Sharper design, new hardware and software. The 2024 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, new-generation 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 2024 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 (167 mph). 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 ten 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.