The new eighth generation 2022 Golf R is the most powerful and capable Golf ever offered by Volkswagen. The all-wheel drive hot hatch’s 1,984 cc inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine delivers 315 hp, up 27 hp from the previous generation. Maximum torque is up from 280 to 310 lb-ft and is available from 2,100 rpm to 5,350 rpm. The fourth-generation engine also features efficient thermal management with a short warm-up phase which reduces fuel consumption.

The standard all-wheel drive system helps launch the new Golf R from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.7 seconds. Top speed is 250 km/h (155 mph). Other new features of the 2022 Golf R include a newly developed torque vectoring 4Motion all-wheel-drive system and a Vehicle Dynamics Manager. The 4Motion setup features selective wheel torque control on the rear axle. The rear differential distributes the power between the front and rear axles, and between the two rear wheels. The result is increased agility of the Golf R, particularly when cornering.

The 2022 Golf R underwent its final tuning at the famed Nurburgring Nordschleife race track in Germany. The DSG dual-clutch automatic version can lap the Nurburgring up to 17 seconds quicker than the previous generation Golf R.

For the first time ever, new “Special” and “Drift” driving modes have been added, in addition to Comfort, Sport, Race and Individual. In Drift mmode, the ESC stability control changes to Sport and the distribution of power enables the Golf R to drift. To help ensure that this mode is only used on private roads or race tracks, the infotainment system will display a confirmation prompt before it is activated.

In the Race profile, the coasting function is deactivated, the engine sound is increased, and the DSG, DCC, steering and the all-wheel-drive system are adjusted to the sportier setup. Compared to Race mode, the Special profile has softer damping settings, to make sure the Golf R can maintain maximum contact with the road on an undulating race track like the Nordschleife. Downshifts in automatic DSG mode, depending on the brake pressure, assist with the braking ahead of corners.

The 2022 Golf R has a new front bumper with a motorsport-style splitter and R-specific air intake grilles. The top of the radiator grille features a blue crossbar which lights up as an LED strip as soon as the engine starts and stretches all the way into the fenders to act as the daytime running lights. A sunroof is now standard. 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with summer performance tires are standard, as are blue brake calipers with the R logo on the front brakes. Matte chrome exterior mirror caps project the R logo onto the ground when the doors are opened and closed.

The rear bumper incorporates a newly designed high-gloss black diffuser. It is framed at the sides by chrome-plated twin tailpipes for the standard sport exhaust system. A roof spoiler provides aerodynamic downforce for the rear axle. The R is 0.8-inches lower than the standard Golf. The new Golf

R is only available in three colours. Lapiz Blue Metallic is the signature color for the R, but it will also be available in Pure White or Deep Black Pearl Effect.

The driver and front passenger seats are the top-of-the-range sport seats with Nappa leather seating surfaces that feature carbon-look elements with blue accents in the side sections, as well as a blue R logo in the backrest. The heated and multifunction leather sport steering wheel has ergonomically shaped DSG paddles, blue contrast stitching, and an R button for direct selection of the driving profiles. The R button activates Race profile directly.

Other standard equipment includes: carbon look dash panel décor; R-specific door trim; brushed stainless-steel pedal caps and driver footrest; and 30-color ambient lighting for the dash panel and doors that is synchronized with the display.

The new Golf R has an improved braking system with front disc brakes that are now 14.1 inches by 1.3 inches wide, up from 13.4 inches in diameter and 1.2 inches wide. The front calipers have two pistons, made from aluminum that reduce the mass by 60 percent per side. The 6-speed manual transmission is standard, an optional 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission is also available.

The new Golf R will go on sale as a 2022 model during the latter part of 2021.