VW Golf R launch control & Aerodynamics – Video
The Golf R has a more advanced version of the EA888 four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® 2.0-liter engine that’s fitted to the 2017 Golf GTI. The engineers boosted power to 292 hp, delivered at 5,500 rpm, thus creating one of the most powerful four-cylinder production engines in the world. Maximum torque has been increased to 280 pound-feet, available over a broad speed band from 1,800 to 5,500 rpm. To attain this output, the Golf R model’s 1984-cc engine was subjected to a motorsports-style development program. The following components were modified or completely redesigned compared to the GTI engine: the cylinder head (together with exhaust valves, valve seats, and springs), pistons, high-pressure injection system, and turbocharger.
The Golf R model’s EA888 series engine has innovative engineering solutions such as water-cooled exhaust gas channels running through the cylinder head to the turbocharger to help efficiently reduce full-load fuel consumption. Thanks to its fully-electronic coolant control system, the Golf R TSI engine has more efficient thermal management with a reduced warm-up phase that help reduces frictional losses and fuel consumption. In addition, the TSI engine has variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust sides, as well as two-stage exhaust-valve lift. This helps enable optimal control of the charge exchange process for better performance and fuel economy.
Equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, the Golf R will reach 60 mph from rest in 5.3 seconds, an improvement of 0.4 seconds over the old car; with the six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission, the car completes the sprint in just 4.9 seconds.
When equipped with the six-speed manual transmission, the Golf R achieves an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. When equipped with the optional six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, EPA estimated fuel economy ratings are 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
The latest-generation 4Motion system is activated before any wheelspin occurs, helping eliminate nearly all traction losses. The system achieves this by using an advanced control function based on specific driving conditions. When operating under a relatively low load or when coasting, the front wheels are driven and the rear wheels are decoupled, helping to save fuel. However, the rear wheels can be engaged in fractions of a second whenever necessary via the center coupling, which is activated by an electro-hydraulic oil pump.
A control unit can continually calculate the ideal drive torque for the rear wheels and controls how much the multi-plate clutch should be closed by activating the oil pump. The oil pressure increases the contact pressure at the clutch plates in proportion to the torque desired at the rear axle. So, the amount of pressure applied to the clutch plates can be used to continuously vary the amount of torque going between the front and rear wheels, up to a maximum of 50 percent at the rear axle.
In addition to the center coupling that acts longitudinally, electronic differential locks (EDS) that are a function of the electronic stability control system act laterally. The system briefly brakes a wheel that is slipping, enabling uninterrupted and stable transfer of drive power to the wheel on the opposite side.
Volkswagen R GmbH has developed numerous unique exterior elements for the flagship Golf R. These include the bumpers, side skirts, rear diffuser, rear spoiler, and dual-exit chrome exhaust tips, Bi-Xenon headlights, and standard 18-inch “Cadiz” aluminum-alloy wheels.
The Golf R is distinguished at the front by a bumper design with larger air inlets, a modified radiator grille that sports an “R” logo, and daytime running lights that are integrated into the Bi-Xenon headlight housings. The LED Daytime Running Lights form a distinctive dual “U” design beneath the headlights.
From the side, the Golf R is characterized by 18-inch “Cadiz” or available 19-inch “Pretoria” aluminum-alloy wheels shod with 225/40 or 235/35 tires, black brake calipers with the “R” logo, body-color “R” style side skirts, “R” badges on the front fenders, and black painted door mirror caps. Rear details that define the Golf R include an “R” design diffuser, four chrome tailpipes, and an “R” logo on the hatch.