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Report: Still No Green Light For U.S. 2011 Volkswagen Golf R

 
8 5,554 views Apr 9, 2010
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2011 Volkswagen Golf R

HI-RES GALLERY: 2011 Volkswagen Golf R

Since the announcement of the 2011 Volkswagen Golf R, vee dub enthusiasts here in the U.S. have been pining for their R32 replacement, but according to VW's own Steve Keyes, the car is still up in the air for American sale due to cost issues and the relationship between the euro and the dollar.

Expectations that the Golf R would come to the U.S. were high, with an on-sale date of early 2010 pegged as a near-certainty. But the latest info from the 2010 New York Auto Show floor puts a kink in that beautifully straight path to market. The problem: finding a way to not lose money on the car once the conversion from its cost in euros to its price in dollars is made. Considering the Golf R gets its power from the same basic 265-horsepower, 2.0-liter TSI powerplant that motivates the Audi TTS, yet delivers back seats and a hatch area, it's understandable that the cost calculus could easily get out of control, especially once you weigh in America's relatively depressed pricing structure.

VW fans need not give up all hope, however, as the cost issue may not prove insurmountable--the company has issued no edict denying the car's eventual arrival. It may just have to wait a bit until the financial equation makes sense.

Considering its 5.5-second 0-60 mph times, 27.7 mpg combined rating, and available DSG transmission, the Golf R is certainly a car that'd get some traction with enthusiasts, especially since it is paired with the 4Motion all-wheel drive system also found on the Scirocco R. Unlike some front-biased all-wheel drive systems, the new 4Motion in the Golf R can send up to 100 percent of its torque to the rear axle, ensuring the proper distribution for maximum dynamics in just about any situation.

We won't hold our breath for the car's Stateside arrival, but we will keep our fingers crossed.

[New York Times Wheels Blog]





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Comments (8)

  1. By R2Dad Posted: 4/9/2010 10:06am PDT

    BMW must be laughing, laughing, laughing. Everyone wants to be the next Mini but no one is interested in modifying their distribution model to achieve it. In order for VW to improve their margins on this vehicle, they need a configurator that locks in pricing, offers lots of options, and promises a delivery window. People will pay a premium to get a unique car, even if it doesn't have japanese reliability. VW, however, will have to do it their way. There will be only a few options and a couple colors. The sticker will be $38K out the door if they bring the real deal. Otherwise I don't see it coming here, since it would not be feasible to decontent it.
     
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  2. By br94007 Posted: 4/9/2010 10:30am PDT

    VW NA are still clueless when it comes to the NA market.
    Great products but their dealers behave like drunken frat kids.
    At least when a BMW dealer charges $120 for an oil change the seats are leather and the coffee agreeable.
    With VW it's also $120 but the chairs are faux leather and coffee only good enough to warm your hands.
    Rock on.
    Bruce
    (two VR6 Golfs, a Z3,3 & 5 series)
     
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  3. By NC2000 Posted: 4/9/2010 12:54pm PDT

    I've owned VW for over 30 years, and currently VW has the only cars I would want to own. They have the product.
    However, for some reason, VWoA, or the dealers, or VW AG seem to think the true enthusiast customers in the USA market will not buy their premium product, even if at a premium price.
    I don't care what the price is if priced fairly. I care more what the product is.
    Give your customers an opportunity, VWoA.
     
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  4. By NoNameDenton Posted: 4/9/2010 3:13pm PDT

    Saw this coming a mile away and I know we will never get the awesome GTD here either
     
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  5. By TnTPhilly Posted: 4/9/2010 5:46pm PDT

    All the hype, and still no one could quote the official "it's coming" story. Love VW, but this is going to be so expensive IF it makes it here it won't be worth the effort.
     
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  6. By NoNameDenton Posted: 4/12/2010 8:21pm PDT

    TnTPhilly, then explain how they sold out of the awd R32
     
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  7. By andy Posted: 9/10/2010 5:12pm PDT

    Considering I paid 35k+ for my 09 MINI JCW cabriolet, and this GOLF seems like it's a lot better, I don't think they will have a problem selling it to people like me. As a matter fact I want this car. VW Please make this Car available in the US. I will buy it, I promise, just give me a good apr and it's a done deal. 4 doors, and 250+ horse and then their are the breaks! Porsche doesn't have to worry to much because this is a different animal.
     
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  8. By fred R32 Posted: 11/17/2010 12:25pm PST

    i'm freaking waiting for that animal to be release on the US-CANADIAN market... i'm willing to pay 40 000$ - 45 000$ for it...just dont care! wake-up VW canada & VW america...Zzzzzzzzzz
     
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