Volkswagen Golf R la Frankfurt 2009

The enormous efficiency gain of the new Golf R is not based on
some magical trick, rather it is the result of highly advanced
downsizing. Its legendary predecessor generated its power from a
displacement of 3.2 litres („32”) and six cylinders. In the new
model, this is done with four cylinders and 2.0 litres of
displacement – a highly advanced direct injection petrol engine
with turbocharging (TSI). At the fuel pump and on the winding
mountain road, this high-tech alliance is superior to a classic six
cylinder unit with multi-point injection. Proving that even the
sound of a four cylinder can leave a strong impression are the
fifth and sixth generations of the VW Golf GTI,
which is also powered by a four cylinder TSI. And the Volkswagen
Golf R exhibits an even greater „sound range.”

The TSI’s torque characteristic is just as impressive. By
comparison: The six cylinder of the previous model developed a
maximum torque of 320 Newton-meters at 2,500 rpm. And that was
already remarkably good. The turbo four-cylinder direct injection
engine of the new Volkswagen Golf R, on the other hand, transfers
350 Newton-meters torque to the crankshaft, which is also available
starting at 2,500 rpm, but it can maintain this peak value up to
5,000 rpm. So the new car delivers a fascinatingly high level of
basic dynamic performance. The Volkswagen Golf R32 and Golf R are
really only equal in one discipline; they both have a top speed of
250 km/h (electronically limited on the Volkswagen Golf R).

TSI of the Volkswagen Golf R

The EA113 series direct-injection petrol engine is used in the
new Volkswagen Golf R; its turbocharger makes it very flexible and
variable right up into the highest performance ranges. The 1,984
cm3 TSI’s specific power is a respectable 100.3 kW / 136.6 PS 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 engine also impressively
underscores its potential acoustically. Visually too: Its two
chrome tailpipes can be seen at the centre of the bumper under the
diffuser integrated there – an „R trait” that the previous model
also displayed.

The in-line 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,
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.

New all-wheel drive on the Volkswagen Golf
R

As standard equipment, the Volkswagen Golf R transfers the TSI’s
power to the road via the latest generation of Volkswagen’s 4Motion
all-wheel drive system. Compared to the version implemented in the
Golf R32, the system underwent significant advanced development.
Above all, power transmission between the front and rear axles –
especially the all-wheel differential that operates in an oil bath
– exhibits clear advances compared to the previous generation. The
most important one: 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. When
starting up and accelerating, this prevents spinning of the wheels
at the front axle more effectively, since the control module
regulates the torque distribution based on dynamic axle loads. In
extreme cases, nearly 100 percent of the drive torque can be
directed to the rear axle. This results in further gains in active
safety and dynamic performance.

Sport chassis and brakes on the VW Golf R

When it came to the chassis, development engineers were able to
adopt the first-class system in the current production Golf. This
means: 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.

The brake system was also modified for the higher level of
driving performance on the Volkswagen Golf R. 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 motorsport race course – the ESP
system delays intervention, enabling even more responsive handling
properties. The electro-mechanical power-assist 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-assist 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.

Exterior features of the VW Golf R

Like the first two generations of the Super Golf (I starting in
2002, II in 2005) and the new sister model, the Volkswagen
Scirocco R, the new Golf R too sports a completely
modified set of exterior and interior features. Volkswagen
designers, led by Klaus Bischoff, have given the Volkswagen Golf R
an independent image with a bundle of well-coordinated refinements.
The Volkswagen Golf R unmistakably marks the peak of the model
series, and the quality of its styling follows the basic postulate
of „La Semplicità” set forth by the Head of Group Design, Walter de
Silva.

Outside, the customisation includes new wheels and brakes as
well as new bumper designs. In front, three very large air intakes
characterise the VW Golf R in the bumper area; the louvres on the
intakes are painted in high-gloss black, and standard LED strips
that serves as daytime running lights are integrated in the two
outer air intakes. Also painted in high-gloss black are the two
louvres of the radiator grille. Placed on the right side of the
grille is the newly designed R logo in chrome. Bi-Xenon headlights,
included without surcharge, illuminate the way through the night.
On its sides, the Volkswagen Golf R is identified by its Talladega
wheels, side skirt extensions in car colour and mirror housings
painted in high-gloss black.

It is also possible to recognise the Volkswagen Golf R as an
independent top model at the rear. Along with the bumper with
diffuser and tailpipes, R logo and larger roof edge spoiler, the
newly developed taillights stand out. They operate with standard,
distinctive LED technology. The taillight covers are also
smoked.

Interior features of the VW Golf R

The sixth generation Volkswagen Golf, with its
high-end interior materials, breaks through boundaries to the next
higher class. The Golf R also benefits from this quality image; it
is in a league of its own based on its power reserves. Additional
special upgrades developed by Volkswagen Individual underscore the
car’s high-class positioning.

A key equipment option here is the newly designed „Top Sport
seat system” with its excellent ergonomic properties. The driver
just sits down, adjusts the seat longitudinally and in height,
adjusts the steering wheel, buckles up, and is ready to go. The
seat fits as though tailor-made. Together with the similarly
customised Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf GTD, the
Golf R sets standards here among the international competition. The
centre panels of the sport seats are upholstered in the honeycomb
textured grey-black „Kyalami” design – named after the race course
by the same name in South Africa. The front edge of the seat is
upholstered in Titan Black fabric, while the inside panels of the
side supports are upholstered with crystal-grey „San Remo”
micro-fibres. The rest of the seat components and the roofliner are
coloured black. The new R logo is embroidered in the front head
restraints as well. Motorsport shell seats for driver and front
passenger are also available as an option. In this case, the centre
seat panels are upholstered in the „San Remo” micro-fibre fabric.
On the outside, the shell seats are covered with black leather.

All seams of the interior are in „Art Grey”; this is also true
of the decorative seams on the three-spoke leather steering wheel.
Perforated leather is used at the top and bottom of the steering
wheel, ensuring maximum hand grip. The sides of the steering wheel
featuring ergonomic motorsport attributes are covered by continuous
leather. Spokes in fine black piano paint add an elegant aspect to
complete the sporty image. The centre steering wheel spoke bears
the new R logo. The fascinating material contrast of piano paint
and chrome conveys an image of the passion for finesse and
precision in every detail.

Other new design features include the R gearshift knob, carpet
floor mats, aluminium door tread plates with R logo and the
instruments with their blue pointers. Stainless steel sport pedals
and R-specific instrument and door accents in „Silver Lane” style
complete the customisation. Another standard feature on the
Volkswagen Golf R is an automatic climate control system
(„Climatronic”), „RCD 310” radio-CD system (4 x 20 Watt) including
MP3 player plus dual tuners. The Volkswagen Golf R can be ordered
in Germany starting at the end of 2009.

Familia R număra până acum doar
VW Scirocco R, dar acum a apărut probabil cel mai aşteptat R şi
anume Volkswagen Golf R. Acest model vine ca o extensie a lui VW
Golf GTI în lupta cu concurenţii care i-au luat faţa celui care
practic a stârnit curentul hot hatch. Astfel versiunea R
oferă 265 CP şi 350 Nm cuplu, furnizaţi de acelaşi motor de 2.0
litri, dar reglat după reţeta lui Audi S3. Puterea este
pusă la pământ prin intermediul tracţiuni integrale 4Motion.

Performanţele lui VW Golf R se profilează astfel: 5,5
secunde pentru a atinge 100 km/h cu cutie manuală şi 5,4 secunde la
acelaşi sprint dar cu DSG, iar viteza maximă ar trebui să
fie limitată la 250 km/h. Aceste performanţe sunt practic
congruente cu cele ale predecesorului său VW Golf R32. Diferenţa în
favoarea lui R este că oferă o putere mai mare, dintr-un motor mai
mic, deci ar trebui să fie şi mai economic şi mai ecologic decât
fostul performer al gamei Golf.

Vizual, rămâne un Volkswagen Golf, Dar nu pare o versiune 1.1 a
actualului VW Golf GTI, având o identitate proprie. Kit-ul are un
aspect mult mai agresiv, cu prize mari exact în genul lui Scirocco
R şi cei care tânjeau după LED-uri le pot avea acum pe Golf R.
Păstrând specificul lui R32 şi actualul R are evacuări duble
plasate tot central. Interiorul este mult mai sportiv decât la GTI,
având scaune mult mai bine profilate şi o tapiţerie în două culori,
în locul cele tradiţionale de la GTI.

Iată cel mai performant Golf al momentului şi ruda sa Scirocco
la o demonstraţie pe circuit.