Since 2006, Volkswagen America has really been making big strides to overcome some of the stigma around earlier models, battling electrical problems, hot competition from Asian competitors as well as an initially horrible JD Powers review (placing VW near the bottom of the list).
But now, 4 years later, Volkswagen has really been pumping out some impressive machines. Three new cars have graced us, the CC, the Golf and the Tiguan, however it is the GTI and the newly announced GTI-R that really has us excited here at Car Overload. Earlier in 2009, VW unveiled the new Scirocco, an awe-inspiring hatchback with the heart of a lion. Yet despite this exciting news, Americans were devastated to hear that the Scirocco would only be available in Europe. Volkswagen was yet to sit back and see an entire continent berate the VW brand by holding a car back from them. Their solution?
The Golf R (GTI-R as it will be known in the U.S.)
Sporting the newly enhanced GTI body, the GTI-R will pack a powerful S3 engine under the hood, pumping out 265 horsepower, coupled with the DSG you can expect 0-60 figures in the low 5 second range (average about .2-.4 seconds slower with the Manual transmission). The GTI-R will incorporate the AWD 4-Motion system, and will replace the R32 as VW America’s sports car.
As awesome as all this sounds, the car only gets better from there. APR already has an ECU upgrade that will bump the peak numbers of 322 horsepower and 321lb-ft. of torque. At this point we suggest putting down your game controller and forfeiting to the VW gods. Game Over America, this is most likely the best buy for your money (expect to see MSRP close to the $35K range).
No word yet as to the U.S. release date, but expect it to be no earlier than November 2010.
If you guys see any photos of this around the net please throw it in our comments below and we’ll be sure to credit you with the find. Thanks!
