Volkswagen Golf R Mk8

• 2024 Volkswagen Golf R CKD now on sale in Malaysia – 320 PS/400 Nm, R Performance package, RM334k

  In Cars, Local Car Launches, Local News, Volkswagen / By Anthony Lim / 20 May 2024 1:38 pm / 22 comments

  

  Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has announced that the 2024 Volkswagen Golf R is finally on sale in the country, at a retail price of RM334,012 on-the-road without insurance. The price does however come with a Volkswagen Assurance Package (VAP), which provides owners with a five-year maintenance and five-year unlimited mileage warranty as well as five years of roadside assistance; without it, the car costs RM317,434.

  The CKD version makes its debut nine months after it was first previewed here, and does so with the kit as specified then. As mentioned previously, it’s locally assembled in Pekan, making it the first time the flagship Golf variant has been assembled outside of Germany. The car first made its way on to the local scene in CBU form back in 2022.

  The CKD model comes with a R Performance package as standard, and this is made up of an Akrapovic titanium exhaust, a rear spoiler, 19-inch ‘Estoril’ alloy wheels with 235/35R19 tyres as well as Drift and Special drive modes. The latter joins the existing selection of Comfort, Sport, Race, and Individual available for the car.

  

  

  

  Standard fit items include a sports suspension, full automatic LED headlights, LED DRLs and tail lights, keyless entry with push-button ignition and a rear view camera with front and rear parking sensors. Meanwhile, the interior kit list includes a 10-inch Discover Pro system, a 10-speaker, 480 watt Harman Kardon sound system and a wireless smartphone charging pad.

  Also to be found is three-zone air-conditioning, active climate front seats (with electric adjustment and lumbar adjustment for the driver), a multi-function leather sports steering wheel with shift paddles, a head-up display and ambient lighting with five preset themes.

  Power continues to be provided by an EA888 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol inline-four cylinder TSI engine offering 320 PS at 5,600 to 6,500 rpm and 400 Nm of torque, available from 2,000 to 5,600 rpm.

  

  

  

  Drive is transmitted to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and 4Motion all-wheel-drive, and it’s all good enough to haul the R to 100 km/h from standstill in 4.8 seconds on to an electronically-controlled 250 km/h top speed.

  Safety and driver assistance equipment includes seven airbags (front, front side, curtain and one centre) and IQ.Drive, which brings Travel Assist with adaptive cruise control (ACC), side assist with rear cross traffic alert, front assist, emergency assist, and lane assist.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  
  

  GALLERY: Volkswagen Golf R CKD, 2023 preview

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2023 Volkswagen Golf R previewed in Malaysia – IQ.Drive, Akrapovic exhaust; RM330k-350k estimated

  In Cars, Local News, Volkswagen / By Mick Chan / 8 August 2023 6:54 pm / 24 comments

  

  The 2023 Volkswagen Golf R has been previewed in Malaysia, and it will arrive in the Malaysian market in CKD form assembled in Pekan with the R Performance package as standard; this makes the CKD Golf R the first time the flagship Golf variant has been assembled outside its native Wolfsburg, Germany.

  Definitive pricing has yet to be confirmed, but will range from RM330,000 to RM350,000 when it officially goes on sale. The Mk8 Golf R was first launched in Malaysia last year, fully imported and priced at RM357,584 on-the-road before insurance, with the SST exemption at the time. For comparison, pricing for the CBU Golf R was RM431,162 after SST was reinstated.

  Differentiating the latest iteration of the Mk8 Golf R from its prior, fully imported (CBU) form is the inclusion of the aforementioned R Performance package, which is comprised of an Akrapovic titanium exhaust muffler, a rear spoiler, 19-inch ‘Estoril’ alloy wheels shod in 235/35R19 tyres and the added Drift and Special modes. The driver environment now gets the head-up display as well.

  Powertrain continues to be a 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol inline-four cylinder petrol engine that outputs 320 PS and 400 Nm of torque, transmitted to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and 4Motion all-wheel-drive. Thus equipped, it has a 0-100 km/h time of 4.8 seconds.

  

  

  

  

  Of the newly reintroduced Drift and Special modes, which were omitted for Malaysian-market CBU Golf R, the Drift mode is recommended for country and back roads – read, less-than-ideal surfaces – where the suspension is calibrated to offer optimum contact with the road surface, notably crafted for use on the famed Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany, says Volkswagen.

  The new additions to the drive modes join the existing selection of Comfort, Sport, Race, and Individual, the latter offering customisation of parameters.

  Active safety kit in the Mk8 Golf R in Malaysia is now bolstered by the addition of IQ.Drive, which brings Travel Assist with adaptive cruise control (ACC), side assist with rear cross traffic alert, front assist, emergency assist, and lane assist. Passive safety kit is comprised of seven airbags (two front, two side, two curtain and one centre airbag).

  

  

  

  Infotainment is provided by a 10-inch Discover Pro system, with audio by a 10-speaker, 480-watt Harman Kardon sound system; also included is a wireless smartphone charging pad.

  Further equipment includes keyless entry with push-button ignition, LED headlights, DRLs, tail lights and illuminated strip between the headlights, rear view camera with front and rear parking sensors, automatic headlights and wipers.

  Meanwhile, interior kit includes active climate front seats with electric adjustment and lumbar adjustment for the driver, multi-function leather sports steering wheel with shift paddles, and ambient lighting with five preset themes.

  Once again, estimated prices for the locally assembled Volkswagen Mk8 Golf R with IQ.Drive and the R Performance package will range from RM330,000 to RM350,000, and customer deliveries are expected to commence in the fourth quarter of this year.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2023 Volkswagen Golf R Mk8 with Performance Pack teased for Malaysia – coming as a CKD model?

  In Cars, Local News, Volkswagen / By Gerard Lye / 3 August 2023 8:00 pm / 13 comments

  

  Volkswagen Malaysia has begun teasing an update for Golf R Mk8 on its social media pages, with each post carrying the caption “things are about to get R-rated.” Based on the purposely blurred images, the Golf could soon come with the Performance Pack, which wasn’t part of the standard kit when the all-wheel hot hatchback was launched here last February.

  Squinting immensely hard, we can roughly guess some of the items that will be part of the Performance Pack, which are 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels (the Golf R initially arrived with Adelaide alloys) and a more prominent rear wing similar to the one on the Golf R 20 Years and Golf GTI Clubsport.

  There’s also a shot (still blurred out) of what are possibly new exhaust tips, although we’re unsure if they are part of an Akrapovic exhaust system. The Performance Pack also adds two new drive modes: Drift and Special, with the latter also called Nurburgring in certain markets.

  

  

  

  No additional details are available for now, but we reckon the Golf R will also follow in the Golf GTI’s footsteps by gaining the IQ.Drive suite of driver assistance features. The rest of the kit list should remain unchanged from before.

  There’s also reason to believe the Golf R will become a locally-assembled (CKD) model, as we previously reported on a local dealer accepting orders for the CKD Golf R not too long ago. The Golf R is a fully-imported (CBU) car that retailed for RM431,162 on-the-road without insurance, but it is now missing from the Volkswagen Malaysia website. Expect more details to be released in the coming weeks.

  GALLERY: 2022 Volkswagen Golf R (CBU)

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2023 Volkswagen Golf R Mk8 to become a CKD model in Malaysia? Local VW dealer now accepting bookings

  In Cars, Local News, Volkswagen / By Gerard Lye / 14 July 2023 5:47 pm / 28 comments

  

  According to Facebook posts by a local Volkswagen dealer, the Golf R is set to become a locally-assembled (CKD) model soon. Details like pricing and a launch date were not provided, but the dealer stated in the post that bookings are currently being accepted.

  The Mk8 Golf range in Malaysia currently consists of just two variants, namely the GTI and Golf R. Of the two performance offerings, only the GTI is assembled locally while the Golf R is fully imported (CBU) from Germany. It should be noted the Golf was previously available in R-Line guise but that has since been discontinued.

  At present, the Golf R goes for RM431,162 on-the-road without insurance. If it is indeed true that a CKD version will be introduced, we can expect it to retail for lower than the CBU price tag. It would also mark the first time the Golf R is produced outside the ‘home of the Golf’ in Wolfsburg.

  For even more guesswork, we don’t expect the Golf R’s powertrain to be any different between the CBU and CKD versions. The setup is currently made up of an EA888 2.0 litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder petrol engine pumping out 320 PS (315 hp or 235 kW) and 400 Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and 4Motion all-wheel drive.

  As for equipment changes, the CKD Golf R should match the CKD Golf GTI by gaining the latter’s IQ.Drive – this was introduced in March this year. The CBU model arrived back in February 2022 without any advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), so getting an updated kit list to ensure parity is a possibility.

  GALLERY: 2022 Volkswagen Golf R (CBU)

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2022 Volkswagen Golf R Mk8 in Malaysia – AWD hot hatch with 320 PS, 400 Nm, 0-100 in 4.8 sec, RM358k

  In Cars, Local News, Volkswagen / By Mick Chan / 1 April 2022 11:49 am / 7 comments

  

  Launched in February this year, the Mk8 iteration of the Volkswagen Golf R was rolled out in a bit of a surprise move alongside the local market debut for the Golf GTI as well as opening of orders for the Golf 1.4 TSI R-Line.

  The Golf R stands out from within the trio of eighth-generation Golfs in being a fully imported model, whereas the GTI and the TSI R-Line are locally assembled cars from Pekan, Pahang.

  This becomes apparent not least in its pricing; while the Golf TSI and GTI variants are priced marginally lower than their respective Mk7.5 predecessors, the Mk8 Golf R is priced at RM357,584 on-the-road with the ongoing SST exemption, or substantially more than the RM295,990 commanded by the Mk7.5 Golf R.

  That said, the Mk8 Golf R does come with a stacked specifications list. In terms of powertrain, the latest AWD hot hatch from the brand packs the EA888 2.0 litre turbocharged inline-four cylinder petrol rated to produce 320 PS and 400 Nm of torque; the latter is slightly lower than in other markets where the Golf R is also sold.

  

  

  

  

  Driveline is a a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic and 4Motion AWD, enabling the 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.8 seconds and top speed is limited to 250 km/h.

  The 4Motion driveline now offers greater variance in torque distribution through R-Performance Torque Vectoring, with a rear differential that can send up to 100% of rear axle output to an outside wheel in order to improve agility.

  Also on deck to aid torque distribution via braking is the XDS electronic differential lock system, controlled by the onboard Vehicle Dynamics Manager which offers four drive modes – Comfort, Sport, Race and Individual. Meanwhile, rolling stock for the Malaysian-market Golf R is a set of 19-inch Adelaide alloy wheels shod in 235/35 tyres.

  

  

  

  

  Inside, the Golf R builds upon the Mk8 Golf interior architecture with a 10-inch Discover Pro infotainment touchscreen, with support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, while the driver gets a configurable, fully digital instrument panel. Climate control is by a three-zone automatic setup, and in-cabin lighting comes courtesy of ambient lighting with five presets, as well as automatic headlamps, wipers, self-dimming rear view mirror and heated side mirrors.

  Creature comforts in the Mk8 Golf R continue with the offering of an electrically adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment and memory settings, joined by Nappa leather upholstery and a 480-watt Harman Kardon 10-speaker sound system.

  Imported and sold through Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia, the Mk8 Volkswagen Golf R is supported by a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty and five years of roadside assistance. This also comes with three years of free maintenance, while service intervals are every 15,000 km.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2022 Volkswagen Golf R Mk8 hot hatch launched in Malaysia – 320 PS, 400 Nm, AWD, CBU, RM357k

  In Cars, Local Car Launches, Local News, Volkswagen / By Danny Tan / 16 February 2022 8:37 pm / 19 comments

  

  In a surprise move, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has launched the 2022 VW Golf R in Malaysia, in addition to the official debut of the Golf GTI and the opening of order books for the Golf R-Line. This makes it three models in the local Mk8 Golf range.

  Unlike the other two Pekan-assembled Golfs, the top dog Golf R is a CBU import priced at RM357,584 OTR with SST exemption, before insurance. Back in 2019, the Mk7.5 Golf R was launched here with a RM295,990 price tag, so it’s a substantial hike without CKD assembly.

  Unveiled in November 2020, the Golf R is powered by an EA888 2.0 litre TSI engine with 320 PS and 420 Nm of torque, which is a step up from the previous 300 PS/380 Nm and a huge jump from the GTI. Paired to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission and 4Motion AWD, 0-100 km/h takes just 4.8 seconds, two tenths faster than before. Top speed is capped at 250 km/h.

  

  By the way, Malaysian-spec cars have 320 PS and 400 Nm of torque from 2,000 to 5,600 rpm, which is 20 Nm down from the max figure. Like before, this slight detune is for local fuel and conditions. What we’re getting is similar to Australian-spec cars.

  The 4Motion system’s rear differential not only distributes power between the front and rear axles, but also between the left and right rear wheels. Where the previous system is capable of splitting power 50:50 via a multi-plate clutch to the left and the right rear wheels, the new one can send up to 100% of torque to the outside wheel for increased agility – VW calls this R-Performance Torque Vectoring.

  Managing the distribution of torque is the Golf R’s Vehicle Dynamics Manager, which also works with the electronic differential locks (XDS) and DCC adaptive dampers to optimise handling. The system also handles torque vectoring by braking and comes with four drive modes – Comfort, Sport, Race and Individual. Sorry hooligans, but Special and Drift modes are not in Malaysian-spec cars. Our Golf R rolls on 19-inch Adelaide wheels and 235/35 tyres.

  

  In the non-performance kit department, the Golf R gets all that we’ve seen in the GTI, plus a bit more. There’s a 10-inch Discover Pro infotainment touchscreen (with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) that sits to the left of the digital cockpit (instrument panel), three-zone auto air con, ambient lighting with five presets, auto headlamps and wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror and heated wing mirrors.

  Also on are an electric driver’s seat with lumbar and memory, Nappa leather and a 480W Harman Kardon 10-speaker sound system, among other goodies. See the spec sheet below for the full list of kit.

  The Golf R is available in signature Lapiz Blue, Deep Black and Pure White colours. As usual for VPCM, the R comes with five years of unlimited mileage warranty, three years of free maintenance and five years roadside assistance. The service interval is every 15,000 km. VPCM says that the CBU Golf R is available in limited units, so put in your order if this hottest of Golfs is up your alley.

  

  

  Click to enlarge pricelist

  GALLERY: 2022 Volkswagen Golf R Mk8

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Volkswagen Golf R Mk8 officially revealed – 315 hp and 420 Nm; zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds; Drift mode

  In Cars, International News, Volkswagen / By Gerard Lye / 4 November 2020 10:38 am / 19 comments

  

  Here it is, the most powerful Volkswagen Golf R ever built by the German carmaker. Based on the eighth-generation (Mk8) Golf, the new hot hatch takes its place at the top of line-up, above the Golf GTI that made its debut back in February.

  Power comes from an EA888 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder that serves up 320 PS (315 hp) and 420 Nm of torque, which is a step up from the previous Golf R Mk7 with just 300 PS (296 hp) and 380 Nm. In terms of performance, the new car takes 4.7 seconds to get from zero to 100 km/h – 0.2 seconds quicker than before – while the top speed remains capped at 250 km/h. The latter can be bumped up to 270 km/h, but you’ll need to pay for the optional R-Performance package.

  The engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, with the option of a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive is also standard here, but has been revised to feature a newly developed rear differential that not only distributes the power variably between the front and rear axles, but also between the left and right rear wheels.

  Where the previous system is capable of splitting power in a 50:50 ratio via a multi-plate clutch to the left and the right rear wheels, the new one can send up to 100% of torque to the outside wheel for increased agility – Volkswagen calls this R-Performance Torque Vectoring.

  

  Managing the distribution of torque is the Golf R’s Vehicle Dynamics Manager, which also works with the electronic differential locks (XDS) and adaptive damping system (DCC) to optimise handling. The system also handles torque vectoring by braking and comes with six drive modes – Comfort, Sport, Race, Individual, Special and Drift.

  As you’d expect, each mode changes the characteristics of the car, with Comfort and Individual being pretty much self-explanatory. In Sport mode, the powertrain’s response is increase, while Race mode disables the coasting function, increases the engine sound, and adjusts the DSG, DCC, steering and all-wheel drive system to be even sportier.

  The first of the two new modes, Special, sets the car up to take on the fabled Nürburgring Nordschleife, and is similar to Race mode, but with softer damper settings given the very specific track characteristics of The Green Hell. Meanwhile, Drift mode dials back the electronic stability control (ESC) and readjusts the all-wheel drive system’s power distribution to enable the Golf R, to well, drift. Of course, you can switch off ESC completely, if you’re sure you know what you’re doing.

  In terms of the chassis, the Golf R has a 20 mm lower ride height compared to a standard Golf, and compared to the previous version, the spring and anti-roll bar rates have been increased by 10%. An aluminium subframe also helps shed three kg from the front suspension, which houses MacPherson struts – the rear uses a multi-link setup.

  

  

  Other changes include modified transverse link mounts and hub carriers on the rear suspension, while the negative camber has been increased on the front axle (now at -1°20’) to allow for higher cornering speeds and improved stability.

  Stopping power comes courtesy of 358-mm front discs, which are 18 mm larger than the previous Golf R. The discs are accompanied by two-piston calipers made of aluminium, which help to reduce unsprung mass by 60% per side.

  Visually, the latest Golf is not shy about its aggressive nature, with a specific front bumper that incorporates a motorsport-inspired splitter, R-specific air intake grilles and high-gloss black elements. The slim grille between the headlamps also features a blue crossbar that lights up, stretching all the way into the fenders.

  

  

  

  Other cues include 19-inch aluminium-alloy wheels, side skirts, matte chrome side mirror caps with R logo puddle lamps, blue-painted brake calipers, a rear diffuser, a roof spoiler and four chrome-plated Akrapovic exhaust pipes.

  On the inside, you get the same layout as a regular Golf, with model-specific touches to mark it out as an R model. These include Nappa leather seats with carbon-look elements, blue accents and R logos sewn into the backrest, as well as a sport steering wheel with a dedicated R button to cycle through the various drive modes.

  In other areas, there’s carbon-look and R-specific trimmings, stainless-stell pedal caps, a 30-colour ambient lighting system, ergonomically-shaped shift paddles, a 10-inch Discover Pro touchscreen infotainment system and Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  

   

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