The Volkswagen Golf R with a manual gearbox reaches 100 km/h after just 5.1 seconds (previous model: 5.7 s); with an automatic dual clutch gearbox (DSG) the sports car completes the classic sprint in an even faster 4.9 seconds. The car's top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. Despite the car's exceptionally agile driving performance and 30 PS more power, fuel consumption of the Golf R was reduced from 8.5 to 7.1 l/100 km compared to that of the previous model. CO2 emissions were also improved from 199 to 165 g/km. Even more fuel efficient is the Golf R that is equipped with a Stop-Start system and battery regeneration, together with the optional 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG). In this configuration, fuel consumption is 6.9 l/100 km (159 g/km CO2). Fuel savings compared to the previous model with DSG (8.4 l/100 km) are 1.5 l/100 km, which represents the mentioned 18 per cent improvement.
The new Golf R is equipped with an extensive package of customised and exclusive features. Along with specially designed bumpers, side sills and 18-inch alloy wheels, the VW Golf R can also be visually distinguished as an impressive sports car by details such as standard bi-xenon headlights with newly designed LED daytime running lights (in dual-U design), dark red LED rear lights and two-branch exhaust system with four chrome tailpipes. Inside, the Golf R underlines its position as the flagship of the model range with sport seats in a "fabric-Alcantara" material mix, leather-trimmed three-spoke sport steering wheel, ambience lighting, automatic climate control and a radio-CD system with touchscreen. The market launch of the most powerful and fuel-efficient Golf R as a two and four-door car will take place in the fourth quarter of 2013.
High-tech turbocharged engine
Like the current Golf GTI, the Volkswagen Golf R is powered by further advanced engine design of the four-cylinder EA888 engine series. Compared to the previous engine, numerous technical details were modified to reduce fuel consumption and emissions and at the same time to increase power and torque values. The engine has a newly designed cylinder head, for example. Compared to the 169 kW / 230 PS Golf GTI Performance, designers boosted engine power of the Golf R by 70 to 221 kW / 300 PS (from 5,500 to 6,200 rpm), creating one of the most powerful four-cylinder engines. Maximum torque has increased 30 Nm to 380 Newton metres; it is available over a broad speed range from 1,800 to 5,500 rpm. To attain these values, the TSI, with a displacement of 1,984 cc, was subjected to a development programme similar to that of a motorsport engine. The following components were modified or completely redesigned compared to the already highly agile GTI engine: the cylinder head (together with exhaust valves, valve seats and springs), pistons, high-pressure injection valves as well as the turbocharger.
Efficient thermal management
The turbocharged direct petrol injection engines of the EA888 series all have innovative detailed solutions such as water-cooled exhaust gas channels running through the cylinder head to the turbocharger (to reduce efficiently full-load fuel consumption) and a dual injection system with direct injection and multi-port injection. Thanks to its new fully-electronic coolant control system, thermal management of the TSI in the Golf R is also much more efficient with a reduced warm-up phase; this reduces friction losses and fuel consumption. In addition, the TSI has variable valve timing with dual camshaft adjustment. In addition, valve lift on the exhaust side can be switched in two stages. This solution enables optimal control of the charge exchange process for better performance, fuel economy and low emissions.
Fifth-generation Haldex coupling
Permanent 4MOTION all-wheel drive has always been a trait of the Golf R. The latest generation 4MOTION system is now being used in the fourth-generation Volkswagen Golf R. This all-wheel drive system is coupled with a 6-speed gearbox that has a reinforced clutch and short-travel shifting. Another optional feature is automatic shifting with a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) that also offers manual shifting as an alternative.
The 4MOTION all-wheel drive system of the Golf R, further perfected by enhancements such as the Haldex 5 coupling, is activated even before any wheel starts to slip. This eliminates nearly all traction losses. The system achieves this by using an advanced control function based on specific driving conditions. When operating under a relatively low load or when coasting, forward propulsion comes primarily from the front axle, and the rear axle is decoupled. This basic drive layout saves fuel. However, the rear axle of the Golf R can be variably engaged in fractions of a second whenever necessary. This is done via a Haldex coupling, which is activated by an electro-hydraulic oil pump.
Situation-based power distribution
A control unit continually calculates the ideal drive torque for the rear axle and controls how much the multi-plate clutch should be closed by activating the oil pump. The oil pressure increases the contact pressure at the clutch plates in proportion to the torque desired at the rear axle. So, the amount of pressure applied to the clutch plates can be used to vary continuously the magnitude of the transmitted torque. The wheels of the 300 PS Golf R are prevented from spinning even when driving off and accelerating, because the control unit regulates the torque distribution as a function of dynamic axle loads. Activation of the Haldex 5 coupling is based primarily on the engine torque demanded by the driver. In parallel, a driving status identification system within the all-wheel drive control unit evaluates such parameters as wheel speeds and steering angle. If necessary, nearly 100 per cent of the drive torque can be directed to the rear axle.
Four-wheel EDS as transverse locks
In addition to the Haldex coupling that acts as a longitudinal lock, four electronic differential locks (EDS) integrated in the electronic stability control system act as transverse locks. The system briefly brakes a wheel that is slipping, enabling uninterrupted and stable transfer of drive power to the wheel on the opposite side. In the Golf R, the electronic differential locks are implemented at both axles in what is referred to as four-wheel EDS.
XDS+ makes tracking in bends more precise
In addition, the Golf R is equipped with XDS+ at the front and rear axles. This brakes the wheels on the inside of a bend during fast driving through bends, optimising steering behaviour. In the latest version, known as XDS+, this functionality is applied to a larger range of dynamic performance - making the vehicle more agile even when the car is not in an acceleration state. In technical terms, XDS+ is a functional extension of the electronic differential locks. When the car is being driven fast, as soon as the electronics detect excessively light loads on wheels on the inside of a bend, the hydraulics of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) apply brake pressure to this wheel to restore optimal traction. XDS+ thereby operates as a transverse differential lock that compensates for understeer during fast cornering.
ESC Sport
The new Volkswagen Golf R is equipped with the "ESC Sport" function as standard. The system is activated by a two-stage switch on the centre console. When the driver presses this switch briefly, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) switches to the "ESC Sport" mode. In very fast driving with lots of bends - such as on a race track - the ESC system reacts with a delay, which enables even more agile handling properties. When the ESC button is pressed for longer than three seconds, the system is fully deactivated for professional driving on a race track - this deactivation is only available in the Golf R and not in any other models of the Golf series.
Synthesis of sportiness and comfort
The Golf R has a sport suspension setup that is individually tuned to the 300 PS all-wheel drive car. Compared to the base Golf, its ride height was lowered by 20 mm, which makes the Golf R 5 mm lower than the GTI. In the Golf R, a MacPherson-type front suspension (spring struts) with a newly developed low wishbone and track-stabilising scrub radius delivers optimal handling and steering properties and well-balanced vibration behaviour. The multi-link rear suspension of the all-wheel drive Golf R was enhanced in numerous areas; among other improvements, Volkswagen perfected this modular high-performance suspension's lateral rigidity, which is necessary for steering, by implementing new bearing tuning of the steering link.
Dynamic performance
Engineers designed the basic tuning of the running gear of the new Golf R for maximum driving fun combined with extraordinary driving stability and good long touring comfort. Compared to the previous model, steering response was made even more agile with direct steering gear ratios by the car's progressive steering system. In addition, maximum attainable speeds were significantly increased when driving through bends. The running gear was tuned to be more neutral for this purpose, avoiding understeering all the way up to the car's performance limits.
The new calibration of the all-wheel drive system makes a decisive contribution towards achieving neutral handling. Response times of the Haldex coupling were minimized, and the drive torques that occur in specific driving situations were optimized for maximum neutrality, avoiding self-steering effects even under high load. The result is more uniform and predictable steering response in bends.
To attain optimal mechanical grip, stiffness values were precisely controlled for springs and anti-roll bars and intentionally designed not to be too stiff. In conjunction with the extremely fine adjustment of damper characteristics, the new VW Golf R shows an exceptional ability to follow the line the driver wants to drive precisely - on both flat and uneven route profiles. This makes handling very precise and smooth up to performance limits. The car's neutral handling in curves is also combined with very good driving stability thanks to the innovative layout of all running gear components. This excellent driving stability is especially noticeable in lane changes and load alterations. In tuning the new Golf R, the development team also focused on harmonious and predictable reactions of the running gear.
Ride comfort
Along with dynamic performance, suspension comfort was perfected compared to the previous model. The running gear harmoniously absorbs both small and large unevenness of the road surface. With the very large spread of positive properties mentioned - direct, neutral and stable handling combined with a high level of ride comfort - the running gear of the Golf R delivers a unique synthesis of maximum dynamic performance and ideal long touring capabilities.
Progressive steering
Like the Golf GTI, the Golf R is equipped with the newly developed progressive steering system as standard. Drivers do not need to turn the steering wheel as much to turn a desired radius; they also do not need to reach over the steering wheel as often in tight bends. With progressive steering, it takes 2.1 turns of the wheel (380°) to reach the end stop; with the standard steering system of less powerful Golf models it takes 2.75 turns (500°). Background: Conventional steering systems operate with a constant gear ratio. The new steering of the Golf R meanwhile operates with a progressive steering gear ratio. This perceptibly reduces steering effort in manoeuvring and parking. On country roads with lots of bends, and when making turns, the driver experiences a plus in dynamics due to the more direct layout.
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