkswagen digital cockpit.



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