Volkswagen has launched the all-new 2021 Volkswagen Golf R Mk8 to the world and it is the most powerful Golf ever. The flagship performance variant of the Golf range is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine that produces 320 PS and 420 Nm.
The all-new Golf R features permanent all-wheel drive which is pretty much a standard across its 5 generations. But it keeps the exterior looking very subtle instead of showy. There’s a new front bumper with a motorsport-style splitter and R-specific air intake grilles.
The all-new Golf R is also 0.8 inches lower than the standard Golf and comes with 19-inch wheels. At the back, the rear bumper features a newly designed diffuser flanked by twin tailpipes on each side. A roof spoiler completes the subtly hot look of this powerful hot hatch.
Inside, the all-new Golf R keeps things as subtle as the outside with Nappa leather seats, a leather sport steering wheel, paddle shifters, and an R button being some of the additions.
The R button allows the driver to directly choose the various driving profiles. A more forceful press of the R button leads drivers directly to the Race profile.
Speaking of profiles, there are 6 available. These are Comfort, Sport, Race, Individual, Special, and Drift profiles. That’s right, now you can select a drift mode in your Golf R for some epic corner tackling.
Meanwhile, the Special driving profile is the result of testing and development done at the Nurburgring Nordschleife which results in quicker gear change and softer damping settings than Race mode.
As mentioned early in the article, the all-new Golf R is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre EA 888 engine and this is mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic. The manual transmission is a key feature for the North American market.
Top speed for the German hot hatch is 249 km/h and Volkswagen claims a century sprint from rest in 4.7 seconds.
The all-new Golf R is scheduled to be launched in the U.S. in late 2021 while European pre-sales will begin on 5-November 2020.
The Mk8 Golf itself could be launched in Malaysia in 2021 and we have published a few spy shots of the CKD MK8 Golf GTi around Malaysia. The all-new Golf R could come much later.
Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.