Basics:
QUOTE
Unlike past "R" models like the R32 where the engine displacement was part of the name, the numeric designation has been dropped and the model is now simply called Golf R. More importantly, the new model breaks with past Golf R tradition and is now powered by a 270hp turbocharged 2.0l four-cylinder (2.0T) borrowed from the new GTI and sent to the weight room for strength conditioning to the head bolts, connecting rods and engine block.
The new Golf R utilizes a newer version of the Haldex all-wheel-drive system that does not require slip to engage AWD. Rather the new system is pre-primed and looks at throttle position and torque being delivered to determine how much clutch-pack locking to initiate. What this means is if the car is floored from a standing start, the electronics automatically assume that maximum torque is required and pre-engages the AWD system to maximize grip for the launch. When the car is normally driving down the highway in a situation where AWD isn't necessary, the system disengages the AWD clutch pack to reduce frictional losses and improve economy. Overall the new system is far more responsive and progressive in its behavior...
...Volkswagen of America won't officially say whether the Golf R is coming to America. We know they are looking at the numbers to see if it makes sense for our market. Internally Volkswagen of America would like to see both two and four door models with a choice of DSG or six-speed manual offered, but only if it can be done at the right price.
The new Golf R utilizes a newer version of the Haldex all-wheel-drive system that does not require slip to engage AWD. Rather the new system is pre-primed and looks at throttle position and torque being delivered to determine how much clutch-pack locking to initiate. What this means is if the car is floored from a standing start, the electronics automatically assume that maximum torque is required and pre-engages the AWD system to maximize grip for the launch. When the car is normally driving down the highway in a situation where AWD isn't necessary, the system disengages the AWD clutch pack to reduce frictional losses and improve economy. Overall the new system is far more responsive and progressive in its behavior...
...Volkswagen of America won't officially say whether the Golf R is coming to America. We know they are looking at the numbers to see if it makes sense for our market. Internally Volkswagen of America would like to see both two and four door models with a choice of DSG or six-speed manual offered, but only if it can be done at the right price.
Details:
QUOTE
-The 1,984 cm3 TSI’s specific power is a respectable 100.3 kW/136.6 HP per litre displacement, and its response is just as impressive. The engine’s power can be spontaneously summoned in the blink of an eye throughout its speed range...The four-cylinder engine develops its tremendous propulsive power via a turbocharger (up to 1.2 bar boost pressure) with intercooling. The engine, with a weight of just 152 kilograms (335 lbs.), is controlled by a fully electronic engine management system with E-Gas. The cylinders of the four-cylinder engine have been equipped with reinforcing bolts, unlike less powerful TSI versions. Also designed to be stronger are the connecting rods, so that they can reliably transfer the engine’s high torque to the crankshaft. Last but not least the cylinder block was also reinforced to handle the aggressive engine forces.
-Activation of the all-wheel differential no longer requires a difference in speeds between the front and rear axles. That is because, different than on the previous generation, for the first time an electric pump is used to build pressure. The electric pump supplies oil to a hydraulic reservoir whose working pressure is 30 bar. A control module computes the ideal drive torque for the rear axle and controls, via a valve, how much oil pressure is applied to the working pistons of the multi-plate clutch. The contact pressure at the clutch plates rises in proportion to the desired torque at the rear axle. The amount of torque that is transferred can be varied continuously with the magnitude of the pressure applied to the clutch plates. Compared to the previous 4MOTION generation, the system operates independent of slip, since the system’s working pressure is always available.
-In front the familiar McPherson strut suspension with helical springs and telescoping shock absorbers; and at the rear a multi-link suspension ensures that the standard ESP seldom needs to intervene. Nonetheless, the basic layout was transformed into a sport chassis with ride-height lowered 25 millimetres, and the springs, dampers and stabilisers were completely retuned to match.
-In place of a 16-inch system, a 17-inch brake system is used with internally ventilated discs all around and R-specific brake calipers painted a high-gloss black with R logo. In front the discs are 345 millimetres in diameter, and 310 millimetres at the rear.
-The electronic stabilisation program (ESP) was also modified. It can be switched to a new Sport mode via the ESP button. During very fast and curve-filled drives – as on a circuit – the ESP system delays intervention, enabling even more responsive handling properties. The electro-mechanical power-assisted steering of the Golf R was also given a sportier characteristic. If the sports car is ordered with the optional DCC dynamic chassis control option, the power-assisted steering even assumes a specially tuned characteristic for each of the system’s driving modes (Sport, Normal, Comfort).
-The chassis maintains contact with the road through its standard newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels (“Talladega” type) with 225/40 tyres. As an option, the same wheels are available in a 19-inch version with 235/35 tyres.
-Activation of the all-wheel differential no longer requires a difference in speeds between the front and rear axles. That is because, different than on the previous generation, for the first time an electric pump is used to build pressure. The electric pump supplies oil to a hydraulic reservoir whose working pressure is 30 bar. A control module computes the ideal drive torque for the rear axle and controls, via a valve, how much oil pressure is applied to the working pistons of the multi-plate clutch. The contact pressure at the clutch plates rises in proportion to the desired torque at the rear axle. The amount of torque that is transferred can be varied continuously with the magnitude of the pressure applied to the clutch plates. Compared to the previous 4MOTION generation, the system operates independent of slip, since the system’s working pressure is always available.
-In front the familiar McPherson strut suspension with helical springs and telescoping shock absorbers; and at the rear a multi-link suspension ensures that the standard ESP seldom needs to intervene. Nonetheless, the basic layout was transformed into a sport chassis with ride-height lowered 25 millimetres, and the springs, dampers and stabilisers were completely retuned to match.
-In place of a 16-inch system, a 17-inch brake system is used with internally ventilated discs all around and R-specific brake calipers painted a high-gloss black with R logo. In front the discs are 345 millimetres in diameter, and 310 millimetres at the rear.
-The electronic stabilisation program (ESP) was also modified. It can be switched to a new Sport mode via the ESP button. During very fast and curve-filled drives – as on a circuit – the ESP system delays intervention, enabling even more responsive handling properties. The electro-mechanical power-assisted steering of the Golf R was also given a sportier characteristic. If the sports car is ordered with the optional DCC dynamic chassis control option, the power-assisted steering even assumes a specially tuned characteristic for each of the system’s driving modes (Sport, Normal, Comfort).
-The chassis maintains contact with the road through its standard newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels (“Talladega” type) with 225/40 tyres. As an option, the same wheels are available in a 19-inch version with 235/35 tyres.
Sounds to me like a pretty impressive evolution of the S3 on the updated MkVI chassis. This probably means the R36 will never happen, but I suspect it will be a pretty big improvement over the R32 dynamically, though many will miss that VR6.
