Golf R Confirmed U.S. Bound

gonzo · 12-09-2010, 04:13 PM

Enthusiasts spoke, and Volkswagen listened. VW announced Thursday that the diminutive and powerful Golf R is coming to the United States in 2012.

VW said the Golf R will have a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a significant increase in horsepower over the 200-hp GTI.

The car will also get Haldex 4Motion all-wheel drive, a sport-tuned electronic stability program, larger brake rotors and a fortified suspension for athletic driving.

The Golf R will come in two- or four-door configurations and will have a manual transmission.

Inside are unique steering wheel and trim plus an R-model shift knob and doorsills.

The exterior is marked by R front and rear fascia, 18-inch alloy wheels, an R body kit, badging and a center dual exhaust.

In other news, VW said it's partnering with fabled musical instrument maker Fender for top-shelf audio systems. The first use will be in the Jetta GLI model, followed by other Jettas, the 2012 to-be-named midsize sedan and the 2012 Beetle.

gonzo · 12-09-2010, 04:55 PM

more..

AMGish looking seats.

Volkswagen of America announced today that it will offer the 260hp

, all-wheel-drive Golf R in both two-door *and* four-door (yeah!) configurations starting 4th quarter of 2011. A six-speed manual transmission will be the only transmission offered in our market. We expect the Golf R to be available in two trim levels, both well equipped. All cars will have Climatronic and leather seating standard. The seats will be the top sport seats with "R" logos embroidered on the headrests (see photo below). The higher trim level will offer RNS-310 navigation, Dynaudio sound system, a sunroof and Kessy keyless start. Volkswagen is holding off on pricing announcements till closer to launch in 4th quarter of 2011. We expect pricing to start below $34k though so long as the dollar and Euro don't get more out of wack.

ragingclue · 12-09-2010, 05:14 PM

I really do like that car, and was hoping it would be US bound, but to be quite honest, VW's reliability issues scare the shit out of me....

Silver-Bolt · 12-09-2010, 05:25 PM

Having just sold our 08 R32 I am happy to see the turbo 2.0L replace the VR6. The VR6 coupled to the 6-spd DSG trans got horrible gas mileage.

mmm def · 12-09-2010, 06:54 PM

Those are the same seats that were in my regular 2010 GTI. Too bad we don't get the Recaros.

These are the nice seats!

gonzo · 12-09-2010, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ragingclue

I really do like that car, and was hoping it would be US bound, but to be quite honest, VW's reliability issues scare the shit out of me....

After my 335, I fear no reliabilty issue(s).

PeteW84 · 12-09-2010, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ragingclue

I really do like that car, and was hoping it would be US bound, but to be quite honest, VW's reliability issues scare the shit out of me....

The R like the R32, GTI are made in Germany, not Mexico. Reliability shouldn not be an issue...BMW's reliability isn't so great either.

immiketoo · 12-09-2010, 08:57 PM

It looks like a watered down Audi S model. Yes, I realize the relationship, I just wish they would have been a bit more creative.

abisson · 12-09-2010, 10:27 PM

I do think it is kind of expensive.... Will wait to see CAD price first to confirm my thought.

@Pete84: You are right. Mine is built in Germany (so where the rabbits, do not know about regular golfs now) and I have no issues so far!

pmeloche · 12-10-2010, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete84

The R like the R32, GTI are made in Germany, not Mexico. Reliability shouldn not be an issue...BMW's reliability isn't so great either.

I had a GTI VR6 for two years in 2002. Awesome car when it wasn't at the dealership for repairs. The VR6 were supposed to be built in Germany not Mexico. To be fair I may have gotten a lemon or maybe all the parts that had to break broke but after two years I lost confidence in the car and bought a BMW. Never again VW.

lcrain · 12-10-2010, 01:00 AM

Really excited for this car. The 2.0t engine is a very reliable engine. Much more reliable than an n54 for example. I have a gli with the 2.0t w/ a giac chip, pretty fun to drive and I have had zero problems with my car to this point. Clearly a turbo engine is going to require a little more attention/maintenance in the long run, but I can't say one complaint about the quality of my VW.

This car is going to be pretty badass, tons of tuning potential.

gonzo · 12-10-2010, 06:43 AM

I agree that a price point at or near 30K would have been great. I will still go take a close up when they get here.

Silver-Bolt · 12-10-2010, 09:35 AM

The 2008 R32 in the U.S. stickered at $32k without nav. Can't imagine this will be less. Weight is the biggest downfall. 08 R32 was about 3600 lbs. Hope they put the new one on a serious diet.

ragingclue · 12-10-2010, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gonzo

After my 335, I fear no reliabilty issue(s).

My 335 has been terrible.... I know now I can deal with having a really unreliable car, but it's also shown me how much I appreciate not having to deal with that. I had a couple buddies with VW's (both base Jettas though), and they had nothing but issues. JDPower seems to indicate that hasn't gotten any better.... I really like the new R. I would probably consider it if it weren't for VW's well-deserved reputation.

One thing I do know is that my next daily will be one that I expect to be reliable. Different strokes for different folks, but I know for sure that reliability is damn high on my priority list now.

Garduna · 12-10-2010, 12:11 PM

I wish and pray they will give us the scirocco r as well in north america T_T

TSM330i · 12-10-2010, 04:06 PM

I saw a ton of them at the Nurburgring in May. They were moving quite well around the track too.

Very sharp car and very usable.

twenzel · 12-10-2010, 08:33 PM

It sucks US cars never get the cool seats... Grrrr....

N54Love · 12-11-2010, 01:35 AM

I really don't get hatchbacks or the people that dig them.

Greenkirby21 · 12-11-2010, 01:17 PM

why is the HP rating on these car so much lower? I thought in europe it made 265 hp? US Spec says 255 o_0. I would rather upgrade to a 135i

footie · 12-11-2010, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRBOBMR

I really don't get hatchbacks or the people that dig them.

It's a European thing that might not translate to North America the same way but don't underestimate the appeal this car has until you see it and get the chance to drive one.

footie · 12-11-2010, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garduna

I wish and pray they will give us the scirocco r as well in north america T_T

gonzo · 12-11-2010, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greenkirby21

why is the HP rating on these car so much lower? I thought in europe it made 265 hp? US Spec says 255 o_0. I would rather upgrade to a 135i

A 135 and this have different price points and is not available in a four door as some people need/want.

A VW US spokesperson has told InsideLine the car will probably have a name other than just R and that hp will be in the 270 range.

12-09-2010, 04:13 PM	#1
gonzo Lieutenant General 10318 Rep 14,445 Posts Drives: as many as possible Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: TeXXXas iTrader: (0)	Golf R Confirmed U.S. Bound Enthusiasts spoke, and Volkswagen listened. VW announced Thursday that the diminutive and powerful Golf R is coming to the United States in 2012. VW said the Golf R will have a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a significant increase in horsepower over the 200-hp GTI. The car will also get Haldex 4Motion all-wheel drive, a sport-tuned electronic stability program, larger brake rotors and a fortified suspension for athletic driving. The Golf R will come in two- or four-door configurations and will have a manual transmission. Inside are unique steering wheel and trim plus an R-model shift knob and doorsills. The exterior is marked by R front and rear fascia, 18-inch alloy wheels, an R body kit, badging and a center dual exhaust. In other news, VW said it's partnering with fabled musical instrument maker Fender for top-shelf audio systems. The first use will be in the Jetta GLI model, followed by other Jettas, the 2012 to-be-named midsize sedan and the 2012 Beetle. Attached Images __________________ Crazy Diamond
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

12-09-2010, 04:55 PM	#2
gonzo Lieutenant General 10318 Rep 14,445 Posts Drives: as many as possible Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: TeXXXas iTrader: (0)	more.. AMGish looking seats. Volkswagen of America announced today that it will offer the 260hp, all-wheel-drive Golf R in both two-door and four-door (yeah!) configurations starting 4th quarter of 2011. A six-speed manual transmission will be the only transmission offered in our market. We expect the Golf R to be available in two trim levels, both well equipped. All cars will have Climatronic and leather seating standard. The seats will be the top sport seats with "R" logos embroidered on the headrests (see photo below). The higher trim level will offer RNS-310 navigation, Dynaudio sound system, a sunroof and Kessy keyless start. Volkswagen is holding off on pricing announcements till closer to launch in 4th quarter of 2011. We expect pricing to start below $34k though so long as the dollar and Euro don't get more out of wack. Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-09-2010, 05:14 PM	#3
ragingclue One cam is enough 136 Rep 6,801 Posts Drives: VF Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: mulletville iTrader: (1)	I really do like that car, and was hoping it would be US bound, but to be quite honest, VW's reliability issues scare the shit out of me....
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-09-2010, 05:25 PM	#4
Silver-Bolt Captain 28 Rep 805 Posts Drives: 2011 Z4 35is Melbourne Red Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 Z4 35is [9.00]	Having just sold our 08 R32 I am happy to see the turbo 2.0L replace the VR6. The VR6 coupled to the 6-spd DSG trans got horrible gas mileage.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-09-2010, 06:54 PM	#5
mmm def Colonel 146 Rep 2,611 Posts Drives: 21 330, 19 ND2 RF, 11 RX350 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Those are the same seats that were in my regular 2010 GTI. Too bad we don't get the Recaros. These are the nice seats! Last edited by mmm def; 12-10-2010 at 09:34 AM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-09-2010, 10:27 PM	#9
abisson Canada FTW. 196 Rep 519 Posts Drives: 2016 VW R - Stg 2 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Maple Syrup Country iTrader: (0)	I do think it is kind of expensive.... Will wait to see CAD price first to confirm my thought. @Pete84: You are right. Mine is built in Germany (so where the rabbits, do not know about regular golfs now) and I have no issues so far!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-10-2010, 01:00 AM	#11
lcrain Captain 60 Rep 865 Posts Drives: e36 m3, TT-RS Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (1)	Really excited for this car. The 2.0t engine is a very reliable engine. Much more reliable than an n54 for example. I have a gli with the 2.0t w/ a giac chip, pretty fun to drive and I have had zero problems with my car to this point. Clearly a turbo engine is going to require a little more attention/maintenance in the long run, but I can't say one complaint about the quality of my VW. This car is going to be pretty badass, tons of tuning potential.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-10-2010, 06:43 AM	#12
gonzo Lieutenant General 10318 Rep 14,445 Posts Drives: as many as possible Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: TeXXXas iTrader: (0)	I agree that a price point at or near 30K would have been great. I will still go take a close up when they get here. __________________ Crazy Diamond
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-10-2010, 09:35 AM	#13
Silver-Bolt Captain 28 Rep 805 Posts Drives: 2011 Z4 35is Melbourne Red Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 Z4 35is [9.00]	The 2008 R32 in the U.S. stickered at $32k without nav. Can't imagine this will be less. Weight is the biggest downfall. 08 R32 was about 3600 lbs. Hope they put the new one on a serious diet.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-10-2010, 12:11 PM	#15
Garduna Brigadier General 165 Rep 4,013 Posts Drives: Sedona 1er\|Yellow S3\|NardoTTRS Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Toronto iTrader: (5)	I wish and pray they will give us the scirocco r as well in north america T_T
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-10-2010, 04:06 PM	#16
TSM330i 2006 330i, TSM, Black, manual, sport 897 Rep 3,698 Posts Drives: '17 C2, GTI, Z4 3.0si Racecar Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Chester Springs, PA iTrader: (2)	I saw a ton of them at the Nurburgring in May. They were moving quite well around the track too. Very sharp car and very usable. __________________ 2017 Porsche C2 - manual of course 2015 GTI S 2008 BMW Z4 3.0si Coupe - because racecar
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-10-2010, 08:33 PM	#17
twenzel Captain 55 Rep 754 Posts Drives: 15 Audi S3 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Austin TX iTrader: (2)	It sucks US cars never get the cool seats... Grrrr....
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-11-2010, 01:35 AM	#18
N54Love Veteran BMW owner 19 Rep 171 Posts Drives: '07 335iA Sil/Blk (JB4) Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (0)	I really don't get hatchbacks or the people that dig them.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-11-2010, 01:17 PM	#19
Greenkirby21 Vrooom :) 329 Rep 2,597 Posts Drives: C7 Stringray Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Dream Land iTrader: (1)	why is the HP rating on these car so much lower? I thought in europe it made 265 hp? US Spec says 255 o_0. I would rather upgrade to a 135i __________________ 2014 C7 Corvette Stringray - Laguna Blue - NPP Exhaust - Competition Seats
	Appreciate 0 Quote