2022 VW Golf R Debuts With 315 HP, Torque Vectoring AWD, A Manual Gearbox And Drift Mode

The Volkswagen Golf R has developed a cult-like following, and fans are in for a treat as the 2022 model is sportier and more powerful than its predecessor.

Starting under the hood, the 2022 Golf R has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 315 hp (235 kW / 319 PS) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque. That’s an increase of 27 hp (20 kW / 27 PS) and 30 lb-ft (41 Nm).

To the joy of driving enthusiasts, in the United States and Canada, the engine will be paired to a standard six-speed manual transmission. Customers will also be able to opt for a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG). Oddly, the European version will be offered exclusively with the DSG – sorry, no manual across the pond.

Regardless of which transmission is selected, all models will come equipped with a performance-oriented all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring. Volkswagen says it helps to eliminate understeer and reduce the car’s cornering radius, while also making the model “noticeably more” agile.

Thanks to this setup, the Golf R can accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.7 seconds. Given enough room, the hatchback will eventually hit a limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

The sporty features extend beyond the engine compartment as the Golf R has a sport-tuned suspension with stiffer springs and anti-roll bars. Engineers also added a lightweight aluminum subframe and increased the negative camber on the front axle to allow for higher cornering speeds as well as improved stability. The changes also improve the car’s looks as the Golf R sits 0.8 inches (20 mm) lower than the standard model.

When it comes time to stop, owners will be glad to know the Golf R has a beefier braking system that features larger and wider front discs that now measure 14.1 inches (358 mm) tall and 1.3 inches (33 mm) wide. There’s also a larger brake master cylinder and two-piston aluminum front calipers.

Besides the aforementioned changes, the model has a modified adaptive damping system, electronic differential locks and a variable-ratio steering system.  Drivers can select from six different driving modes including Comfort, Sport, Race and Individual.

They’re joined by two new settings called Special and Drift. Special mode was optimized for the Nordschleife and it features softer damping settings than Race mode to “maintain maximum contact with the road.”  This helped the car to cope with the “undulating surfaces” of the Green Hell.

Drift mode, on the other hand, allows the car to – surprise, surprise – drift. It does this by changing the parameters for the electronic stability control system and optimizing power distribution to the all-wheel drive system.

The Golf R also benefits from a vehicle dynamics manager which monitors and optimizes the car’s various systems and components. In particular, Volkswagen said it can calculate “optimal clutch control for the selective wheel torque control function to further optimize the agility and stability of the Golf R.” It also helps to counteract oversteer and understeer for neutral handling.

Putting aside the performance features, the Golf R has a sportier front bumper with unique air intakes and gloss black accents. The model is also distinguished by a unique grille with a blue crossbar that illuminates as soon as the engine is started.

Further back, there are sportier side skirts, matte chrome exterior mirror caps and 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in summer performance tires. Rounding out the highlights are a sportier rear bumper, a gloss black diffuser and a four-tailpipe sports exhaust system.

Moving into the cabin, buyers will find Nappa leather sport seats with blue accents and R logos on the backrests. Designers also gave the model faux carbon fiber trim, stainless steel pedal caps and a heated sport steering wheel with a dedicated R button. Other niceties include a digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch infotainment system with R-specific displays.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R will go on sale in the United States in the “latter part of 2021” and pricing will be announced closer to launch.

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