USA - Volkswagen announces pricing and specs for new Golf R at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

• Well-equipped Golf R starts at $36,595 with DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission
• Technology-rich Golf R with DCC and Nav starts at $39,090 with DSG transmission
• With 292 horsepower, the Golf is the most powerful Golf ever to be sold in the U.S. market
• New Golf R has 36 horsepower and 37 pound-feet of torque more than previous generation model
• First 500 Golf R models can be pre-ordered
• Standard Bi-Xenon headlights with LED turn signals and U-shaped LED DRLs

Volkswagen of America, Inc., has announced pricing for its 2015 Golf R, the fastest and most powerful Golf ever to be sold in the U.S. market . Joining Volkswagen’s extensive Golf family of versatile, sporty hatchbacks, the Golf R starts at $36,595 (plus $820 destination) when equipped with the DSG® six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

With 292 horsepower from its turbocharged and direct-injection EA888 TSI® engine, the allnew Golf R has 36 horsepower and 37 pound-feet torque more than the previous model. 

Despite the additional power and torque, the new R model is considerably more fuel-efficient than its predecessor, with an EPA estimated highway fuel economy rating of 30 mpg with the six-speed DSG transmission, up from 27 mpg for the previous, manual -transmission model. 

The six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission offers a launch control feature, enabling the car to complete the 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 4.9 seconds. The top track speed is 155 mph.

Like all previous Golf R models, the new model transfers its power to the road via a permanent all-wheel-drive system; in this case, the latest version of the 4MOTION® system with a fifth-generation Haldex® coupling. To help ensure great chassis dynamics, there’s a new sport suspension, progressive variable-ratio steering, and a stability control system ("ESC Sport") which can be deactivated for track driving. Other highlights include the optional DCC® adaptive damping system.

The all-new Golf R is equipped with an extensive package of exclusive features. Along with specially designed bumpers, side skirts, and the option of 18- or 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, the Golf R can also be visually distinguished from the GTI by details such as standard Bi-Xenon headlights with newly designed LED daytime running lights (in a dual-U design) and a two-branch exhaust system that has four chrome tips. Inside, the Golf R underlines its position as the flagship of the model range with 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, initially with the DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. There will be two models: the wellequipped Golf R and the technology-rich Golf R with DCC and Nav, with prices starting from $36,595 and $39,090 for DSG models.

The Golf R is comprehensively equipped. The base Golf R includes Driving Mode Selection, 5.8-inch touchscreen radio with SiriusXM® Satellite radio, heatable front seats, LED reading lights, ambient lighting, a Media Device Interface (MDI) with iPhone® connectivity, Bluetooth® connectivity, VW Car-Net® connected services, Keyless access with push-button start, a rearview camera, 12-way power driver’s seat, and Climatronic® dual-zone automatic air conditioning. 

The Golf R with DCC and Nav adds: the DCC adaptive damping system; 19- inch wheels; a navigation system; the Fender® Premium Audio System; and front and rear Park Distance Control.

Potential Golf R customers can pre-order their vehicle via the vw.com website. The first 500 Golf R models—all top-trim vehicles—will be available with an exclusive numbered R Accessories Kit.