It's Back!!! Golf R "Plus"

[Danno]

Four-wheel-drive mega-hatch has the backing of VW boss as Mercedes-AMG A45 rival

 

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  More aggressive R Plus styling includes widened front wings

• 

  Expect a sub-4.0 second 0-62mph time

• 

  The new Volkswagen Golf will be revealed later this year

• 

  New model will take hardware from 2014's R400 concept

• 

  W12 one-off remains the most powerful Golf so far

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.

[75Type2]

Yes please.


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[Gavras]

But what clown would pay £45 - £50 k for a 4 pot Golf with Audi cast offs?

 

for that money 6 cyclinders make more sense or Eden a 5 pot.

 

 

[SpursMadDave]

Oh yet another post of the same vague speculative article, great if it happens but so many reasons why it probably wont...

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[SpursMadDave]

But what clown would pay £45 - £50 k for a 4 pot Golf with Audi cast offs?
 
for that money 6 cyclinders make more sense or Eden a 5 pot.
 
 

Unfortunately plenty of clowns about

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[gregozedobe]

I'll bet it won't ever make it to full scale production for sale to the general public. 

 

IMO it is just VW trying to get some +ve publicity to counteract the bad reputation they currently have over dieselgate and slow release of WLTP-compliant Golfs.

[DaveGrohl]

Lol, you can never have too many R Plus threads.......

[DaveGrohl]

On 06/04/2019 at 01:44, SpursMadDave said:

Unfortunately plenty of clowns about

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That'll be me then. I'm not remotely bothered about engine noise, And it'll handle better than any Audi A3 so I for one would love the choice.

[SpursMadDave]

That'll be me then. I'm not remotely bothered about engine noise, And it'll handle better than any Audi A3 so I for one would love the choice.

You are not alone, I would never have an Audi and if I wanted a Golf I would want to have the best one I could

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[Charles M]

On 05/04/2019 at 21:28, Gavras said:

But what clown would pay £45 - £50 k for a 4 pot Golf with Audi cast offs?

 

for that money 6 cyclinders make more sense or Eden a 5 pot.

 

 

 

I'm not really sure about the infatuation about the number of cylinders, and why anyone thinks that it justifies being more expensive. I had straight 6s from 1996-2018, and now am in the 4-cyl R. If I am totally honest, I really don't miss those 2 cylinders. 

[Gavras]

41 minutes ago, Charles M said:

 

I'm not really sure about the infatuation about the number of cylinders, and why anyone thinks that it justifies being more expensive. I had straight 6s from 1996-2018, and now am in the 4-cyl R. If I am totally honest, I really don't miss those 2 cylinders. 

A lot really depends on the type of car those 6 cylinders were in, the type of fuel and transmission

 

for example, an older BMW 6 cyclinder M series engines compared to the N57 / N58 is just no contest.

 

an F3x 330d / 335d wipes the floor with previous versions, night and day.

 

hmm, justification of price, drive a 320i and then drive a 340i.

 

also similar drove, 4, 5, 6 and 8 cylinders from early 80's to present.

 

a lot of older cars, those extra cyclinders where more geared towards a smoother driving engine, rather than performance and feeling that some provided.

 

a lot of cars with 6 cyclinders where great for the shed dragging community but that's about all.

 

the reason you likely don't miss those cyclinders is down to improvements in technology, changes that give great mpg returns for higher levels of bhp.

 

when you consider something like a cavalier Sri from the '80s has lower power and a worse mpg that a modern golf R.

 

if you tried telling anyone in the 1980's, they could buy a relatively cheap family estate that would give 35mpg, have 300bhp and a sub 5 second 0-60 time, they would think you where crazy.

 

thats why a lot don't miss those extra cyclinders, however try a modern 6 (or 8 ) cylinder Petrol engine, such as a 340i, RS4 etc and not grin like a school kid.

[SpursMadDave]

 
I'm not really sure about the infatuation about the number of cylinders, and why anyone thinks that it justifies being more expensive. I had straight 6s from 1996-2018, and now am in the 4-cyl R. If I am totally honest, I really don't miss those 2 cylinders. 

No replacement for displacement

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[SpursMadDave]

A lot really depends on the type of car those 6 cylinders were in, the type of fuel and transmission
 
for example, an older BMW 6 cyclinder M series engines compared to the N57 / N58 is just no contest.
 
an F3x 330d / 335d wipes the floor with previous versions, night and day.
 
hmm, justification of price, drive a 320i and then drive a 340i.
 
also similar drove, 4, 5, 6 and 8 cylinders from early 80's to present.
 
a lot of older cars, those extra cyclinders where more geared towards a smoother driving engine, rather than performance and feeling that some provided.
 
a lot of cars with 6 cyclinders where great for the shed dragging community but that's about all.
 
the reason you likely don't miss those cyclinders is down to improvements in technology, changes that give great mpg returns for higher levels of bhp.
 
when you consider something like a cavalier Sri from the '80s has lower power and a worse mpg that a modern golf R.
 
if you tried telling anyone in the 1980's, they could buy a relatively cheap family estate that would give 35mpg, have 300bhp and a sub 5 second 0-60 time, they would think you where crazy.
 
thats why a lot don't miss those extra cyclinders, however try a modern 6 (or 8 ) cylinder Petrol engine, such as a 340i, RS4 etc and not grin like a school kid.

Nail and head, no need for more than 4 cylinders these days whatsoever, but then no need for more than 50bhp either is there really...

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[toplad]

The thing to consider is, as buyers spend more money, they expect more things, not just performance figures.

This has been has been the problem with Lotus really. 

 

Switching from the automotive sweet spot of a 6 cylinder engine to a 4 pot has been a cause for concern in BMW and Porsche circles recently. 

Getting the output of power and fuel consumption is vital these days and ultimately dictates the direction of engines sizes and layout, but I've yet to hear a 4 pot sound and feel anything as good as a N/A straight 6 or V8 engine and it's a shame these engines have no place in modern cars. It adds some much to the experience when you have the chance to ring them out. 

The flat six in my other car sounds intoxicating by comparison to the Golf, (it's just a pity it returns 20mpg😂😂) 

but buyers are where willing to pay extra for a none run of the mill engine and expect it with a higher price tag 

 

[DadRacer]

On 29/04/2019 at 22:55, Gavras said:

A lot really depends on the type of car those 6 cylinders were in, the type of fuel and transmission

 

for example, an older BMW 6 cyclinder M series engines compared to the N57 / N58 is just no contest.

 

an F3x 330d / 335d wipes the floor with previous versions, night and day.

 

hmm, justification of price, drive a 320i and then drive a 340i.

 

also similar drove, 4, 5, 6 and 8 cylinders from early 80's to present.

 

a lot of older cars, those extra cyclinders where more geared towards a smoother driving engine, rather than performance and feeling that some provided.

 

a lot of cars with 6 cyclinders where great for the shed dragging community but that's about all.

 

the reason you likely don't miss those cyclinders is down to improvements in technology, changes that give great mpg returns for higher levels of bhp.

 

when you consider something like a cavalier Sri from the '80s has lower power and a worse mpg that a modern golf R.

 

if you tried telling anyone in the 1980's, they could buy a relatively cheap family estate that would give 35mpg, have 300bhp and a sub 5 second 0-60 time, they would think you where crazy.

 

thats why a lot don't miss those extra cyclinders, however try a modern 6 (or 8 ) cylinder Petrol engine, such as a 340i, RS4 etc and not grin like a school kid.

 

 

AMG V8s are some of the best available.

 

Sadly they will soon be a thing of the past.

 

😭