(August 20, 2013) WOLFSBURG — This is the year of the Golf. The first six months of 2013 have already seen the European debuts of the new Golf GTI, Golf GTD, Golf Variant, and Golf TDI BlueMotion. Volkswagen is continuing its Golf product offensive with the flagship of the model series — the new Golf R.

The sports car of the lineup is powered by a newly designed 296-horsepower TSI engine, which is 30 horsepower stronger, but up to 18 per cent more fuel efficient than the engine in the previous model.

Like all three previous Golf R models, the new model also transfers its turbocharged 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 ensure great chassis dynamics, there's a new sport suspension, the progressive variable-ratio steering system, and a stability control system ("ESC Sport") which can now be deactivated for track driving. Other highlights include the optional DCC dynamic chassis control system that features a Race mode.

With a manual transmission, the Golf R reaches 62 mph from rest in just 5.3 seconds, an improvement of 0.4 sec over the previous Golf R. With the DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, the car completes the sprint in just 4.9 seconds. The Golf R's top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

Despite the car's exceptionally agile handling and extra power, fuel consumption of the manual Golf R was reduced from 28 to 33 mpg. Equipped with a Stop-Start system, battery regeneration, and the optional DSG transmission, the car is even more fuel efficient, with an EC Combined figure of 34 mpg.

The new European Golf R is equipped with an extensive package of exclusive features. Along with specially designed bumpers, side skirts, and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, the Golf R can also be visually distinguished by details such as: standard Bi-Xenon headlights with newly designed LED daytime running lights (in a dual-U design); dark red LED taillights; and a two-branch exhaust system with four chrome tips.

Inside, the Golf R underlines its position as the flagship of the model range with sport seats in a "fabric-Alcantara" material mix, a leather-trimmed three-spoke sport steering wheel, ambient lighting, automatic climate control, and a touchscreen radio system. The most powerful and fuel-efficient Golf R will be launched in the fourth quarter of this year, in two- and four-door forms.

The Golf R has an even more advanced version of the EA888 four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection 2.0-liter engine that's fitted to the new Golf GTI. Compared to the 227-horsepower GTI engine, the engineers boosted power by 69 horsepower to 296, delivered at 5,500 rpm, thus creating one of the most powerful four-cylinder production engines in the world.

Maximum torque has been increased by 22 pound-feet to 280 lb-ft, available over a broad speed band from 1,800 to 5,500 rpm. To attain this output, the Golf R's 1984-cc engine was subjected to a motorsports-style development program. The following components were modified or completely redesigned compared to the GTI engine: the cylinder head (together with exhaust valves, valve seats, and springs), pistons, high-pressure injection valves, and turbocharger.