Next-Generation Volkswagen Golf R Promises Pumped-Up Power
Ahead of its reveal later this week — Wednesday, a day that will surely be completely normal and calm here in the U.S. — Volkswagen is giving us a peek at its upcoming Golf R, the German automaker’s hottest hatch.
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Shop the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R near you
VW is still being coy about specifics regarding the new Golf R, but has revealed a few details, and there are two more things we can glean from the teaser image of the rear hatch.
What We Know
The next Golf R will be powered by what VW calls the “most powerful version” of the Golf lineup’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It will still have all-wheel drive, like its predecessors, and will include VW’s Dynamic Chassis Control adaptive damping system and electronic locking differentials. We can also see from the photo that it will wear the newest version of VW’s badge and will be offered in a lovely shade of blue.
What We Expect
While we know the turbo-four powering the Golf R will be the most powerful in the Golf lineup, VW hasn’t told us just how powerful. However, since its debut with 238 horsepower in 2002, the Golf R has grown more powerful with each subsequent generation and the most recent version had 292 hp, so it seems like 300-plus isn’t out of the question for the fifth Golf R. That would put it closer to competitors like the Honda Civic Type R and Subaru WRX STi.
Volkswagen also hasn’t provided any transmission details, but we expect there to be both a manual and automatic option — previous generations offered a dual-clutch auto.
When Will We See It?
The new Volkswagen Golf R makes its official debut Wednesday, so be sure to check back here at Cars.com for all the details.
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