The Volkswagen Golf project has turned 50 and, together with the GTi, the R version will arrive in Italy, easily recognizable compared to the less sporty versions, which have a front bumper without the flow diverters present on the Golf R. The Volkswagen logo is backlit and the Matrix IQ Light LED headlights guarantee better visibility compared to the basic components. The R version of the Golf 8 restyling was born on the Mqb Evo platform. There is also the Mib4 system, which includes the IDA voice assistant and Gpt Chat. The infotainment screen is 12.9 inches. The 10.2” Digital Cockpit Pro has been enriched with a new accelerometer and a laptimer GPS, combined with three modes of use: from 0 to 100 km/h, from 80 to 120 km/h and the quarter mile. It is possible to start the measurement by starting from a standstill, or via the traffic light displayed on the Digital Cockpit Pro; just like in racing, the traffic light consists of five red lights for the countdown.
Golf R power: 333 HP and 420 nm
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The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder has reached its fourth evolution (Ea888 Lk3 Evo4); same technical basis as the Golf GTi but with changes that have increased power to 333 HP and torque to 420 Nm (available between 2,100 and 5,500 rpm). The DSG gearbox has seven speeds. It should be noted that 333 HP is not unprecedented power, because the German company had already used this engine on the 333 examples of the special 20Years version. Now, however, we are talking about a series engine, which follows different logics compared to limited series. In fact, a series engine is produced in large numbers, therefore it is much more difficult to guarantee construction quality, especially as power increases. The maximum speed is self-limited to 250 km/h but thanks to the Performance Pack (in Italy it is offered as standard) the speed rises to 270 km/h. 4”6 to go from 0 to 100 km/h.
premium options
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The Akrapovic exhaust system is even available as an option, proof that manufacturers are dedicating a lot of attention to the emotional component linked to the roar of the engine on modern sports cars. Also available as an option are 19-inch forged wheels; they weigh 8 kg each, about 20% less than components made by casting. The braking system is sporty but not extreme. At the front, drilled discs, combined with two-piston floating calipers. At the rear, non-drilled discs, combined with single-piston floating calipers.
self-locking differential
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The Golf R is four-wheel drive, unlike the GTI, which is two-wheel drive. On the R version, at the front there is an open differential (a less advanced system than that of the GTi Clubsport, where there is self-locking), while at the rear there is Torque Vectoring, i.e. an open differential with a self-locking system that works via two clutch packs (one for each axle shaft) managed electronically; in practice, understeer is reduced or increased by working on the rear axle. A practically identical system is also fitted on the Audi RS3, a 400 HP five-cylinder. This testifies to the goodness of Torque Vectoring, in this case combined with a 333 HP car.
drift at the NÜRBURGRING
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On the new Golf R there is DCC suspension (MacPherson strut at the front and four-link at the rear); coil springs, mechanical anti-roll bars, electronically adjustable shock absorbers (hydraulic compression and rebound brake). All the car parameters are managed by a control unit which has hardware capable of monitoring the operation of the various sensors (seeehicle Dynamics Manager Intelligent). On the old Golfs, however, there were sensors that had pre-set calibrations and worked without having an overall vision. Numerous driving modes are available: Eco (unpublished), Comfort, Sport, Individual and Race, which has two submenus; Drift, which allows you to transfer 100% of the traction to one of the two rear wheels, and the Special, developed inside the old Nürburgring. This mode guarantees maximum engine performance, combined with a suspension calibration that is not too rigid (suitable for road use).
price
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The price has not yet been declared, the official announcement will arrive in July, but it should be around 60 thousand euros.
