Autocar understands the Golf R will adopt a reconfigured version of Volkswagen’s seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, including revised gear ratios and launch control.
It’s also expected to use the RS3’s Torque Splitter – a mechanical torque-vectoring rear differential – which helped the RS3 set a Nürburgring lap time of 7min 40.748sec in 2021. VW is aiming for the special model to propel the Golf R back to the top of Volkswagen’s in-house leaderboard. The Golf GTI Edition 50 is currently the quickest variant around the Nordschleife with a time of 7min 46.13sec. For reference, the Golf R 25 Years achieved 7min 47.31sec.
Styling changes are expected too. Spy photos of the car testing show that new intakes have been cut into the bonnet, and larger ones adorn the front end, to significantly improve airflow to the new engine.
At the rear, a more aggressive roof-mounted spoiler can be seen, as well as a new diffuser. The production model’s quad exhausts are expected to feature titanium tips and active flaps to further refine acoustics.
Inside, weight-saving measures such as lightweight bucket options are likely to feature, similar to the GTI Edition 50.
An unveiling is tipped to take place next year, with UK sales set to coincide with Volkswagen R’s 25th anniversary in 2027.
When it arrives, the five-pot Golf is expected to be the last to use a non-electrified powertrain. VW plans to launch its first full-hybrid Golf around the same time, using the same hybrid set-up mooted for the next-generation T-Roc. Further-developed versions of its plug-in hybrid system – such as in the GTE – will follow ahead of the launch of the first fully electric Golf, which is pencilled in to arrive by the end of the decade.