The latest Volkswagen Golf R, the most powerful version of the Golf ever to be sold in North America, will make its debut on this continent at the 1014 North American International Auto Show next week.
Output from the turbocharged 2.0-litre TSI four-cylinder engine is transferred to the road via either a six-speed manual or a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and a permanent AWD system.
The all-wheel-drive system is the latest version of VW's 4MOTION with a fifth-generation Haldex coupling.
Dynamic enhancements include a new sport suspension, "progressive" variable-ratio steering system, and a stability control system ("ESC Sport") that can now be deactivated for track driving. Other highlights include an optional DCC dynamic chassis control system.
Equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, VW says the Golf R will accelerate from 0-to-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds; with the six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic, transmission, in just 4.9.
Inside, the Golf R includes sport seats with leather seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped three-spoke sport steering wheel, ambient lighting, and R-specific instrumentation.
The Golf R will be launched in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2015 in four-door form only.