Volkswagen prepares most powerful Golf R ever

Volkswagen is preparing the most powerful version ever of its iconic Golf R. To celebrate 25 years of the R division, the German brand will launch in 2027 a special edition equipped with Audi’s legendary five-cylinder engine, the same one that powers the RS3.

This 2.5 TFSI turbo block promises to transform the Golf R into a true performance machine, with 394 hp and 480 Nm of torque, well above the 333 hp of the current generation. With this setup, the new Golf should be capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in under four seconds, making it the fastest Golf ever.

The adoption of this engine also confirms that the Volkswagen Group will keep the five-cylinder alive, even after the entry into force of the Euro 7 standard (a set of European regulations that defines even stricter limits for vehicle pollutant emissions starting in November 2026). To achieve this, technical updates will be applied, such as a new particulate filter, more sensitive NOx sensors, recalibrated injection mapping, and higher-density catalysts.

But it’s not only under the hood where the new Golf R will surprise. The brand is preparing upgrades in suspension and chassis, including greater negative camber, new mounts, structural reinforcements, and even Audi’s Torque Splitter system, which intelligently distributes power between the rear wheels. The goal is simple: break in-house records and reclaim the crown as the fastest Volkswagen around the Nürburgring circuit.

Design will also evolve alongside the mechanical improvements. Early images show larger air intakes on the hood and bumpers, a more aggressive rear spoiler, a redesigned diffuser, and four titanium exhaust tips with active valves to enhance sound. Inside, lightweight bucket seats and other weight-saving elements are expected.

The launch of this special model is scheduled for 2027, the year Volkswagen R celebrates a quarter of a century of existence. This Golf R may be the last to use an exclusively combustion engine, as the brand plans to introduce hybrid versions and, by the end of the decade, a fully electric Golf.

The future may be electric, but Volkswagen wanted to ensure that the farewell to pure combustion power would be done in style.

Photos: caradvice