2022 Volkswagen Golf R Gets a Horsepower Bump and More

Volkswagen has unveiled the 2022 Golf R, hailing the vehicle as the most powerful and fastest version of the hot hatch ever offered. Based on the 8th-generation Golf, the new R features a 2.0-liter turbo engine producing 315 horsepower, a gain of 27 horsepower over the outgoing version. Volkswagen also increased the maximum torque to 310 lb-ft., 30 additional pound-feet compared to the previous Golf R.

Peak torque is available from 2100 RPM and stays there until to 5350 RPM. The engine gets a fully-electronic cooling regulator unit to help it stay thermally efficient and reduce friction. VW also fit the car with a new performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system.

The rear differential is new and distributes power variably between the front and rear axles and now between the left and right rear wheels. With the new torque-vectoring feature for the first time, power can be varied between both rear wheels with up to 100 percent able to be directed to the wheel on the outside of a turn to help reduce understeer.

VW also tweaked the suspension, lowering the car 0.8-inches than the standard Golf, and changed other suspension features to improve handling. The rear bumper also gets a new high-gloss black diffuser. For 2022, the sunroof, Digital Cockpit, and Discover Pro infotainment system are now standard, along with 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with summer performance tires.VW will offer the 2022 Golf R in three colors, including Lapiz Blue Metallic, Pure White, and Deep Black Pearl Effect.