Volkswagen has removed the wraps of the top of the performance line Golf model.

The new Golf R (hatchback) and Golf R Variant (station wagon) will be powered by a 2-litre turbocharged engine with 328 hp, an increase of 13 hp over the outgoing model, connected to the 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system via a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission. Yes, the manual transmission, which is available on the 2024 Golf R, is being dropped. The maximum torque is 310 lb.-ft.

The top speed is 250 km/h, which can be increased to 270 km/h with the R-Performance package.

Besides the higher maximum speed, the R-Performance package includes two additional drive modes, Drift and Special. The Special mode has been specifically adapted for conditions of the Nürburgring Nordschleife racetrack. The package also increases downforce with a larger roof spoiler, as well as a GPS lap timer and a G-meter, both of which are displayed on the digital cockpit.

Inside the car, the driver and passenger will find sports seats, an optional black Nappa leather interior with carbon-look elements with blue highlights in the side area and an “R logo” in the seat backrest. Real carbon applications are available as an option.

The infotainment screen measures at nearly 13 inches, and the car comes with the Digital Cockpit Pro as standard, featuring various R-specific elements such as a central round rev counter.

Volkswagen says the car features adaptive chassis control, which will be standard on cars sold in Germany (no mention of whether this will be standard equipment in Canada). This technology reacts to the road surface and driving situation while taking account of steering, braking and acceleration. VW says the system always provides the highest level of driving comfort and optimum driving dynamics, which allows the Golf R to be balanced for everyday driving and sporty driving.

At launch, there will be a Golf R Black Edition available. This model features darker VW badges and R logos, black R brake calipers with a dark R logo, black 19-inch Estoril wheels, black tailpipe trims, darkened IQ.Light LED matrix headlights and the R-Performance package as standard.

VW didn’t provide Canadian market details for the new Golf R. The current and outgoing Golf model is only available in GTI and R trims in Canada (no standard Golf model is available). The outgoing 2024 Golf R has a Canadian starting price of $51,778, which includes fees and levies (49,195.00 MSRP).