VW Golf R "20 Years": fastest Volkswagen R on the Nordschleife!

The sporty version for the 20th anniversary is 10 kW more powerful than the current Golf R series model. Motorized in this way, the Golf "20 Years" accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4,6 seconds, its electronically limited top speed is 270 km/h. With noticeably improved engine response, the increase in output can also be experienced in everyday situations, such as when overtaking. But it's not just the power of the 2,0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine that makes the special model the most dynamic Volkswagen R of all time on the Nordschleife. The significant increase in performance also results from the extensive standard equipment with technical highlights such as the "R-Performance Package", the driving dynamics manager and "R-Performance Torque Vectoring". Where better to test this interaction than on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife? The evolution of the powerful, all-wheel drive Golf R models over the past 20 years can be impressively traced here.

the complete round in the video

Touring car racing driver and Volkswagen R development driver Benjamin Leuchter took on this job and tested the special model on the legendary racetrack. He helped implement the R-Performance package for the Golf R "20 Years". In addition to the regular driving profiles "Comfort", "Sport" and "Race", the special model is supplied as standard with the additional driving profiles "Special" and "Drift". For the Nordschleife, the racing driver selects the "Special" driving profile developed for this route. This profile tunes the vehicle in a way that, among other things, satisfies the special requirements of what is probably the most demanding race track in the world. This also means that the dampers have to be set rather softly and comfortably due to the enormous strain at peak performance on such routes.

As one of 15 possible settings for the controlled shock absorbers, optimal contact with the road is guaranteed on slopes with lots of bumps, such as here at the Nürburgring. Together with the adjusted steering wheel and drive settings, the large number of fast and medium-fast corners on the Nordschleife can be taken optimally. In the "Individual" mode of the driving dynamics manager, all parameters such as the R-Performance torque vectoring or the engine sound can be controlled manually and adjusted according to personal preferences.

The timed lap on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife over 20,832 kilometers started flying in front of grandstand T13. The start and finish for the measurement are at the beginning and end of the grandstand, the 200 meters in between are not counted. Confidence in the vehicle is not only the key to record times, but also to safe driving pleasure. The Golf R “20 Years” effortlessly mastered the rapid changes between curbs on one side and a subsequent curve like in the “Hatzenbach” and always kept its course.

The changed shifting characteristics of the 7-speed gearbox enable gear changes with more intensive feedback and make the powerful driving experience in the Golf R "20 Years" even more emotional. The optimized exhaust system acoustics in the low engine speed range and the rougher engine sound in the interior underline the increased dynamics of the vehicle.

The further development compared to the predecessor model is also reflected in the optimized engine tuning of the anniversary vehicle from Volkswagen R. The preloaded turbocharger is kept at a constant speed even when overrun, which means that the engine develops its power more quickly during the subsequent acceleration. The process is supported by the permanently open throttle valve. When you take your foot off the gas and accelerate again, this allows the torque to build up more quickly and noticeably optimizes the response of the engine.

At the summit of the Schwedenkreuz of the Nürburgring, the Golf R "20 Years" with its performance-oriented drive technology reaches almost 240 km/h, on the Döttingerhöhe 265 km/h are measured. The new best time of 7:47,31 minutes means an improvement of four seconds compared to the previous model and a special gift for Volkswagen R on the 20th model anniversary.

The boundary between production and racing vehicle is blurred.

The Golf R "20 Years" easily manages the balancing act between everyday companion and thoroughbred athlete. "I'm driving it here on the Nürburgring and in the next moment to the bakery or hardware store. So the vehicle really is an all-rounder that can ultimately do everything,” says Benjamin Leuchter, visibly impressed. That is exactly the concept behind the Volkswagen R: Volkswagen's premium performance brand has been offering special models with performance-enhanced equipment and an expressive design since 2002, inspiring the Volkswagen fan communities worldwide.

The continuous and rapid development towards even more performance can be clearly seen from some vehicle data of the models over the past few years. Starting with the Golf R32 with 177 kW (241 hp) and a 3,2 liter six-cylinder as drive via the Golf 6 R⁰³ With 199 kW (270 hp) and a 2,0-liter four-cylinder turbo, the performance-oriented Golf models up to the Golf R "20 Years" with 245 kW (333 hp) not only became more powerful, but also faster. Volkswagen R is celebrating this successful model development with the Golf R "20 Years". The limited production time of around one year makes the anniversary model a collector's vehicle even as a new car.