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.

VW launches new R Golf Estate at Los Angeles Auto Show 2014.

Volkswagen has today unveiled one of the sportiest all-rounders in the compact class: the Golf R Estate. This new car combines the high performance, driveability and comfort of the Golf R hatchback, which was launched in March this year, with the spacious boot of the Golf Estate; this is the first time that the Golf R has been developed in an estate bodystyle.

Like its hatchback sibling, the Golf R Estate is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged TSI petrol engine which develops 300 PS from 5,500 to 6,200 rpm.  Maximum torque of 380 Nm is available from just 1,800 rpm right up to 5,500 rpm and is channelled via a standard six-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) to the permanent 4MOTION all-wheel drive.  Distribution of the power across all four wheels guarantees maximum traction, performance and active safety. 

Ensuring dynamic performance are sport suspension (lowered by 20 mm), Volkswagen’s innovative progressive steering system and ‘ESC Sport’ mode which can be deactivated for use on a race track if desired.  Optional highlights include the newest generation of the DCC adaptive chassis control system with a driving profile selector that features a Race mode.

The Golf R Estate’s engine combines with these features to ensure safe but swift performance: standstill to 50 mph takes just 3.8* seconds, and to 62 mph 5.1* seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.  Yet on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), the Golf R Estate consumes just 7.0* l/100 km – or 40.4* mpg – equating to CO₂ emissions of 163* g/km.

Despite its performance, the Golf R Estate does not compromise on space.  With a luggage capacity of 605 litres (up to the back seat backrest), this Volkswagen offers an impressively large boot even with five people on board.  With the seats flat and loaded up to the backs of the front sports seats, capacity grows to 1,620 litres.

The Golf R Estate’s design follows that of the Golf hatchback up to the B-pillars.  It is then distinguished and stands apart from the rest of the Estate range thanks to a new R design bumper, a high-gloss black diffuser, four chrome-plated tailpipe trims, so-called ‘aero flaps’ on the D-pillars, cherry-red taillights and LED number plate illumination.  At the front, the Golf R Estate has an R specific bumper with particularly large air inlets, a distinctive radiator grille (with R logo) as well as bi-xenon headlights with integrated daytime running lights.  The LED daytime running lights form a distinctive dual ‘U’ design beneath the dual headlights, projecting a particularly striking light pattern during the day and at night.  

R-style body-coloured side sill panels distinguish the Golf Estate range-topper, along with R logos on the front bumpers and matt chrome door mirror caps.  Distinctive 18-inch ‘Cadiz’ alloy wheels are unique to R models, while black-painted brake callipers with R logo complete the look.  Optional 19-inch ‘Pretoria’ flow-formed wheels (exceptionally lightweight and sturdy) in motorsport design are also available.

Inside the cabin, the Golf R Estate retains the styling cues of its hatchback counterpart, with Alcantara upholstery, R logos on the seats and steering wheel, a high level of standard equipment and blue highlights, for example in the ambient lighting and dash dials.

The Golf R Estate makes its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show today and will be on display from 18-30 November.  UK Retailers are due to start taking orders for the new car in spring 2015, with first deliveries in the summer.

(*forecast values)