Volkswagen Golf R20T set to replace R32

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By Matt Brogan | February 12th, 2009

Volkswagen is to launch its Golf R20T hatch at the Geneva Motor Show in a bid to take on the might of Ford’s Focus RS, Subaru’s WRX STi and Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evolution.

Utilising the combination of a lightweight body and tuned 2.0-litre turbocharged engine (as the name suggests), the R20T is a direct replacement for the R32, being referred to within VW as the R-Series Turbo.

VW is ditching the R32 name, along with the 3.2-litre V6 that’s powered the previous two cars, due mainly to cost rationalisation and more stringent Euro emission standards.

With a bigger turbo and ECU upgrades the R20T will develop 202kW meaning sub five second 0-100 times (top speed will be electronically limited to 250km/h).

The same engine will power an R20T version of the Scirocco – as previewed by the Studie R concept at Italy’s Bologna Motor Show last year.

Although VW did not confirm whether the Golf would be driven by the front or all four wheels, the latter is more likely given the grip levels required to match the outgoing R32.

The R20T will be available with either a of a six-speed manual gearbox or VW’s DSG box and will feature additional external enhancements including a deeper front spoiler, LED daytime running lights, flared wheel arches to accommodate wider rims and tyres, tuned exhaust, roof spoiler, underbody diffuser and lowered sports suspension

There is no word yet on pricing or Australian availability.

Source: Auto Express UK

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=674330849 lazybones

Awesome, simply fantastic. But i’m guessing 55K + waiting list.
WVB

This one ought to put a ridiculous grin where it should.
………….that’s on your face and not as the grille!!
Jimbo

Cool!
Alex

Interesting mock ups. I doubt the production version will have R8 V10 wheels or that body kit but I like the concept. I always felt that the 3.2 V6 dulled the handling so this may be fixed with the new engine.
RCAS3

“With a bigger turbo and ECU upgrades the R20T will develop 202kW meaning sub five second 0-100 times (top speed will be electronically limited to 250km/h).”

Sub 5 seconds. Really? The current S3, with only 14 less kw and I imagine a very similar engine can only manage 5.9 / 5.7 0-100 times.
Marty

If it looks anything like that……sign me up!!!
wob R20

RCAS3 – keep in mind the R20 will have more power and torque, plus i would imagine, slightly different intakes, exhaust and stronger block/pistons. don’t forget the S3 only runs in manual, and a DSG version of the R20 will be seeing approx 0.5sec shaved off the 0-100 times. my guess is that it will achieve around 5.2 -5.3, but a chip should be good for around 250kw…and will be a monster on the road. plus there will be other sweet options like the sat nav system with inbuilt 30gb hdd, or park assist (not that you would really need it for a golf).
wob R20

BTW, rumour around town is that UK and Europe will get it at start of 2010. so maybe mid 2010 for Oz.
Jimmy

yes please!
Phill

Hope keep it AWD and not change it to FWD
topdog

Looks hot would get one in a hart beat
Alan

i doubt this will do a sub 5 sec 0-100, may be low 5 if fitted with DSG and AWD. Also in the original article, it actually says “0-60mph sprint arriving in about five seconds” which is 0-96km/h, meaning that another 0.1 sec should be added for 0-100km/h time.

It is quite interesting that they changed to turbo 4 isntead of the v6, whilst using a lighter turbo 4 will improve the turning, i really liked the sound of that V6. Something a turbo 4 will never match.
mkv

volkswagen were always destined to do an S3 platform golf…and they have finally done it. the R32 always had the let down of being nose heavy, while the mkv GTI had better handling from the lighter body, but lacked AWD traction. this will be the best of both worlds.
riceboy

Hmmm…just bought my MkV GTI 6 months ago…chipped it and it does 188kw and 411Nm at the engine. One of these things would be ridiculously fast after the aftermarket boys get their dirty little hands on it! I agree with the V6 exhaust noise though… much nicer.
Cracker Barrel

I wonder how much i can get for a kidney.

Ill happily do a clean swap Kidney Golf R20T
Reckless1

I’ve had my GTI for 6 months or so, and I just love it.

I’d love 50 extra KW and 70nm and AWD too, would save the fronts a bit

A chipped one of these with 250kw would be the shiz – saving up already, bring it on. Oh, and I don’t care whether it’s a Golf or a Scirocco – either one will be the most desirable piece of kit in 2010.
http://www.AUSringers.com Liam

Let’s hope the R20T is AWD. I suppose the XDS electronic diff might be okay, if not, I dare say the Mk6 chassis won’t be able to cope with 200kW through its front wheels.

Good news, too, that the Scirocco R20T is being considered for Australia!
Fasthonda

It will be interesting when the R20T is compared with the EVO X,STI and RS Focus(overseas only).
I just don’t like those LED daytime running lights.
They make the driver look pompous?
Luke

RIP to the growl of the unmistakable VR-Six.

I imagine the next Audi S3 will pick up the 5-Cyl Twin Turbo to stay the king of the AUDI-VW stable, or perhaps to be renamed the RS3.
J

How is the R20T different to the GTI? Aren’t they going to both be 2L turbo?
Simon

A 4 door would be a great idea! This would have to be AWD to replace the R32.
Time to save….
What recession???
Anti-spam word: BUICK

Ok if they can keep the kerb weight down to 1450kg or lower then it will definitely compete with an STi or EVO. Biggest problem for the EVO is weight. If this thing can stay light by todays standards and be tuned to say 250-300kw then it will really crap on a lot of cars out there. Also with VW superior quality and class in interiro design over it’s Jap couterparts then the R20T should be the obvious choice for those looking for a quality fast hatch.

I’d buy an S3 but im so over manual in day to day city traffic. I really want a DSG option, but the current R32 lack of HP and tuneability has kept me out of one. It does have a nice soundtrack though which will be missed. But all sound and no go = gay.
Skitza

This will fail with FWD and anything greater than 55k price tag. You\’d take the EVO + TMR Tune for 270kw\’s. LED Lights are awesome, you should always drive with your lights on like the Euro\’s do during the day, very handy.
GGG

Interesting that R36 engine isnt being used. Perhaps too big or too expensive? The 2.0T would certainly be more fuel efficient. Id dearly miss the blips on down changes though.
http://ozmazdaclub.com Ozmazdaclub

And if its a FWD just think of the ridiculous torque steer….now where did I read a comment like that…oh that’s right because its a Golf lets not bag it…

I’ll take a smile any day…
mkv

ozmazdabaiterclub – highly doubt volkswagen audi group is going to make the R20 fwd, given the success of the S3. they are german, they think of everything.
http://ozmazdaclub.com Ozmazdaclub

gee your so funny mkv how long did it take you to work out that change of my login in….or was it your nasal spray that helped.

But isn’t the current Golf Gti a FWDer

It wasn’t disclosed whether the MPS or the Golf was FWD or AWD….

Its up to personal preference and I prefer the Mazda over the Golf…simple as that.
G6ETURBO

So has VW confirmed that it’s 202kw or it’s just a rumour?
and why people have already tuned this car to 250kw, raced it against evo x’s and sti’s and won the race?What if the evo ro sti is also tuned? what chance does this golf stand?
NIL…
Last, “VW” and “built quality” should not go in the same sentence. ask anyone who owns a vw.You want a quality VW, buy an Audi.
Wob R20

i have a 1988 mk2 gti and doesn’t have a single rattle in the cabin with 250,000kms on the clock. i think vw and build quality should go in the same sentence. ask anyone who owns a vw. it’s not an audi, and doesn’t intend to be. not everyone can afford an audi.

i’m sure if you (or me) could, you would trade your g6e for an RS4 or RS6 any day of the week.

as ozmazdaclub said, personal preference, but don’t bag the brand unless you have really experienced it. come talk to me once you’ve owned at least 2 dubs.
Nick

i have an apr tuned mk4 gti for over a year now, i love it to bits and has a touch under 100,000 ks on it, apart from being dirty from the ash from the fires nearby, i have not had any complaints about it at all…VW and build quality rival that of Toyota of which i have also experienced before, and would take the dub in a heart beat
Alan

VW build quality has tradtionally being quite good, but surveys has shown that since mk4 golf, the reliability hasn’t being as good. This is especially so with the latest mk5. I’m sure many people will say they have had a trouble free VW, just like many would say they have a Toyota full of problems. However, personal stories are one off example, and it’s better to look at survey across a larger sample population.

As for R20T, i doubt it will be FWD. If it is FWD, there would be little point in choosing it over the GTi. Also, i wonder why people would still buy a 3 door GTi or R20T with similar Scirocco version giving similar performance but with slightly better handling and, in my eyes at least, a much better styling.
Falcodore

A us wesite(cant remember which one) said it was rumoured to be FWD with an AWD top spec RE: very expensive, model as an option.

Now, wheres all the torque steer on FWD model comments?
Cameron

I Bought a MKV 1.9 TDI comfortline, and after 12 months realised i had fallen in love with the Dubs, so i went out and bought a Brand new 3 door R32, optioned with sat nav (RNS510) and sunroof.

As for those of you who say vw is a cheap audi, WRONG!

Parents have an audi (on their 3rd one actually) and personally, would never walk into a dealership to look at them. Im a lifeime VW man!

The V6 engines sound is awsome, and even if the new R20 is faster, its still not a V6. Fuel consumption….if you have enought $ to buy an R series VW, then can u really complain about a few extra $ fuel a week?

I also had a GTI DSG attempt to race off at lights just the other day, the damn thing was still spinning its wheels when i saw it in the rear mirror! so for VW to make the new R20 FWD would be a joke! – go buy 2nd hand R32 AWD if they do! ( I have the 6S manual btw)

Anyone who wants to knock the MKV golf series, good for you, but dont do it until you have either had one, or drivin one for more than a day, seriously, they the best cars ive even drivin. For your info, these are the cars my parents have had in last 2 years, that i prefer my R32 over!

Porsche boxter s
Porsche 944
Merc S600 V12
Merc 560SEL V8
BMW 750il V12
MERC SLK convertible
bmw 540i V8
Alfa romeo (forgot model) Selespeed hatch anyway
Jeep Grand cherokee
smk

Ever since I have heard about this car, I have fallen in love.
The styling ques, everything from the wider tires, borrowed Audi LED lights, headlight lids, rear bumper, extended spoiler, (not so much the rims) and the massive air intakes, have really won my heart. I just hope they aren’t just an artist take on the R20 and available with the standard R20 (at least the LED’s anyway )

Although I’ll miss the exhaust note of the R32′s V6, I’d prefer the turbo over the V6 due to:
Less ecological foot print (not a eco-friendly guy, but that doesn’t mean I don’t care about my children’s future environment)
More Power + Less Weight
Besides, I read in several articles that they are tuning the exhaust note to match something as vicious as the R32′s V6 [not the same, but better than nothing, nonetheless].

Proud owner of an MKV GTi, and saving for the R20 already
Ken

Critic’s of the R32 need to own one I’d say. We’ve an 07 3DR DSG R32 and it’s a delight to drive and as for fuel consumption me recent run returned 8.8L/100km which isn’t too bad. Test run on the cards for sure. The R32 has enough power for our police state so what’s the problem folk’s, can’t use it anyway 90% of the time can we.