New 316bhp Volkswagen Golf R can drift!

Volkswagen has officially revealed the latest generation of its halo Golf model, the new Mk8 Golf R. The most powerful model in the Golf line, the new R boasts 316bhp and 310 pound-feet of torque from its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. With standard 4Motion all-wheel drive, the Golf R can sprint from 0-100kph in just 4.7 seconds on its way to a top track speed of 250kph.

The new 4Motion setup features selective wheel torque control on the rear axle — the new rear differential distributes the power between the front and rear axles, and also between the two rear wheels. Volkswagen says this has made it possible to significantly increase the agility of the Golf R.

The exterior design of the new Golf R includes a new front bumper featuring a motorsport-style splitter and R-specific air intake grilles, with high-gloss black elements. At the top of the radiator grille, the Golf features a blue crossbar which lights up as an LED strip as soon as the engine starts and stretches all the way into the fenders to act as the daytime running lights.

The distinctive features of the R-model’s side design include 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with Blue brake callipers, adorned with an R logo on the front. It also features exclusive side skirts, matte chrome exterior mirror caps that project the R logo onto the road when the doors are opened and closed, and a 0.8-inch lower stance than the standard production model.

Out back, the Golf R’s bumper now incorporates a newly designed high-gloss black diffuser. A roof spoiler ensures the necessary level of downforce for the rear axle.

The diffuser is framed at the sides by chrome-plated twin Akrapovic tailpipes for the standard sport exhaust system.

Inside, the heated and multifunction leather sport steering wheel houses the DSG paddles, gets blue contrast stitching, and an R button for direct selection of the various driving profiles. These include new “Special” and “Drift” driving profiles in addition to the traditional Comfort, Sport, Race and Individual profiles in Driving Mode Selection.

Graphics have been tailored to the new Golf R in the standard Discover Pro infotainment system and the Digital Cockpit configurable instrument panel. The 10-inch Discover Pro touchscreen display greets the driver with a new R welcome screen as soon as the vehicle is opened with the vehicle key.

The driver and front passenger get top-of-the-range sport seats, with Nappa leather seating surfaces that feature carbon-look elements with blue accents in the side sections, as well as a blue R logo in the backrest.