The Volkswagen community must be pretty happy with an R model that finally delivers the goods. For years, dubbers have been waiting for a 300 horsepower Golf from the factory.
It only took Volkswagen 10 years to deliver it since the original 2004 R32.
Now that it's here though, there may be one slight problem. It's going to cost you.
With a base price of $36,595, you'll get plenty of standard equipment. But, if you want navigation, guess what, that'll run $39,090. Keeping in mind that the Audi S3 starts at about $41,000, it's getting real tight in a big way.
These days nearly $40,000 can go a LONG way, especially on the used car market. So, I have to ask: has VW bitten off WAY more than it can chew by pricing the Golf R SO high?
Considering how bad the MK6 Golf R drove, I am thinking this is a pretty substantial risk for VW. What say you, Spies?
Volkswagen's press release follows:
VOLKSWAGEN ANNOUNCES PRICING OF 2015 GOLF R
- Well-equipped Golf R starts at $36,595 with DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission
- Technology-rich Golf R with DCC and Nav starts at $39,090 with DSG transmission
- With 292 horsepower, the Golf is the most powerful Golf ever to be sold in the U.S. market
- New Golf R has 36 horsepower and 37 pound-feet of torque more than previous generation model
- First 500 Golf R models can be pre-ordered
- Standard Bi-Xenon headlights with LED turn signals and U-shaped LED DRLs
Herndon, VA — Volkswagen of America, Inc., today, announced pricing for its 2015 Golf R, the fastest and most powerful Golf ever to be sold in the U.S. market. Joining Volkswagen’s extensive Golf family of versatile, sporty hatchbacks, the Golf R starts at $36,595 (plus $820 destination) when equipped with the DSG® six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
With 292 horsepower from its turbocharged and direct-injection EA888 TSI® engine, the allnew Golf R has 36 horsepower and 37 pound-feet torque more than the previous model. Despite the additional power and torque, the new R model is considerably more fuel-efficient than its predecessor, with an EPA estimated highway fuel economy rating of 30 mpg with the six-speed DSG transmission, up from 27 mpg for the previous, manual -transmission model. The six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission offers a launch control feature, enabling the car to complete the 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 4.9 seconds. The top track speed is 155 mph.
Like all previous Golf R models, the new model transfers its power to the road via a permanent all-wheel-drive system; in this case, the latest version of the 4MOTION® system with a fifth-generation Haldex® coupling. To help ensure great chassis dynamics, there’s a new sport suspension, progressive variable-ratio steering, and a stability control system ("ESC Sport") which can be deactivated for track driving. Other highlights include the optional DCC® adaptive damping system.
The all-new Golf R is equipped with an extensive package of exclusive features. Along with specially designed bumpers, side skirts, and the option of 18- or 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, the Golf R can also be visually distinguished from the GTI by details such as standard Bi-Xenon headlights with newly designed LED daytime running lights (in a dual-U design) and a two-branch exhaust system that has four chrome tips. Inside, the Golf R underlines its position as the flagship of the model range with sport seats with leather seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped three-spoke sport steering wheel, ambient lighting, and R-specific instrumentation.
The Golf R will be launched in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2015 in four -door form only, initially with the DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. There will be two models: the wellequipped Golf R and the technology-rich Golf R with DCC and Nav, with prices starting from $36,595 and $39,090 for DSG models.
The Golf R is comprehensively equipped. The base Golf R includes Driving Mode Selection, 5.8-inch touchscreen radio with SiriusXM® Satellite radio, heatable front seats, LED reading lights, ambient lighting, a Media Device Interface (MDI) with iPhone® connectivity, Bluetooth® connectivity, VW Car-Net® connected services, Keyless access with push-button start, a rearview camera, 12-way power driver’s seat, and Climatronic® dual-zone automatic air conditioning. The Golf R with DCC and Nav adds: the DCC adaptive damping system; 19- inch wheels; a navigation system; the Fender® Premium Audio System; and front and rear Park Distance Control.
Potential Golf R customers will be able to pre-order their vehicle via the vw.com website. The first 500 Golf R models—all top-trim vehicles—will be available with an exclusive numbered R Accessories Kit.