Volkswagen Golf R finds fairway for 2012 U.S. release

Volkswagen Golf triumphantly returned to the North American market in the 2010 model year and brought a trophy box full of honors. The new Golf also brought a redesigned GTI version, which filled the faces of Volkswagen drivers with a fiery smile. Since the 2010 Golf GTI sparked a surge in adrenaline, the addition of Volkswagen Golf R in 2012 is likely to attract some popular incubators. As Europe's top Volkswagen Golf model, the Golf R is newly planned to be launched in the United States. By improving the performance to an additional level, it inherits the well-loved GTI version.

Identified by its unique front and rear fascia, the Volkswagen Golf R is a hot hatchback that does not want to draw immediately show its muscle. Other styling details that accompany the R badging of either the 3-door or 5-door model coming statewide includes special “Talladega” style 18-inch alloy wheels, a body kit as well as a rear diffuser assembly partnered with a dual exhaust.

The Volkswagen Golf R engine will shame the current GTI powerplant’s 200 horsepower and 207 pounds-feet of torque. Producing a little over 266 horsepower from a juiced-up 2.0 turbocharged aided by a new inter-cooler and an improved turbo boost pressure topping out at 1.2 bars (roughly 17.4 PSI). Altogether, the upcoming American Volkswagen Golf R will eclipse the power output last seen with the six-cylinder R32 model in 2008. While a dual-clutch automatic exists for the Golf R European market (similar to the one found inside of the GTI and TDI models), the 2012 Golf R destined for sale on the east side of the Atlantic Ocean will be exclusively fitted with a 6-speed manual gearbox to fully absorb the high-performance driving experience.

From the manual transmission translating the driver’s shift timing, the Volkswagen Golf R’s superior power is translated through a Haldex 4Motion all-wheel drive system. Sourced by the same company that supplied the all-wheel drive system to the Bugatti Veyron and several Saab products, 258 pounds-feet of torque punches out ultimate Volkswagen Golf R performance. Accelerating through a 0 to 62 miles per hour run 1.2 seconds faster than the current Volkswagen Golf GTI, the Golf R’s top-level engine power launches in only 5.7 seconds. Speed electronically tops out at 155 miles per hour while VW’s Electronic Stability Program, sports-tuned suspension and the Golf R’s larger diameter disc brakes harnesses the sport compact car’s four-wheel power supply.

When the Volkswagen Golf R arrives, the vehicle termed as “The fastest ever production Golf” will face-off between a contentious compact sports car collection. The Mitsubishi Eclipse, Volvo C30 and the Hyundai Genesis Coupe are some under $40,000 cars presented in 2011 capable of matching performance wits with the incoming Golf R sub 6-second time.

So far, the German company is only saying the Volkswagen Golf R will be ready for the United States by the 2012 calendar year. More precise details on release and pricing should be forthcoming within North America’s annual winter auto show circuit through 2011. An estimated price tag under $30,000 does not seem impossible. Availability is said to be kept limited for the United States which poises the Golf R three and five-door models will start in the fast line off dealership showrooms.

Information source: Volkswagen

Picture source: Newspress/Volkswagen