Danno

Four-wheel-drive mega-hatch has the backing of VW boss as Mercedes-AMG A45 rival Volkswagen’s R performance division has reignited a development programme on a “close to 400bhp” Golf R Plus model as a range-topping rival to the Mercedes-AMG A45 and Audi RS3. The four-wheel-drive machine would sit above the planned Golf R version in the line-up of the eighth-generation model. Under its skin, it would rely on hardware and technology from the seventh-generation Golf R400 concept shown in 2014 and the Golf TCR race car developed by Volkswagen Motorsport. The secret model is being developed alongside the standard version of the new Golf R at VW’s R&D headquarters in Braunschweig, Germany. VW insiders have claimed it will be the “most extreme and powerful Golf yet”. As an indicator of its potential performance, they pointed to the supercar-like acceleration and top speed of the R400, which was claimed to have a 0-62mph time of just 3.9sec and a 174mph top speed. A source added: “We’re looking at introducing a new ‘halo’ performance model that would offer a level of performance beyond that of the next Golf R.” The new Golf R Plus has not yet been approved for production, but Autocar has been told that it has the support of VW boss Herbert Diess. If it gets the go-ahead, it is likely to join the VW line-up after the new Golf R goes on sale in 2020, at a price similar to that of the £45,250 RS3. Highlighting the advanced state of the Golf R Plus development programme, VW officials confirmed that a styling proposal for the variant has already been completed. It features a considerably more aggressive appearance than the standard version of the next Golf R, with broader front wings that, insiders say, have been adopted in combination with a widened front track. The next-generation Golf will be produced as a five-door only, so both the Golf R and R Plus will be offered in that bodystyle alone. At the heart of the secret new range-topping Golf is a highly tuned version of the Volkswagen Group’s EA888 petrol engine. In the new Golf R, the Audi-developed turbocharged 2.0-litre unit is planned to deliver around 320bhp. But with a range of power-enhancing measures, the engine could ultimately provide the Golf R Plus with between 380bhp and 400bhp. Originally a project of Volkswagen’s former head of petrol engine development, Friedrich Eichler, the powered-up four-cylinder was first showcased in the R400 concept with 395bhp and 332lb ft at the 2014 Beijing motor show. That model was closely considered for production. An even more powerful version of the EA888 with added turbocharger boost pressure and other changes was featured in the Audi Quattro Sport concept, which made its debut at the Geneva motor show in 2014. In that car, it offered 414bhp and 332lb ft of torque. Both projects were placed on hold due to the Dieselgate emission scandal until VW’s head of development, Frank Welsch, decided to revisit the ideas behind the R400 in 2018. New developments brought to the engine of the Golf R Plus include a particulate filter. Like the next Golf GTI, though, it is thought to eschew mild-hybrid electric motor boosting. As with the standard version of the new Golf R, drive is set to be channelled through a standard-fit seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a sixth-generation version of VW’s 4Motion four-wheel-drive system. That set-up will now feature fully variable control that constantly alters the amount of drive being sent to the front and rear axles. The new four-wheel-drive system is likely to operate in combination with VW’s EDS and XDS+ electronic differential locks and a multi-stage ESP stability control system incorporating a drift mode similar to that set to appear on the new A45. News of the new Golf R Plus comes as VW is preparing to extend the number of R models it offers, starting with the T-Roc R, which made its public debut at the recent Geneva motor show.

I'm sure, as to date we have only been here to serve a particular type of clientele. But soon we must welcome into the fold a different type of R owner.

No. I love my Wagon too much. And anyway its not my scene the SUV thing

You just need the older versions of the Golf R then. You can save some money on depreciation too 😉

Come on...Be the first to stick your name down on the Official Order Thread..you can be Famous on here too.

How does this category do in the US? From my own, possibly naive impressions, the US likes big cars. This class may be a tad small in the SUV stakes...

@BobbyT Can I ask which exact rear spoiler have you got? I want one on my Estate....

It’s here… After many years speculation about what the next full-fat R model was going to be, it’s here and it’s a….drum roll…..it’s an SUV?! For years the chat has reigned supreme on this topic at VWROC.com. First it was all about the WRC winning Polo, and whether that would homologate into a proper VW R. No is the short answer. In subsequent interviews VW clarified that the ethos of the R brand is speed AND 4 wheel drive. The Polo just doesn’t have the capability (currently) to take onboard the Haldex system. Then there was the Golf R400, or R420 depending on which tea leaf brand you were attempting to read the future with. That of course was hit by the VW Dieselgate scandal and pulled. Although again VW’s Jost Capitio recently elaborated that they just didn’t think they had the market for the R400, and as a result of their extensive research, of which this forum took a lead role (shame on those that responded), customers only wanted about 300BHP in the sub €50,000 (£42,000) bracket. He reckoned that by busting those figures, not only would the R400 be too costly to own and run, but that it would have meant losing half of their sales volume. So, to the Geneva Motor show. We knew that the T-Roc R was a possibility. We’d seen the sketches and even seen images of it testing at the Nurburgring, but we’d also seen R400 mules, and they came to nothing. So I have to say we were all a little surprised and delighted when it was actually launched this week at the motor show. I was sceptical at first about the whole concept, but after reading all the reviews and watching all the videos, my mind has been changed. I like this SUV. Apparently, according to Jost Capito, it drives better than the Golf R. They really have worked their magic on the chassis, handling and drive train and although it cannot overcome the sheer physics of its stance, it does perform really well. Only nine seconds slower than the Golf R hatch around the ring is not bad. I feel that this plucky little sports SUV has the chutzpah to take on and beat BMW and Audi at their equivalent attempts. This could well be the class leader, just like your very own Golf R’s when stuck up against the Audi S3. Time will tell. Order books are likely to open soon, and it could be arriving on our shores in the late autumn. I won’t go into all the detail here, we’ve created a section full of news, videos and reviews by other more professional journalists, so please enjoy and carry on the debate here. We’ve also added an Official Order Thread…I wonder which VWROC member will be the first to add their details…. View full article

The standard cooking golf is a bit wishy washy too. All sorted by the R version though.

Its grown on me. The reviews are good so far. Would I own one? Not right now, I'm into my fast estates at the mo. But never say never

Official VW Launch bumpf... World première of the near-production concept car in Geneva that is a high-performance variant of T-Roc with 221 kW / 300 PS and 400 Nm. Performance for the road and the race track The Wolfsburg-based automotive producer is set to present the Volkswagen T-Roc R at the International Geneva Motor Show (7 - 17 March 2019), the latest top model in the successfully launched crossover product line. Developed by Volkswagen R, this powerful vehicle boasts some impressive performance data: the four-cylinder TSI engine with its 2.0 litre capacity and proven Volkswagen TSI technology has an output of 221 kW/300 PS as well as torque of 400 Nm. It is equipped with a 4MOTION all-wheel drive and a 7-gear DSG dual-clutch gearbox as standard. This combination ensures excellent acceleration without any loss of traction. The Volkswagen T-Roc R can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds, while the top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. The sports running gear (with lowered suspension) ensures ideal road holding. The progressive steering included as standard plays a major part in ensuring agile driving behaviour, while the 17-inch brake system – which was previously only found in the Volkswagen Golf R Performance – provides effective braking. The driving modes include a special race mode, which guarantees an especially sporty driving experience. These measures are supplemented by the launch control feature, which provides optimal traction during acceleration while offering maximum drive torque and a corresponding stability management program. The ESC Electronic Stability Control feature can be manually switched off to ensure particularly dynamic driving on the edge. Thanks to its sporty handling and specific design, the T-Roc R offers the perfect combination of performance and lifestyle. Specific, distinctive “R” design The sporty characteristics of the Volkswagen T-Roc R are underscored by the specific, unmistakable design on the exterior and in the interior. The exterior of the powerful crossover has some major differences compared to its more conservative counterparts. The specially redesigned radiator grille has a polished silver band of anodised aluminium on the underside that runs the entire width of the vehicle. The “R” logo can be clearly seen on the radiator grille, and it is mirrored by a specific design strip which runs over the side panels and doors. The bumper – which was developed specifically for this model – has a sporty design and is painted in the same colour as the vehicle at the front and back. The light units in the independent, vertically arranged daytime running lights are integrated into the bumper at the front. In addition, the adapted underbody guard in the same colour as the trim and the specific air inlets are typical of the “R” design. The view of the rear is characterised by an equally sporty bumper in the same colour as the vehicle, and includes visual air outlets in the upper part and an “R” diffuser in a contrasting colour. The double-ended exhaust system on both the left and right are specific to the “R” model. The T-Roc R is equipped with 18-inch Spielberg alloy wheels as standard. The 19-inch Pretoria dark graphite matt alloy 235/40 R19 wheels are available as an optional extra. Design elements created exclusively for the Volkswagen T-Roc R include the elegant mirror caps in a matt chrome look, a roof spoiler and door add- ons in the colour of the vehicle, the skid plate painted in an accent colour, black embossed and slightly widened wheel arches, and black brake callipers with a clear “R” logo on the high-performance braking system. In terms of the vehicle body paintwork for the sportiest T-Roc R model, customers have a choice between the exclusive R colour Lapiz Blue Metallic or Pure White Uni, Flash Red Uni, Turmeric Yellow Metallic, White Silver Metallic, Energetic Orange Metallic, Deep Black Pearl Effect and Indium Grey Metallic. The roof can be painted black in connection with all colour options if desired. Vehicle interior that exudes a motorsport feeling With an “R” logo on the key cap, even the car key indicates that this is a special vehicle. Upon opening the door, the eye is drawn to the stainless steel sill panel trims which also bear the “R” logo – synonymous with especially powerful engines and exclusively designed vehicles at Volkswagen since 2010. The motif is also neatly embroidered on the seat backrests. The special leather multifunction sports steering wheel with paddle levers and decorative stitching in Crystal Grey also shows its sporty side with the “R” logo, as does the black headliner and the greeting on the start screen. The pedals shimmer in stainless steel. The entire interior of the Volkswagen T-Roc R is of an exceptionally high quality, as evidenced by the white ambient lighting, Shadow Steel “R” decoration, modified foam inserts beneath plastic elements, and the materials used in the seat upholstery provide. The seat cushion bolsters are made from comfortable ArtVelours microfibre. Quality options for greater individuality You can configure the Volkswagen T-Roc R to your liking with more quality options. Options include the sporty yet elegant leather package, with the seat cushions and backrests finished in high-quality nappa leather. The side panels with carbon inserts underline its sporty nature, as does the decorative stitching in Crystal Grey and the “R” logo stitched into the backrest. Meanwhile, the exclusive R interior paintwork effortlessly catches the eye. The 19-inch Pretoria alloy wheels in Dark Graphite turn heads when out on the road. They come with 235/40 R19 tyres and the R-performance titanium exhaust system from Akrapovic. Successful crossover model At the end of 2017, Volkswagen expanded its range to include an all-new crossover in the compact class: the T-Roc. Crisp dimensions outside, high functionality inside. A stylish all-rounder that combines the sovereignty of an SUV with the dynamics of a compact hatchback. The T-Roc is just as at home in the urban world as it is on the most beautiful routes in the world. The harmonious concept of the T-Roc is the basis of its success and has already inspired many customers. Since its market launch in November 2017, it has been sold around 200,000 times worldwide. The compact crossover’s broad range is now being expanded to include the new T-Roc R, an emphatically sporty model that appeals to individualists who attach as much importance to a stylish appearance as to outstanding driving performance. Volkswagen R – the name says it all The new T-Roc R was developed and tested by Volkswagen R, including at the legendary Nürburgring race track. The development of the vehicle was also supported by the racing driver expertise of WRX World Champion Petter Solberg and Volkswagen works driver Benjamin Leuchter. Volkswagen R is a 100% owned independent subsidiary of Volkswagen AG. The letter R has stood for racing since the first model, the Golf R32, and expresses the close connection to motor sports. Video of the new T-Roc R.

VW's Geneva Motor show "World Premiere" video

VW's very own little Nurburgring video