📰 Auto News New VW Golf R20 (GTI-R) may come to America

[EmersonHart13]

New VW Golf R20 (GTI-R) may come to America

by Sam Abuelsamid (RSS feed) on Oct 7th 2009 at 6:59PM

2010 Volkswagen Golf R20 - click above for high-res image gallery​

Volkswagen unveiled the new high-zoot R version of the MK VI Golf at the Frankfurt Motor Show last month, but it declined to say whether Americans would ever get a chance to buy one. Fans of the R32 will likely be clamoring for the new R20 if does make it to our shores, in part because of the 400 pounds it has shed.

While we are here in Wolfsburg today to drive VW's more pedestrian Golf varietals, we had a chance to follow up on the R20 possibility for America. First, we asked VW of America CEO Stefan Jacoby, who told us it was being studied and that no decision had yet been reached about the R20 for America. A little later, we talked with Andres Valbuena who happens to be the U.S. product planner for the Golf, GTI and New Beetle. That means he guides the direction of the Golf in this country. To give you some perspective on where Andres stands on this subject, his personal ride back home in Virginia is a 2004 edition R32 with an added blower, so word that Valbuena is pushing hard to get the R20 should come as no surprise. Further, if it does cross the Pond, he wants it available in both two- and four-door bodystyles with a choice of manual or DSG transmissions.

If the R20 does make it here, odds are VW won't be able to justify two powertrains given the expected low volumes. In that event, Valbuena tells us he prefers the manual, but regardless, all R20s would be equipped with all-wheel drive. Working in the R20's favor is the fact that this is essentially the powertrain from the Audi TT-S which has both gearbox options. Hopefully, we'll have a decision from Wolfsburg within a year. If you want the R20 in your local VW showroom, make your voice heard in the comments because the automaker is listening.

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/new-vw-golf-r20-may-come-to-america/

Click to read more...

 

[Bob Kazamakis]

This hasn't been posted yet? This info has been out a while.


This is the car they needed to make when the mk5 came out in what 06?

 

[EmersonHart13]

New article, haven't read it yet? If so... my bad!

 

[Bob Kazamakis]

No I just meant the car not the article.

I like vw even if they break all the time.

 

[TonzKnock-G]

Ive always had a thing for those cars but they are way too small.

 

[victoryss]

They are small I loved my 1.8t jetta gli when I had it. I would consider it if I was in the market for a new car. They are fun to drive but you are right about the breaking down.

 

[Mr Baytchos]

This is the car they needed to make when the mk5 came out in what 06?

So true

 

[Primalzer]

Better Golf MKVI news...

Prior to the U.S. launch of the Volkwagen Golf MK VI, a few months back rumors emerged that the Americans were going to get a crack at the GTD version of the hatchback. For those unfamiliar with the GTD, it's essentially the much loved GTI but with a 170 hp version of the 2.0-liter TDI diesel. Unfortunately, when we got the details on the Golf lineup last week, the GTD wasn't included. While in Germany this week to drive the new Golf lineup, we spoke with VW of America product planner Andres Valbuena about the GTD's fortunes, and the news is promising.

According to Valbuena, while the GTD didn't make the cut for launch, it is still under consideration. In fact the GTD could arrive within the next 18 months. Originally, it was speculated that the GTD would likely carry the existing 140 horsepower diesel along with all of the other good bits. Valbuena tells us that if they do offer the GTD in the U.S., VW will do it right and bring the high output 170 hp engine.

One car that's definitely coming is the Jetta TDI Cup model. This is essentially a street legal version of the race car but without the race bits like the roll cage. It will get the same front fascia available from the VW performance parts catalog, along with the bigger brakes, suspension upgrades and interior bits from the GLI sedan. Unfortunately, the TDI cup replica keeps the standard 140 hp engine instead of the 170 hp unit in the race cars. The cup car will probably have its public debut at LA Auto Show in December prior to going on sale in January.

 

[Bob Kazamakis]

I'd rock it with the manual.

 

[EmersonHart13]

That is sweet... GTD... I like it!

 

[skeezer]

 

[Mook]

dooooooooooooooooooooooo want

It's been a couple of years since Volkswagen's heavyweight hot hatch, the R32, graced America's shores, but now we have official word of a successor. Tuned by the in-house R team at Volkswagen, the Golf R should be a good bit more exciting than its already entertaining forebear, and hopefully, it will shave a few pounds off, too.

Unlike the R32, which was powered by VW's popular VR6, the new model will be powered by Volkswagen's ubiquitous turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. And while Volkswagen isn't quoting power output for the new U.S. model, the European version currently on sale conjures up 270 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. All of that gumption will be routed through VW's fourth generation Haldex 4Motion all-wheel drive system, which means the VW should once again be a good foil for cars like the Subaru WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart.

Along with the power increase, VW is promising bigger brakes, an uprated suspension, 18-inch wheels, center-exit dual exhaust and a more liberally tuned ESP. Perhaps most interestingly, the Golf R will be available in both two and four doors and be paired exclusively with a manual transmission. That's right, we said it.

Although the press release after the jump doesn't mention when it will debut (our money's on Detroit), additional R accoutrements include model-specific aero bits and badging, along with upgrated trim and a new steering wheel, shift knob, and so on.

In other words, it's time to get excited.

 

[The Broken Regal]

For what that probably costs I'd rather have a new 11 stang GT that is better in every category except interior fit and finish

 

[jason05gt]

For what that probably costs I'd rather have a new 11 stang GT that is better in every category except interior fit and finish

My brother test drove a 2011 GTI and I was really impressed. That little car was like a go-kart. The interior is Audi quality and it’s got a solid feel to it.

 

[Bob Kazamakis]

My brother test drove a 2011 GTI and I was really impressed. That little car was like a go-kart. The interior is Audi quality and it’s got a solid feel to it.

Plus a reflash is 50whp.

 

[jason05gt]

Plus a reflash is 50whp.

Yeah, he would do the APR flash. The car was pretty quick stock.

 

[Mr Baytchos]

 

[THEHKP7M13]

For what that probably costs I'd rather have a new 11 stang GT that is better in every category except interior fit and finish

LOL...kinda thought the same thing.

 

[Mr Baytchos]

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/28/2012-volkswagen-golf-r-loses-power-and-choice-of-tranny-on-way-t/

As part of its 2011 Geneva Motor Show festivities, Volkswagen is letting us loose behind the wheel of its range-topping Golf R, set to arrive in United States as a 2012 model. Production of the Stadeside-spec car begins at the automaker's Wolfsburg plant this November, and we've just learned how different our version of the Golf R will be from the model that's already on sale in Europe.

Don't worry – we're still getting the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to the company's fourth-generation Haldex 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. But while the European car cranks out 270 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, Volkswagen tells us that the U.S. car will produce something closer to 256 hp and 243 lb-ft (not yet confirmed). Still, that's 56 hp and 36 lb-ft more than the standard GTI, and since the Golf R is estimated to weigh around 3,300 pounds – 250 pounds lighter than the most recent R32 – the end result should be quite lively. Volkswagen is estimating that 0-62 mile-per-hour times will fall somewhere in the 5.7- to 5.9-second range.

As we reported earlier, the Golf R will only be offered with a six-speed manual transmission when it hits our shores. European cars can be had with Volkswagen's slick-shifting DSG unit, and we must admit, not offering the twin-clutch setup in the States seems like a curious omission, especially when you consider that the take rate on DSG in the less powerful GTI is around 50 percent. Still, Volkswagen says that its research with different enthusiast groups and dealers suggests that the vast majority of U.S. consumers have been clamoring for a row-your-own Golf R, and since the automaker had to keep the number of build options to a minimum in order to get the vehicle approved for American consumption, manual-only was the way they decided to go.

Follow the jump for more details on the U.S.-spec version of Volkswagen's Golf R hot hatch.

on it losing power but still want

 

[Bob Kazamakis]

Sounds sweet regardless of having less hp. Manual only? that was the downside to the 08 r32; only flappy paddle.

 

[firemandan1700]

Looks like this could be a fun car especially if it's a manual