Volkswagen is preparing the most powerful Golf R with an engine from Audi RS3.

According to Korrespondent.net: Volkswagen is working on a special edition of the Golf R, which will be equipped for the first time with a five-cylinder turbo engine from Audi RS3. This was reported by Autocar. The new model is expected to hit the market in 2027 and will become a sort of evolution of gasoline Golf models before transitioning to electric variants.

Technical Specifications

The new Golf R model will receive a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine EA855, currently used in Audi RS3. This engine generates 394 hp and 480 Nm of torque, significantly exceeding the figures of the 333 version of the Golf R with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine EA888, which has a power of 328 hp and 400 Nm. Thus, the new five-cylinder Golf is set to become the fastest in its history, as RS3 with this engine accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, while Golf R 333 does it in 4.6 seconds.

See photos: Volkswagen is preparing the most powerful Golf R with an engine from Audi RS3

Changes in Design

The weight of the new car will increase by about 25 kg compared to the current Golf R (1545 kg), as the RS3 with such an engine weighs around 1570 kg. To reduce the weight increase, Volkswagen plans to use forged aluminum wheels from Warmenau and semi-slick tires from Bridgestone Potenza Race. There will also be an expected widening of the wheel arches, a reconfigured suspension, and upgraded brakes: Golf R 333 uses 357-mm steel discs, while RS3 features 380-mm carbon-ceramic ones.

Environmental Standards and the Future of the Model

To comply with the new Euro 7 environmental standards coming into force in November 2026, Audi plans to upgrade the engine: a new particulate filter, sensitive NOx sensors, updated injection maps, and catalysts with a higher cell density.

The premiere of the new Golf R will take place in 2026, with sales starting in 2027, marking the 25th anniversary of the Volkswagen R lineup. This model will be the last 'pure' gasoline Golf, while the company will also introduce the first full hybrid Golf, and by the end of the decade, a fully electric version is planned to debut.

It is worth noting that it was previously reported that Volkswagen began the production of a special version of the ID.3 GTX FIRE+ICE electric car.

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The new Golf R from Volkswagen will be an important step in the development of the R vehicle lineup. The last gasoline version of the traditional hatchback will appear just before the company transitions to electric technologies, which is a significant signal for brand enthusiasts. Such evolution reflects Volkswagen's commitment to combine power with new environmental standards.