2010 Volkswagen GTI R20 Turbo – by JENS MEINERS, of Car and Driver Magazine
It’s no secret that we love the Volkswagen GTI—it’s a three-time reigning recipient of a 10Best Cars award, after all. But even the 210 hp of the upcoming sixth-generation 2010 replacement model leave the GTI at a distinct power disadvantage in its class.
Possible Volkswagen GTI R20 Turbo Photos
In the recent past, VW’s answer for power junkies has been the R32—a GTI with a 3.2-liter V-6 shoehorned into its engine compartment. Heavier than the GTI and equipped with all-wheel drive, the R32 failed to deliver significant performance improvements despite its 250-hp rating. We liked it, but were disappointed by the marginal performance benefits over the base GTI.
Six Becomes Four—Plus a Turbo
Meet the new R-series Golf. It will feature basically the same direct-injection 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that you find in the GTI, tuned to an impressive 270 hp. Power will be transmitted to all wheels. Zero-to-60 times should be in the low- to mid-fives, and while the regular GTI tops out at a drag-limited 149 mph, the new R version will hit its governor at 155, with a theoretical top speed 10 mph or so higher.
Unlike the R32, the new R model will offer performance greater than the GTI’s, with the slightly increased weight and resistance of the AWD system easily offset by the leap in power and torque. We expect a choice of manual and dual-clutch transmissions, each with six forward ratios.
Essentially, the Golf R features the Audi S3’s powertrain. We have driven that car extensively; think WRX performance combined with Audi refinement. It’s worth noting that the new Golf MkVI, upon which this R version will be based, is more sophisticated than the Audi A3/S3.
The exterior of what we believe will be called R20 Turbo is distinguished from the GTI by an even more aggressive front spoiler, complete with three distinct air intakes, a more aggressive rear spoiler, and two center-exit exhaust pipes. Three doors will be standard, but VW will most likely also offer a five-door variation. Our artist’s renderings show a possible look for the three-door R20.
It’s Coming Here!
This ultimate Golf will go on sale in Germany in late 2009, and after some internal back and forth, VW has decided to offer the R model in America.
VW will first show the R-series Golf on May 21 at the ADAC 24-hour race at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Volkswagen will also launch an R version of the sporty, Golf-based Scirocco. Equipped with the same engine as the R20, it will be front-wheel-drive. Torque steer will be managed by an electronic differential VW calls XDS—and a prayer.
So far, no Scirocco is slated for a U.S. launch. But the Golf R is, and we couldn’t be more excited.
This is a reprint from Car and Driver which first reported on this most recent development from Volkswagen of Germany. Jens Meiners writes for Car and Driver Magazine. Neither Meiners nor Car and Driver are affiliated with Blue’s Travels in any way. The above article is the property of Car and Driver Magazine and is reprinted here for informational purposes only.
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Can not wait to order one!!!!
My 2004 R32 stays also.
Thumbs up VW!
Agreed. I hear tell that Terry Volkswagen in Lynchburg will be getting several in a couple months time.
Any ideas if it will be distributed in Canada?
Gus, I will check into this and get back to you tomorrow!
Gus, I spoke with Tim Hodges, the sales manager at Terry Volkswagen, and he says yes, the R20 will be available in Canada as a 2010 model.
When the R20 coming out for U.S.?? Would it be out same time as mk6 GTI?
Jason, my sources tell me that around September we can begin to see the R20. Whether they will release the two cars concurrently I have no idea.
Timothy
From where do you have your information? Speculation? ETKA?
Martin, some of what is presented here is found in the footnotes where credit is given to my sources. Whether or not they are speculating I am not able to say.
When will this information be relayed to the dealers and made official by VW Canada? I just called the head office in Ajax and they said it will not be available, albeit it was a lady who was reading off a piece of paper. So until there is an official release that will always be their official answer.
Extremely interested in a German AWD Manual. Hard to come buy in a sporty package that is under $55-60k (Cad). Unless you have alternative suggestions. Haha.
Thanks!
I would be very frustrated if I lived in Canada. I will be doing a new post on the R in coming days. The car looks awesome. Would I want one? You bet. Am I glad I held off on the 2008 model? You bet! Whew. That was a close call too, because I almost cracked and bought one. Now it seems like waiting was well worth it!
That is why I am sorry for Dubby’ers in Canada. This is extremely poor thinking on the part of VW Canada if they do not get the new R.
hééé…
i just receive my ”new’ 14k miles R32 2008 (ship from Cali.) from my Fav Québec city dealer… i dont agree about saying that R32 is just dont woth it compare to GTI mk5…”reading the article…” i had both and did 65 000km with mk5 before trading it for a R32… R32 is the Sh*& t common’ !! … for sure i will order too a R20 and have little easy choice on mornings before going to work !!
Seeya
This is great news. I have been waiting for VW to finally come up with a Golf that would be close to the performance of the STI and the Evolution. I drove the 2004 R32 and it was a nice car, but I a positive that the R20 would be an even better vehicle. I own an Audi S4 and I can’t wait for the R20 to come out. I am also glad I held off on the 2008.
when is this awesome car arriving in South Africa (g=GTI R20 TURBO)
Hell Cam! Truth is, I don’t know. My dealer does not know either. Have you considered contacting VW of Germany and asking someone there? They may be tight lipped as well, but it is worth a shot I would think
I saw the car at the Frankfurt auto show early in September 2009 and it was awesome! If it comes to Canada I would definitely buy one. Have a GTI with and extra 70 horses and AWD would be a dream to drive I am sure. If you want to see pictures of it go to http://www.autoblog.com
I drove 1,200 Kms while in Germany and I wished I had one instead of my rental!!
Hey guys…this is truly amazing car..but how much do you think it will go for when its released?
Hi John…
Unfortunately I am told that the .:R Turbo is going to run between 34-38K US dollars. Pretty pricey for a hatch, wouldn’t you say?
I own an MKV gli and I am a muscle car enthusiast. I absolutley love this car. If the R20 comes here you bet I will be purchasing one. My decision will be made much easier if VW puts a nice sized turbo in from the factory and gives me some room to play. Id like to track down a couple pesky Lancer Evolutions if you know what I mean and the stock turbos dont compare so well.
There defintly needs to be a manual option. I will not drive a car that is suppose to be sporty without a stick shift. It takes the fun out of the driving experience. I know the DSG is a technically sophisticated very nice transmission. Nothing is as exhilerating as driving a stick though. Please keep this in mind VW for your options offering and please dont cut ouf the sound on the new radios when its turned up, it drives me nuts with my monsoon system im ready to yank it out. A sub option from the factory might be a nice touch.
I am with you. It has been a while since I had to part with my 04 .:R. The R20 (or just plain R, according to some) is really exciting me.
One last thing a factory boost gauge, or option for it would also be worth while to discuss amongst the marketeers.
And yes, a manual would be awesome. The DSG does not excite me one bit, but if that is all there is, would you choose not to buy the R20? If I can, I may be forced to pull the trigger if DSG is all they have. Still, VW dropped the ball with the DSG in the MKV version of the R. That is why there was so little excitement about the car. VW just does not have it’s finger on the pulse of the typical sports car enthusiast.
I have always felt that VW needed to get into the tuning market just a little bit. There is so much money to be made, and since tuning is something VW owners will do, why not capitalize on it?
Pure speculation… ALL CDN DOLLAR figures. For canadian R20 fans !
http://www.vw.de (germany) commands a 35% premium from a 4-door GTI to a 4-door R20. When applied to a base Canadian 4-door GTI, we get just past 40k (40240). With shipping and handling of 1365$, bottom price gets to 41425$. For a 48 month lease, a GTI gets 46% remaining balance at the end of the lease; this is at the time i’m writing this (for example, a highline passat CC gets to 39% only). 46% of 41425$ = 19055.55.
Amount to finance in lease is 22369.50$. At current VW finance rate of 4.9%, for a 48 months lease, monthly payment of 575$ + taxes.
Keeping in mind that my 04′ GLI 1.8T, valued at 33500$, commanded a 500$ monthly payment (+taxes) I consider this car would be a really good deal.
Before anyone does reply that, taking the EURO retail price of the R20 base price of 36400 Euros and converting it to 55253CAD would be pure fantasy and does not take into account all the global marketing strategies. I think my guess-timate is as close as it gets with the current data available.
Anyone wanting to challenge my numbers is welcome!
please VW Canada bring the R20 here!!!
I love comments like this. Johnny thank you. I will not challenge these numbers accept to say, “OUCH! That is a lot of money!” Whew.
It has been so long since I have had money I don’t even remember what it feels like. All I can say is that if you have it, enjoy it. You never know when your health will be gone and find yourself wishing you had enjoyed it when you were healthy
Ciao
I recently saw a VW Turbo on the highway and I immediately did a double take. I’d love to get my hands on one. I live in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Where can I find one and what colors are available?
Ready to empty my piggy bank!
R.O.
Was this a VW R-20, AKA VW GTI-R? So far, I have not seen one in the USA.
I will be orderings an r20 from Sydney Australia,could someone reccommend and reputable VW custom tuning shop in Germany thanks so I can get the car fully tuned and customised before delivery to Australia.
Cheers
Nick
Hi Nick. As more and more time passes, and as the release of the R20 (or GTI-R, as some are calling it) approaches, I am wishing more and more that I could have one myself. Unfortunately, I think I may have to wait ’til heaven to get my hands on one.
As for a tuner in Germany, I am not able to really help much, as I am in America. However, you could try starting here : http://www.tunershop.de/Home/ See the phone number? Give them a call and see where that takes you. Let me know how that works for you.