2013 Audi A3

More details on VW's planned Golf GTI ‘R-Series’

 
7 20,436 views Mar 12, 2009

2009 volkswagen golf rabbit gti mark vi 013

VW expects to be profitable in 2009 despite predictions it will be one of the worst years on record for the auto industry

VW expects to be profitable in 2009 despite predictions it will be one of the worst years on record for the auto industry

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Last November Volkswagen unveiled a thinly disguised 'concept' of the new Mark VI Golf GTI, one of the most acclaimed hot hatches on the market, and in late January the first images of the actual production version hit the web. Following the success of the Mark V model, there were high expectations for the latest Mark VI model but unfortunately the first tentative details about it are on the disappointing side.

The Mark VI model retains a 2.0L turbo engine but only develops 210hp (155kW) - just 10hp more than the previous model. Top speed has been limited to 148mph (239km/h) and VW claims the car will hit the 62mph (100km/h) benchmark in 7.2 seconds.

According to a new report, VW had a reason to limit the performance of the new Mark VI. That reason is so that it can introduce a high-performance ‘R’ version of the car to replace the outgoing R32. The new R-series Golf, possbily labeled 'GTI-R', is expected to make its debut in Frankfurt according to a new report from CAR.

While it was previously thought that the R label would be used first on a new high-performance version of the Scirocco coupe, a previous Car and Driver report claimed it will first be applied to a new R-series Golf. Another possible name for the car is the Golf R20.

The new hot-hatch is expected to deliver 270hp (201kW) and be fitted with a six-speed manual and AWD. A dual-clutch DSG is also expected to be featured as an option. The 0-62mph (100km/h) sprint should fall into the five second bracket and top speed will likely be set somewhat higher than that of the GTI. Unlike its Euro-competition the Renault Megane RS and Ford Focus RS, the GTI-R will use AWD for superior performance and handling.

The R-series Golf is expected to go on sale in Europe towards the end of the year and be launched in the U.S. in early 2010. VW will also reportedly unveil a R-series Scirocco coupe at this year’s DAC 24-hour race at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, details of which you can read in our previous story by clicking here. At any rate, this should prove an exciting year for VW fans.
2009 Volkswagen Golf Rabbit GTI Mark VI

HI-RES GALLERY: 2009 volkswagen golf rabbit gti mark vi 013




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Comments (7)

  1. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 1/31/2009 4:39pm PST

    Good, be lighter weight then the R32, keep the awd with the turbo and a DSG and would be a great car.
     
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  2. ma_Mike avatar Mike Posted: 2/2/2009 6:37am PST

    Will there be no VR6 MkVI? The VR6 was an amazing engine.
     
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  3. ma_NaBUru38 avatar NaBUru38 Posted: 3/13/2009 8:01am PDT

    All hot hatchbacks will have four cylinders in the future. Moreover, I believe that engines should displace 1.8L rather than the usual 2.0L.

    I still wonder how will the Scirocco and three-door Golf coexist in peace.
     
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  4. ma_NaBUru38 avatar NaBUru38 Posted: 3/13/2009 8:02am PDT

    From now on, all hot hatchbacks (except the 1 Series and the Benzes) will have four-cylinder engines. Moreover, I believe that engines should displace 1.8L rather than the almost universal 2.0L.

    I still wonder how will the Scirocco and three-door Golf coexist in peace.
     
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  5. sidraja avatar Siddarth Raja Posted: 3/16/2009 6:59am PDT

    I'm really disappointed that we won't hear the lovely growl of the VW V6 in a R32 replacement. A 4cyl may be able to match the power but never the "feel" or the noise.
     
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  6. ma_NC2010 avatar NC2010 Posted: 4/5/2009 8:36am PDT

    I'm really disappointed that we won't hear the lovely growl of the VW V6 in a R32 replacement.

    I wonder how long it will be until Audi stops offering the VR6 in the A3 and TT? That engine will be missed when it's gone.
     
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  7. By Nanahara72 Posted: 8/18/2009 12:32am PDT

    The 3.2L V6 in the A3 and TT will be nonexistent in the 2010 models. VW is switching to tuned 4cyl for fuel efficiency.
     
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