Volkswagen brought a camouflaged 2025 Golf GTI to CES in Las Vegas last month, but the actual reveal took place weeks later in Europe. While the US-spec model is still a no-show, a thinly disguised prototype attended the F.A.T. Ice Race Aspen in Carbondale, Colorado. We asked VW of America about what the future has in tow for the quintessential hot hatch.

Confirming our worst fears, the six-speed manual gearbox disappears after the 2024 model year. In an e-mail to Motor1, Volkswagen of America Product Communications Specialist Jerohn Anderson said: "I can inform you that the manual transmission will not be available after MY2024 for Golf GTI and Golf R."

The new VW Golf GTI Clubsport was unveiled on the Ring Boulevard at the legendary race track in the Eifel region in front of an enthusiastic crowd of motorsport fans. They were the first to get a look at the new enhanced model which, with its completely redesigned front end, now looks even more powerful and distinctive. The standard LED Plus headlights have been revamped. For the first time, the vehicle also features the illuminated VW logo at the front. A large roof spoiler at the rear ensures maximum downforce. The LED tail light clusters have also been redesigned.

Designed for performance inside and out

The 19-inch Queenstown alloy wheels are also new. With their striking design of five oval semi-circles, they evoke the classic Detroit wheel, which was introduced for the fifth-generation Golf GTI. As a further option, the Golf GTI Clubsport can now be configured with the new 19-inch Warmenau forged wheel. With a weight of only eight kilograms per wheel rim, the forged wheels reduce the unsprung masses and thus optimise performance. The Golf GTI Clubsport's various functions and systems are coordinated using a newly developed multifunction leather sports steering wheel and a new infotainment system. It is intuitive and makes it possible for the driver to concentrate even better on the road ahead. The new top-of-the-range GTI model also features the new IDA voice assistant with ChatGPT integration.

Impressive performance

The new Golf GTI Clubsport is as impressive inside as out: the GTI turbocharged engine (EA888 LK3 evo4) delivers a torque of 400 Nm and an output of 221 kW (300 PS), which are brought to the road via an electronically controlled front differential lock. The DCC adaptive chassis control is available as optional equipment.

Another highlight of the Golf GTI Clubsport is the exclusive Special driving profile. This matches systems relevant for driving dynamics to the special track characteristics of the Nürburgring - in order to compensate for the undulations typical of the Nordschleife, maximum performance is achieved by means of a specific vertical setup of the DCC adaptive chassis control and a modified lateral dynamics setup of the standard Vehicle Dynamics Manager. The Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds; the top speed of this most powerful of GTIs is electronically limited to 250 km/h. However, this limit can be lifted with the Race package - which raises the top speed to 267 km/h.

Volkswagen R presents the most powerful Golf models of our time: the new Golf R and the new Golf R Variant with 245 kW (333 PS). The new maximum output corresponds to an increase of 10 kW compared with the direct predecessors. As standard. This power has so far only been available in exclusive special models. The Golf R Variant has never before been available with this amount of power. The times for the classic sprint from 0 to 100 km/h have thus now been shortened to 4.6 and 4.8 seconds (Variant) respectively. In the latest generation too, the top speed can be increased by 20 km/h to 270 km/h by adding the Performance package.This makes the Golf R models the world's fastest Volkswagens together with the Arteon R Shooting Brake.

Sharper design, new hardware and software

The new Golf R models are clearly recognisable by their redesigned front with new LED headlights, a Volkswagen badge that is now illuminated for the first time, new air curtains in the bumper, new LED tail light clusters and the new optionally available 19-inch Warmenau forged wheels. New details inside include a latest-generation infotainment system with a visually free-standing display and a new menu structure. The Digital Cockpit Pro in the versions with the Performance package has been enhanced with a new G-meter and a GPS lap timer. Despite the increased power, newgeneration infotainment system, numerous improvements to the finer details and DCC adaptive chassis control system now included at no extra cost, the new Golf R models will be launched in Germany at lower prices. Europe-wide pre-sales start in June - coinciding exactly with the 50th anniversary of the Golf. Other global markets will follow successively.

Exclusive Golf R Black Edition

The debut of the new R models is another highlight in the long success story of the Golf R. It began in the summer of 2002 with the legendary Golf R32 (177 kW/241 PS) - this car and its four successors have sold far more than 250,000 units so far. The 4MOTION all-wheel drive system and maximum performance are common denominators and can naturally also be found in the new Golf R models. This is particularly evident in the example of the new Golf R Black Edition - an exclusive model that will be available to order straight away upon market launch. The Golf R Black Edition is designed to have a completely dark look and has a top speed of 270 km/h. It boasts features such as black 19-inch Estoril wheels (19-inch Warmenau forged wheel in black available as optional equipment), darkened Volkswagen badges and R logos, black R brake calipers with a dark R logo and black tailpipe trims. The new, darkened IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights are also standard. Its standard equipment also includes the otherwise optional Performance package; in addition to the higher top speed, it offers two additional modes for motorsport enthusiasts who also drive on tracks away from normal road traffic: Drift and Special. The latter was specifically adapted to the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Additional downforce is provided by a larger roof spoiler through which the air flow is routed. The Performance package also includes the GPS lap timer and the G-meter. The boundaries between series production and motorsport are broken down here in a fascinating new level of performance.

High-tech wheels from Volkswagen R

New developments are the already mentioned 19-inch Warmenau forged wheels (named after the headquarters of Volkswagen R in the town of Warmenau on the outskirts of Wolfsburg). With a weight of only eight kilograms per wheel rim, they are about 20 per cent lighter than comparable alloy wheels - this reduces the unsprung masses and ensures perfect handling. In addition, the very large opening degree of the rims (71 per cent) improves stability and wear resistance as the brakes are cooled even more effectively and are thus subjected to less thermal stress, especially on race tracks.

Golf update as the basis

The new Golf R models are based on the eighth generation of the Golf, which was significantly updated earlier in 2024. The IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights are a new technical feature; they offer a high-performance main beam with about 15 per cent more range for the first time. As already described above, all Golf R models are equipped with a completely new infotainment system that is operated via a new, free-standing touchscreen (32-cm/12.9-inch diagonal). In addition, operation of the multi-function steering wheel has been optimised. As before, a special feature here is the blue R button, which activates the various driving profiles including the exclusive Race mode. To prevent unintentional activation of Race mode, the trigger threshold of the R button has been increased. Adjusting the speed when the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is active is now also more intuitive: the plus button (+) on the steering wheel increases the speed by 10 km/h each time it is pressed, while the minus button (-) reduces the speed by 10 km/h. The SET button can be used to increase the speed in 1 km/h increments, while the RES button reduces the speed by 1 km/h each time it is pressed.

Smart voice assistant

New on board is the IDA voice assistant, which can be used to control classic functions such as the air conditioning system, telephone or the navigation system and to activate specific features such as the driving profiles and Race mode. For the first time, voice control can access ChatGPT and thus use the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to answer all conceivable general knowledge questions.

Most powerful evolutionary stage

As the EA888 LK3 evo4 for production vehicles, the 1,984 cm3 four-cylinder turbocharged direct injection engine (TSI) in the new Golf R models is the most powerful evolutionary stage of this engine series. The highest output of the engine tuned by Volkswagen R is available between 5,600 and 6,500 rpm. The engine develops its maximum torque of 420 Nm in the engine speed range from 2,100 to 5,500 rpm. The engine speed values alone already make it clear that this turbocharged engine has no turbo lag and spontaneously unleashes maximum dynamic power in every driving situation. The direct-injection engine is generally characterised by innovative solutions for individual details such as integration of water-cooled exhaust gas routing to the turbocharger in the cylinder head. Thanks to a fully electronic coolant regulator unit, the TSI features very efficient thermal management with a short warm-up phase. The resultant reduction in friction losses contributes to reducing fuel consumption. The engine is also characterised by variable valve timing with double camshaft control. In addition, the valve lift can be switched in two stages on the exhaust side. This solution permits optimum control of gas exchange with respect to performance, consumption and exhaust emissions. The TSI transfers its power to a dual clutch transmission and the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system with R-Performance torque vectoring.

5 + 2 driving profiles

In the Golf R, the driving profiles Comfort, Sport, Race and Individual were previously available, along with Special and Drift in conjunction with the Performance package. This spectrum is now expanded with the Eco driving profile, which makes leisurely journeys even more sustainable. The Comfort profile has been modified: in the new Golf R versions, the shift characteristics for the seven-speed DSG have been changed so that upshifting now takes place approx. 100 rpm later. The Comfort profile is thus even sportier as a result. In the Sport profile, the start/stop system and the coasting function are deactivated. In addition, the selective wheel torque control and entire drive system are configured to make then extremely sporty. In the Race profile, features such as the DCC, selective wheel torque control, progressive steering and all-wheel drive are additionally adjusted once more to a significantly sportier setting. Drivers can set a wide range of parameters themselves in Individual mode.

Further sharpened R

profile The performance of the new Golf R generation is further enhanced in the Race driving profile - this can be activated by means of the blue R button in the left steering wheel trim, on the infotainment system or by voice control. In this case, the turbocharger is preconditioned so that it is kept at a higher turbine speed even when driving under partial load, for example, at a constant speed on country roads. As a result, power delivery is more spontaneous as soon as the vehicle accelerates again. In Race mode, the throttle valve is also opened in overrun phases: if the driver lifts off the accelerator before a bend and then accelerates again after the apex of the corner, they can clearly feel the faster build-up of engine torque. All this optimises vehicle handling and dynamics. The additional Special and Drift profiles are available in the Performance package.

Special profile

The Special profile has been specifically configured for the Nürburgring Nordschleife and configures a softer setup for the DCC running gear compared with Race mode, to make sure the Golf R can maintain maximum contact with the road on the undulating Nordschleife track. The adaptive chassis control DCC is configured here with a special vertical setup; a special tune optimised for lateral dynamics is also achieved via the Vehicle Dynamics Manager and selective wheel torque control so that the vehicle handles the corners of the Nürburgring perfectly. The driver can also manually deactivate the Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Furthermore, downshifts in automatic DSG mode - performed depending on the brake pressure - perfectly match every deceleration ahead of corners. The current gear is maintained depending on the lateral acceleration and the speed at which the accelerator is released ("Fast Off"). In manual DSG mode, the usual forced upshifts and kickdown are also omitted in order to offer the driver maximum control over the individual gears. For the turbocharged engine, this means the load changes are adjusted in order to optimise steering response and lateral dynamics. In addition, the engine speed is increased to improve the performance when pulling away, and the accelerator characteristic is adapted for optimum control.

Drift profile

In the Drift performance profile, the parameters for the ESC control (change to ESC Sport) and the distribution of power via the all-wheel drive system enable the Golf R to drift on private tracks. To make sure that the profile is only selected on private roads, the infotainment system always displays a confirmation prompt before it is activated.

Engine starts at increased speed

The new Golf R models offer numerous enhanced performance features that make driving this Volkswagen a special experience. The engine start with higher speeds is one example: if the driver presses the engine start button (Engine/Start) without brake operation for at least 1.5 seconds and then starts the engine by pressing the brake pedal, the starting speed briefly automatically increases to 2,500 rpm. This mode is underlined by an acoustic statement - a deep burbling sound.

Motorsport sound - inside and out

The sound of the exhaust system has generally been further developed to enhance the acoustic feedback and the characteristic motorsport feeling of the Golf R. Backfire can be heard on the outside from engine speeds of just 2,500 rpm - a typical sound from the world of motorsport. Inside, a sound actuator makes sure that the engine has an even rougher sound, once again evoking motorsport. The sound of the now even richer-sounding R-Performance titanium exhaust system from Akrapovi has likewise been optimised.

4MOTION with R-Performance torque vectoring

All versions of the Golf R feature an 4MOTION all-wheel drive system with R-Performance torque vectoring. A rear final drive developed by Volkswagen R distributes the drive power variably between the front and rear axles and between the left and right rear wheels. Here's how it works: the differential from the 4MOTION drive system familiar from other Volkswagen MQB models (MQB: modular transverse matrix) transfers the power via a multi-plate clutch to the left and the right-hand rear wheels with a ratio of 50:50 - even when the differential lets them rotate at different speeds when cornering. The new 4MOTION all-wheel drive system with R-Performance torque vectoring developed for the Golf R can additionally distribute the torque variably between both rear wheels. Thanks to the wheel-selective power at the wheels, up to 100 per cent of the possible torque can be directed to the wheel on the outside of the bend. This reduces the cornering radius and understeer is eliminated, leading to noticeably more agile vehicle handling. The intensity of the power distribution is determined by the current steering angle, accelerator pedal position, lateral acceleration, yaw rate and speed. The driver can use the driving profiles to influence operation of the stabilising vehicle dynamics systems and the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system with R-Performance torque vectoring.

MacPherson front axle, four-link rear axle, progressive steering, 18-inch brakes

The basic layout of the sports running gear, which is lowered by 20 mm compared with the standard version, consists of a MacPherson front axle, a four-link rear axle and a high-stability 18-inch brake system. Progressive steering is installed as standard. It operates with a progressive gear ratio and significantly reduces the effort required to steer when manoeuvring and parking. On winding country roads and when turning off, drivers will notice a greater dynamic response thanks to the more direct setup. It also means drivers do not have to change their hand position as frequently. For the first time, the previously optional DCC adaptive chassis control system is now on board as standard in Germany.

Intelligent Vehicle Dynamics Manager

In the Golf R and Golf R Variant, a highly innovative Vehicle Dynamics Manager not only closely integrates the electronic differential locks (XDS) and lateral dynamics components of the controlled shock absorbers in the adaptive chassis control system (DCC), but also - for the first time - the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system with R-Performance torque vectoring. Electromechanically adjustable running gear systems once again significantly enhance the balance between maximum dynamics and the highest levels of comfort. The Vehicle Dynamics Manager coordinates the electromechanical functions of the all-wheel drive system, electronic differential lock and lateral dynamics components of the DCC shock absorbers during every driving manoeuvre. Adjustment of the wheel-specific damping ensures particularly agile and precise handling. The Vehicle Dynamics Manager also enables calculation of perfect clutch control for the selective wheel torque control function to further optimise agility and stability. In parallel to this, targeted braking intervention on the vehicle side on the inside of a bend further reduces understeer in the transition and limit ranges. Traction is improved by an increased locking torque in the selective wheel torque control, and vehicle handling is slightly more biased towards the rear instead of an understeering tendency.

DCC adaptive chassis control

The DCC adaptive chassis control - which in Germany is now fitted as standard in the Golf R and Golf R Variant - continuously reacts to the road surface and driving situation while taking into account various elements including steering, braking and acceleration. The lateral dynamic components of the DCC running gear are coordinated and further optimised by the Vehicle Dynamics Manager. Using the set driving profile, the driver can influence the reduction in body motion as desired. The required damping is calculated for each wheel and adjusted at the four shock absorbers within fractions of a second. Consequently, DCC always provides the highest level of driving comfort and optimum driving dynamics.

Individual ESC control

The driver can deactivate ESC by means of the vehicle menu. When starting the Golf R and Golf R Variant, the ESC is always active as a full system. After this, the ESC can be adapted in two stages: in ESC Sport mode, the ESC thresholds and TCS slip thresholds are increased to reduce the intensity of interventions. In ESC Off mode, experienced drivers can additionally deactivate ESC altogether for all driving situations. However, Front Assist and the swerve support function reactivate the full ESC system in an emergency.

Distinctive R design

The Golf R and Golf R Variant are characterised by an exterior look and exterior equipment that set them apart from all the other models in the product line. The entire front section below the headlights, the side members, exterior mirror caps, wheel range as well as the lower area of the rear apron and the four-pipe exhaust system were all designed and developed specifically by Volkswagen R.

Front section with an R design

The new Golf R models can be recognised from the front by the completely newly designed bumpers and the new LED headlights. The headlights now have straighter lines, are visually more striking and narrow significantly towards the inside. All Golf R models are equipped with LED Plus headlights as standard. A horizontal LED strip and the illuminated Volkswagen badge are integrated into the lighting system. The illuminated Volkswagen badge gives rise to a new, unmistakably Volkswagen light design. The R logo is integrated into the radiator grille. The blue application above the horizontal LED strip is another characteristic R feature. A further light highlight is the latest generation of the optionally available IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights. They are equipped with a new high-performance LED main beam with about 15 per cent more range than the predecessor system. Located underneath are the new bumper, with its aerodynamic elements in high-gloss black (including targeted air routing to cool the brakes), the high-gloss black ventilation grille and the front splitter in motorsport style.

Silhouette in R design

At the sides, the new Golf R and the Golf R Variant are distinguished from all other models in the product line by the exterior mirror housings in matt chrome (with R logo projection as part of the exterior background lighting), the R logo on the doors below the exterior mirrors, side members with a specific design, silver-anodised roof rails on the Golf R Variant and an independent wheel rim range. For the first time, the hub caps on the 18- and 194-inch wheels feature the R logo instead of the Volkswagen badge.

Overview of the R design wheel rims

The Golf R models (except Golf R Black Edition) are equipped with the 18-inch Jerez wheel rim and 225/40 tyres as standard. The 19-inch Estoril wheel rim with diamond-cut surface (standard for Performance package) or in all-black trim (standard for Golf R Black Edition) with 235/35 tyres is available as optional equipment. As a completely new development, the new 19-inch Warmenau forged wheel is optionally available for all models in Black or with a diamond-cut finish (also with 235/35 tyres). The 18-inch Bergamo winter wheel in "Sterling Silver" with 225/40 tyres is also available for all Golf R models. The blue-painted brake calipers (black on the Golf R Black Edition) with R logo are recognisable behind all the wheel rims.

Rear end in R design

The newly designed LED tail lights are standard equipment on the Golf R models. In conjunction with the IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights, the new 3D LED tail lights with dynamic flashing function are optionally available. Their welcome and goodbye effects can be customised using the vehicle settings (on the infotainment system). There is a choice of three effects. The level below features a bumper in R design, a diffuser in highgloss black and the four-pipe tailpipes of the exhaust system (twin tailpipes on the left and right). The Golf R (classic hatchback version) can be optionally ordered with the now even richer sounding R-Performance titanium exhaust system (Akrapovi). Both systems have controllable sound flaps. The models with the Performance package can be recognised at the rear by a particularly large roof spoiler, through which the air flow is directed and which thus optimises the downforce.

New infotainment systems

Volkswagen has developed new hardware and software for the infotainment system. Operation has been significantly improved thanks to completely revamped graphics and a new menu structure for the touch display. In addition, an R-specific graphic has been integrated into the system. The self-explanatory infotainment system is always combined with the largest display version (32.8-cm/ 12.9-inch diagonal) in the Golf R models. The screens are divided into two touch bars at the top and bottom and the large home screen in the middle. The driver can assign favourite direct-access functions to large areas of the top bar and home screen. The big advantage: the individually configured top bar and static bottom bar remain continuously displayed when the driver opens various functions in the form of apps on the home screen. This makes the system easy to use. As part of this, the touch sliders for temperature and volume control have been newly developed and are now illuminated. A windscreen head-up display will be available as an option.

Extended Digital Cockpit Pro

The new Golf R models are equipped with the enhanced Digital Cockpit Pro as standard (display diagonal: 26 cm/10.2 inches). The driver can use corresponding buttons on the multi-function steering wheel to set up different basic graphic configurations (information profiles): in addition to the classic views from other models in the product line, the Digital Cockpit Pro in the Golf R offers an enhanced Sport skin, featuring a central round rev counter with an R-specific design including the R logo. A three-dimensional layout - the R view - with numeric fields is additionally available. As an exclusive feature, there is a horizontal rev counter at the top edge of the display. The scale for this flat, horizontal display ranges from 0 to 8 (equivalent to 0 to 8,000 rpm). In models with the Performance package, the display provides gearshift recommendations when manual DSG

mode is activated. In manual DSG mode, the driver either uses the shift-by-wire buttons on the centre console or the paddles on the steering wheel to perform manual gear shifts. Particularly when driving on race tracks, the gear recommendation provides valuable assistance, since automatic upshifts are intentionally deactivated in manual mode in the Special and Drift driving profiles. New functions in the Digital Cockpit Pro in conjunction with the Performance package include a GPS lap timer and a G-meter (G forces). As additional information, it is possible to display current data such as the charge pressure, gearbox temperature, torque, power, a G-meter and the torque distribution of the all-wheel drive. The torque distribution between the four wheels is now shown by means of a newly visualised Golf R. Read on for more about the GPS lap timer for the race track and the G-meter.

GPS lap timer for the race track

Compared with the already familiar lap timer, the GPS lap timer introduced here additionally uses satellite signals and thus makes it possible to automatically measure split times. This is how the GPS lap timer works: the track is first driven once to learn the route and the start and finish lines are set. In addition, up to three GPS measuring points can be set for recording split times. From the next lap, the total and split times are automatically recorded and saved. The GPS lap timer additionally shows the driver the difference in times compared to the fastest lap to date. After crossing the finish line, the last and fastest laps with the respective split times of the individual measuring points are displayed. Thanks to automated timekeeping, the driver can concentrate fully on the track. What is more, the accuracy is very high.

G-meter for the classic sprint

The new G-meter offers three different modes: 0 to 100 km/h, 80 to 120 km/h and quarter mile. The respective measurement can be started either by moving off from a standstill or by means of a visualised traffic light. As in motorsport, five light dots count down for the traffic light start. When using the traffic light start, moving off too early or too late leads to a false start to increase the accuracy of the measurement. The G-meter is an exciting feature for testing the performance of the Golf R and for finding out more how the weather, tyres and road surface can affect acceleration.

Equipment by Volkswagen R

The interior of the Golf R models is ergonomically tailored to the driver and exclusively refined in the R style. The driver and front passenger sit on premium sport seats with integrated head restraints. The inner surfaces of the seats are black-blue, while the outer areas are in ArtVelours. The inner surfaces of the backrests feature an R logo in the upper area. Also optionally available once more are seats in black nappa leather, featuring carbon-look elements, blue accents in the side sections and an R logo in the backrest. Other optional equipment includes interior applications in genuine carbon. These equipment details underline the high quality of the exclusive overall concept of the new Golf R. The multi-function leather sports steering wheel has also been given a specific design: it comes with ergonomically shaped DSG paddles that are larger than the standard production version, a blue steering wheel mark at the six o'clock position, blue contrast stitching and naturally the R button for direct selection of the various driving profiles. R-specific door side trims, floor mats with the R logo and pedal caps and driver footrest in brushed stainless steel are just as much part of the extended standard equipment as the black headliner and background lighting with many adjustment options (30 colours). For the first time, a ball coupling with a drawbar load of 80 kg is available for the Golf R in the hatchback version; the maximum trailer weight is 1,900 kg (braked, with 8 per cent gradient).