New rumors have emerged about the R version of the Volkswagen Golf VI. The standard variant went on sale towards the end of 2012 while this year the German marque introduced the warm GTI version. It will be followed sometime in 2014 by the range-topping R version which promises to be the fastest and most powerful Volkswagen Golf ever made. Sources have told British car magazine Auto Express that the new Golf R could be offered with more than 300 bhp (224 kW). Equally important, the Golf VII R is likely to be cheaper than its predecessor as the same report indicates a starting price of approximately 30,000 pounds ($46,000 / 35,200 euros).
Power will allegedly come from the familiar turbocharged 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter mill which will work together with an all-wheel drive version. Apparently this AWD system will be improved for the 2014 Golf R and will be lighter as well. We remind you the Golf VI R (pictured) is about 330 lbs (150 kg) heavier than the Golf VI GTI, but the difference of weight between the new versions will be of 220 lbs (100 kg), representing a considerably weight reduction which should make the hot hatchback very agile.
There are other rumors as well concerning the 2014 Volkswagen Golf R, such as a specially developed electronic stability system which the driver will have the possibility of turning off, something that cannot be done on the Golf VII GTI. We should also expect to see a revamped electronically-controlled mechanical front limited slip differential, a system which is available at an additional cost on the recently introduced Golf VII GTI. Based on previous spy shots with the new Golf R, the car will most likely adopt a quad exhaust setup as opposed to the previous version which had a centrally-mounted dual exhaust system.
Chances are the 2014 Volkswagen Golf VII R will be revealed to the public at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show scheduled for the first part of September. It is expected to hit Volkswagen dealerships at the beginning of the year. More details about the flagship Golf VII should occur in the next few months, prior to its alleged Frankfurt debut so stay tuned for additional details.
Note: Volkswagen Golf VI R pictured
Source: AutoExpress
