Video: 2015 Volkswagen Golf R - 2014 Chicago Auto Show

This is a performance hatchback based on the redesigned to seventh generation Golf and GTI. And it's Volkswagen's answer to cars like the Subaru WRX STI and the Ford Focus ST. Let's break it down. We'll start with what helps the Golf R kick some arse. This is the turbo two liter four cylinder from the GTI, but Volkswagen says the fuel injection system, the pistons, the cylinder head and the turbo itself are either redesigned or all new in the Golf R. The results, 290 horsepower, 280 pounds feet of torque, up 34 horsepower, 37 pounds feet of torque, versus the prior generation Golf R. Zero to 60 happens in about five seconds with the six speed manual transmission, under five seconds with the new six speed dual clutch automatic transmission. All wheel drive still standard on the Golf R but it decouples the rear wheels now under light loads. Volkswagen says it re-couples things pretty fast. The key will be just how fast it can do that so the Golf R avoids feeling like a front wheel drive car. Volkswagen's VDS cross differential system acts like a limited slip differential, which should help handling. Now the GTI has these sort of claw like strikes that come in on the sides of the bumpers, not a big fan of those. I like what the Golf R does here a lot better. These are more traditional kinda openings here. Horseshoe shaped LEDs ring the headlights on the Golf R. In back the quad tailpipes, a little bit of overkill. I kinda like the dual tail pipes from the old Golf R instead. These suspension renders ride height nearly an inch lower than the Golf, about a quarter inch lower than the GTI. Volkswagen's dynamic chassis control system is optional and it comes with an adaptive suspension. Aside from a few R badges in areas like the steering wheel and the front seats. Not a lotta changes on the inside. Flat bottom steering wheel, highly bolstered sports seats in the Golf R, but the GTI gets those things too. Styling, conservative, but high quality inside the new Golf, things like padding where it counts, upscale touches like fabric down the A pillars, mean that you don't have to sacrifice on quality to get the performance in the Golf R. Most of the Golf R success will depend on how it drives. So stay tuned for our driving impressions closer to the cars on sale date, which isn't for awhile yet. The new Golf and GTI arrive in spring 2014, the Golf R doesn't show up until early 2015. (car engine revving)