Back at November’s Los Angeles Auto Show we told you that the 2015 Volkswagen Golf R will be priced from $37,415 with shipping, and that the first 500 examples will be made available for pre-order prior to the official start of sales early next year.

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Well, Volkswagen has announced that the pre-order process will be up and running on January 8, with anyone interested able to put their name down on the list over at the website VW.com/GolfR. A refundable $500 deposit will be required.

Should you miss out, you’ll still be able to put your name down on a waiting list; should anyone ahead decide to cancel their reservation, you'll be bumped up the list and hopefully make it into the top 500.

The first 500 Golf R models will be identical; they will all feature the top trim level complete with the DCC (dynamic chassis control) system and satellite navigation, as well as a six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission, 19-inch Cadiz-style alloy wheels, a Lapiz Blue Metallic exterior (shown here), and a Fender premium audio system.

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This first batch of cars will also come with an exclusive, individually-numbered accessories kit consisting of an R-badged watch, carbon fiber and stainless steel keychain, and VIN-specific certificate.

All 2015 Golf Rs will come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 292 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, as well as 4Motion all-wheel drive. Only the DSG will be available at launch but a manual transmission will be offered at some point. Owners can expect 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph.

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