A little under a week since the facelifted, eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf made its debut, the range-topping R variant for this generation has also been partially unveiled at the Zell am See ice racing event in Austria, wearing a ’50 Years of Golf’ commemorative livery.
When it makes its official debut in mid-2024, the range-topper will join the R-Line, GTI and GTE variants, which were shown at the debut of the facelifted range, commonly dubbed the Mk8.5.
The Golf R Mk8.5 will join the rest of the facelifted Golf range in featuring the new-generation LED matrix headlamps (optional on other variants) as well as the illuminated Volkswagen emblem.
Inside, the Golf R facelift can also be expected to take after its stablemates, which have been updated to once again feature physical steering wheel buttons instead of the touch-surface controls on the pre-facelift. The fourth-generation modular infotainment system that is now part of the Golf feature set can also be expected in the Golf R Mk8.5.
Technical specifications of the facelifted Mk8 Golf R have yet to be revealed, though it can be expected to take after the Golf GTI in featuring an uprated version of its 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine, which now produces 261 hp in the GTI, up from 245 hp and 370 Nm in its Mk8 pre-facelift.
The Mk8.5 Golf R can also be expected to feature engine output gains, up from the 320 PS and 420 Nm of the Mk8 Golf R (400 Nm for Malaysia), and driveline will continue to feature the Volkswagen R-badge signature that is all-wheel-drive, and most likely the DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission as well.
In terms of special editions produced officially by the carmaker, the Golf R 20 Years outputs 333 PS, with the same 420 Nm of peak torque from the engine codenamed EA888.
While the upcoming model has been shown as a five-door hatchback, previous sightings of an estate indicate there will also be Golf R Variant for this iteration, according to Autocar. This range will comprise the final petrol-powered version of the Volkswagen Golf R, before the manufacturer transitions into a fully electric line of R-branded models by 2030, the carmaker said.
GALLERY: 2023 Volkswagen Mk8 Golf R in Malaysia
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
