The new Golf R will leapfrog the current GTI (and the old R32) with a 265 hp turbocharged 2.0 liter engine, dual-clutch Direct Shift Gearbox (or conventional six-speed manual) and permanent all-wheel-drive. With 15 more hp than the old R32, the Golf R should be significantly quicker (expect 0-60 in about 5.5 seconds vs. low sixes for the R32) and with a revised/updated chassis and "active" suspension with multi-mode settings ("normal," "comfort" and "sport") it should ride and handle even better, too.
But the most welcome news may be the Golf R's available manual gearbox. The R32 only offered the DSG "clutchless automatic" - which delivered race driver shifts but just wasn't as much fun as handing the gear changes (and working the clutch) yourself.
VW hasn't said yet whether the new R will be a limited-run model like the R32 (only 5,000 were built annually) so if you're interested in one of these, don't wait too long to visit your local VW store.
But the most welcome news may be the Golf R's available manual gearbox. The R32 only offered the DSG "clutchless automatic" - which delivered race driver shifts but just wasn't as much fun as handing the gear changes (and working the clutch) yourself.
VW hasn't said yet whether the new R will be a limited-run model like the R32 (only 5,000 were built annually) so if you're interested in one of these, don't wait too long to visit your local VW store.
