Key Takeaways
- New Volkswagen Golf R will be available with optional 19-inch Warmenau forged wheels.
- Lightweight alloys are 20% lighter than comparable wheels.
- The design, inspired by the original Golf R32’s wheels, improves handling and brake cooling.
Later this month, Volkswagen will unveil the all-new Golf R 8.5. The super hatch will arrive with more power, updated styling, and a host of revisions to bring the range-topper in line with the Golf and Golf GTI 8.5, introduced earlier this year. Ahead of the reveal, Volkswagen R is showing off the new 19-inch Warmenau forged wheel, which will be available as an option.
The lightweight wheels look good and improve the vehicle’s handling dynamics by reducing weight. Each wheel weighs 17.6 lbs, making them about 20% lighter than similar wheels, thereby improving handling and reducing unsprung mass.
2024 Volkswagen Golf R
- Base MSRP
- $45,665
- Engine
- 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
- Horsepower
- 315 hp
- Fuel Economy
- 20/28 MPG
Lightweight Wheels Look Great And Improve Performance
The wheel is attractive, with slim spokes breaking into a Y-shape extending towards the rim. While it looks good, the design puts function ahead of form. Ten overlapping rectangles are “at the heart of the wheel,” with designer Ranbir Kalha noting that the design team tried different designs to make the wheel look as big as possible. With an opening ratio of 71%, the brakes are easier to cool, essential when tackling a mountain pass or racetrack at high speed.
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When the Golf R 8.5 reaches showrooms, customers can choose from a black or dark gray diamond-cut finish. Wrapped in 235/35 rubber, the wheels look purposeful and sportier than the current wheel designs. VW says the design was inspired by the wheels worn by the original Golf R32. The 19-inch alloy takes its name from the village of Warmenthau, where the Volkswagen Golf R headquarters are located.
“The ambitious weight target posed a major challenge for us, as the structural stability of the wheel rim is paramount. It took months and many iterations and simulations to find the right balance between strength and weight.”
– Ranbir Kalha, Volkswagen designer.
Facelifted Golf R Will Have 328 Horsepower
Volkswagen names most of its wheels after towns or cities. Other examples include the Toronto (Canada), Pretoria (South Africa), and Nogaro (France). The wheels will debut along with the updated Golf R on June 26. Volkswagen has confirmed that the turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine will receive a power boost. It will now offer up 328 horsepower, a decent 13 hp increase over the old model. There’s no word on the torque figure yet, but it’s safe to assume the manual gearbox will be discontinued – VW no longer offers a three-pedal option for the GTI.
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Complete History Of The Volkswagen Golf R
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While the styling updates, additional power, and more intuitive interior will undoubtedly improve the Golf R, there’s a possibility that we may get an even more hardcore version of the hot hatch. The performance brand plans to go all-electric in a few years, but before then, VW would like to create a track-focused version of the Golf R, although this is yet to be approved by executives.