New Golf R for North America

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.

With an estimated 290 horsepower, and 280 lb-ft of torque, the new Golf R has 34 horsepower more than the previous version, which was sold as a 2013 model, but it is expected to be considerably more fuel-efficient than its predecessor.

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.

Exclusive Golf R features include specially designed bumpers, side skirts, and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, as well as standard Bi-Xenon headlights with newly designed LED daytime running lights (in a dual-U design) and a two-branch exhaust system with four chrome tips.

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.