Yes, at least for the Euro-spec R, output increases by 13 ponies, though unfortunately the manual trans has vanished
- VW just pulled the covers off the Euro-spec 2025 Golf R, the last gas-powered R it’ll build
- Horsepower jumps 13 ponies to 328 horses, and 310 lb-ft of torque is available from 2,100 rpm
- While the Golf R still comes with AWD, the manual transmission is, sadly, dead
No, wait—we probably shouldn’t celebrate the last one, either.
But it is shuttering fast. While the details released today are solely for the Euro-version of the Golf R, you can bet your bottom deutschmark the North American hatchback iteration (debuting online much later this year, and arriving in dealerships spring 2025) will, at least in broad strokes, match what they’re getting on that side of the pond.
Having strung you along for a sufficient number of words, let’s examine the 2025 Golf R. It will continue to be powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder engine huffing through a turbocharger, but now making 328 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque—13 more ponies than before. Peak power arrives at 5,600 rpm, but torque is all online by just 2,100 revs, and stays there until 100 rpm shy of the power crest. This thing will pull, with VW estimating a zero-to-100-km/h (-62-mph) run in the mid-fours. Power is sent to Earth through a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic and all-wheel-drive.
There are several driving modes in the hopper, including the shout-out of an available Drift mode. We look forward to learning more. Mention was also made of a Race driving profile, activated by the blue R button on the steering wheel, that can precondition the turbo to keep it at a higher turbine speed for snappier acceleration whilst under load. Think spirited driving on a country road, or wending one’s way through a complicated autocross. Please also expect new exhaust theatre, which is sure to annoy the neighbours.
The interior will feature a 12.9-inch infotainment screen, currently the largest on offer by Volkswagen. A fresh menu structure and new graphics promise to improve that experience, though we note the appearance of illuminated touch sliders for the automatic climate control and audio volume. There is likely to be some AI-fuelled voice recognition baked into this software, since that is the trend du jour, and some markets can line parts of the interior with real carbon-fibre. Add in a skiff of blue contrast, and this will be a nice place in which to be — as the Golf R has been for many years.
Gearheads across the pond can start in with pre-sales before the end of June, aligning with the Golf’s 50th anniversary fête. They’re going to have to find something else to do with their left leg, though.
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