Volkswagen Golf Mk7 Set to Debut at the End of 2012 or Early 2013

The Volkswagen Golf Mk7, based on the cost-saving modular transverse architecture known as MQB, is scheduled to debut at the “end of 2012 or early 2013”, according to a Reuters report citing a company spokesman.

The German automaker plans to eventually build some 3 million MQB-based vehicles annually across the group and expects savings in the double-digit percentage range thanks to a new production process. Unlike previous strategies that offered synergies across brands using the same underpinnings, the new manufacturing method delivers synergies across both brands and models.

As for the Mk7, buyers can expect conventional models to be powered by a range of turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines, while eco-friendly variants will get all-electric or hybrid (gasoline-electric or diesel electric) powertrains.

The design is a mystery at this point as scoop photos have only revealed test mules and not actual Mk7 prototypes, but it’s a pretty safe bet to say that the new Golf will borrow some styling cues from the current Jetta and Passat.

The first non-Volkswagen model to use the MQB platform will be the new Audi A3 due in the summer of 2012.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Reuters

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Officially Confirmed: New Volkswagen Golf R to go on Sale in the USA

Hot hatches are mostly a European fad, but Volkswagen’s R- and GTI-badged products have proved successful in the North American market over the years. That said, VW loyalists will be happy to know that the new Golf R has finally received the green light for America. No specific launch date was given, but according to the official announcement, the U.S.-bound Golf R will be released in “limited numbers and for a very limited time” starting from 2012.

Already offered in Europe and other markets, the Golf R32's successor ditches the naturally aspirated V6 in favor of a turbocharged 2.0-liter TSI engine. The Euro-spec model’s four-pot is rated at 270 hp and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque, bringing it closer to the STi and EVO X. Available in both 3- and 5-door flavors, the R also features VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive with a Haldex differential.

The 0 to 100km/h (62mph) sprint is completed in 5.7 seconds when the Golf R is equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, and in 5.5 seconds when gears are shifted with VW's optional DSG dual clutch transmission. In both cases top speed is limited to 250km/h or 155 mph.

As for the U.S. version, detailed specifications should be available later on.

By Csaba Daradics

Key attributes:

• 2.0L turbocharged engine with significant hp increase over GTI
• 4th generation Haldex 4Motion - all wheel drive
• Increased rotor diameter translating to improved braking
• Sport tuned ESP
• Upgraded sport tuned suspension
• 2 door or 4 door
• Manual Transmission Only
• Unique 18" alloy wheels
• Unique steering wheel
• Unique interior trim
• Exterior R model badge and bodykit
• R model shift knob
• R model door sills
• R model front and rear fascia with dual, center exit, exhaust

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MR Car Design gives the VW Golf R a Power Boost

Made for those that find the GTI underpowered, the Golf R with its 270HP 2.0-liter turbo-four is the most potent and fastest-accelerating Golf ever to be produced by VW. Still, that's not enough for certain buyers that wouldn't mind a few extra ponies. And here's were tuners like MR Car Design come into the picture.

Enter the tuning firm's new "MR6R" power kit, which adds a reprogrammed ECU, custom downpipe, intercooler and a sports exhaust system to boost the TSI's output from 270HP and 350Nm to 330HP and 470Nm. The German company did not release acceleration numbers, but we'll assume that with this kit, the Golf R will improve the stock model's 5.7 second time for the 100km/h mark.

Also available from MR Car Design are new 19-inch wheels wrapped in 235/35-19 rubber and a set of H&R sports springs.

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Wimmer RS Turns VW Golf R into 478HP Red Devil

Red Devil is the name German tuning firm 'Wimmer RS' chose for its latest take on the Volkswagen Golf R. 'Red' because of the color chosen for the car, and 'Devil' because this Golf R packs a sinister punch under the hood...

In stock form, the all-wheel drive Golf R rolls out of VW's factory with a 2.0-liter TFSI producing 270-hp and 350Nm / 258 lbs-ft of maximum torque. After Wimmer RS's engineers perform their magic, those numbers increase to a whopping 478-hp and 610Nm or 450 lbs-ft.

The extra power comes from a variety of mods including -but not limited to- changes to the turbocharger, ECU, air intake, injection nozzles and exhaust system.

According to the tuning house, the upgraded Golf R can reach an electronically limited top speed of 291 km/h or 181 mph.

Additional performance enhancements include a coil-over suspension set and more potent braking system.

The German tuner did not release info on pricing.

Volkswagen Golf R Chip-Boosted to 315HP

Squeezing a few more ponies out of a new engine today is as easy as 1-2-3; all you need is to connect a computer to the vehicle's engine control unit (ECU) and reprogram it with new software. The VW Golf R's 2.0-liter turbocharged four, is one such example. By tweaking the ECU, German tuner Mcchip-dkr has bumped output from 270HP and 350Nm to 315HP and 440Nm. If you're interested in the ECU upgrade, it's priced at €899, equal to about US$1,150 at today's exchange rates.

For those also wanting to improve the hot hatch's appearance and handling, Mcchip-dkr has you covered with a new set of lowering springs from H&R (€350 / US$450) and 19-inch OZ Ultraleggera alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance tires from Michelin Pilot Sport Cup size 235/35-19 (€3,190 / US$4,100).