VW Golf-R Official for US
 

Looks like VW is bringing the Golf-R stateside.

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog....r20-630_01.jpg

It's been a couple of years since Volkswagen's heavyweight hot hatch, the R32, graced America's shores, but now we have official word of a successor. Tuned by the in-house R team at Volkswagen, the Golf R should be a good bit more exciting than its already entertaining forebear, and hopefully, it will shave a few pounds off, too.

Unlike the R32, which was powered by VW's popular VR6, the new model will be powered by Volkswagen's ubiquitous turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. And while Volkswagen isn't quoting power output for the new U.S. model, the European version currently on sale conjures up 270 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. All of that gumption will be routed through VW's fourth generation Haldex 4Motion all-wheel drive system, which means the VW should once again be a good foil for cars like the Subaru WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart.

Along with the power increase, VW is promising bigger brakes, an uprated suspension, 18-inch wheels, center-exit dual exhaust and a more liberally tuned ESP. Perhaps most interestingly, the Golf R will be available in both two and four doors and be paired exclusively with a manual transmission. That's right, we said it.

Although the press release after the jump doesn't mention when it will debut (our money's on Detroit), additional R accoutrements include model-specific aero bits and badging, along with upgrated trim and a new steering wheel, shift knob, and so on.

In other words, it's time to get excited.

Looks like it'll hit the shores 4th quarter of 2011.

So...Anyone jumping ship over to VW? haha

never been a fan of hatches, but with that power and as light as it is, its gonna be a peppy lil daily driver.

I would make the jump back, and this has been tempting me since the rumors started about it... We will see what happens when it hits showrooms, odds are they won't be on the lots for long. Since it will be both 2 and 4 door and a manual. It is back to the enthusiast side with usability...

ok, this makes it worthwhile as my potential next dd. the reason why i did not get the R32 was because it only came in DSG and a 3 door hatch. i hate automatics and 3door hatches are very clumsy when you got little kids that can't yet strap themselves in.

5door hatch and 6MT would be perfect. :p

the sirocco would be nice to have stateside too

i would love this as DD!

i'm all for power and efficiency but if you've heard the unique goosebumps-inducing sound of the R32 at about 5k+ rpm, you will know why i'm sad to hear it's not gonna continue to be the top model... the last model was a fantastic car and i don't see this one being much lighter. i think i'd rather buy a used v6 model than this one honestly

My brother just purchased a new Golf R 4DR Loaded.

He was considering a touring/sport 370Z 6spd and they are really nice car's but he decided on the VW made a better DD and it has planty of tuning potential.

So far he loves it.

cool. yah, ive seen a few of the 3door R's and they look and sound good. i couldn't tell the difference from a GTI at first look though since it was rolling.

Wish the price point was lower, but I love the idea of a powerful AWD golf with a manual tranny

I've been thinking about trading in my MKV GTI for a Golf R. I'm still thinking it over mainly due to the price. My GTI is fully equipped so it's almost the same just a newer more powerful drive train.

Coming from an MKV R32 owner, this is good news. This may be on my radar for a DD when I get tired of my current R.

Oh Yeah! :tup:

Nothing new in Canada. It's been here since 2007. It was originally called the Rabbit-GTI and is now known as the Golf-GTI.

EDIT: Opps... me bad! It's an AWD? THAT, we don't have in Canada. Sorry.

I took a white 4dr Golf R for a test drive the other day and the car has some balls for a little VW. It's quick, grips, and produces a nice sound. Gearbox is smooth and easy to operate. Very responsive car. And not to mention how luxurious it is on the inside made with all Audi quality material. It's a great car overall and very mod friendly with APR tuning known to put almost 400hp in the higher stages. Obviously not quicker than an STi or EVO but still a good car nontheless and not to mention rarity. Quality solid German vehicle, would be a great DD or even winter car.