Volkswagen Golf R "20 Years" is the fastest R model of all time

By Gokul, 24 August 2022

The Golf R "20 Years" lapped the "Green Hell" 4-seconds faster than the regular Golf R

Volkswagen Golf R 20 Years

The new Golf R “20 Years” became the fastest R model of all time on the German racetrack Nürburgring-Nordschleife after smashing the previous lap record of a Golf R by four seconds, at 7:47.31 minutes. 

The sporty edition to celebrate the 20th anniversary which delivers 333 PS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, and comes with an electronically limited top speed is 270 km/h. 

The increase in performance is also the result of the extensive standard equipment with technical highlights such as the R- Performance package, Driving Dynamics Manager and R-Performance Torque Vectoring. 

Touring car race driver and Volkswagen R development driver Benjamin Leuchter took on this task and tested the special-edition model on the legendary race track. He was also actively involved in the realisation of the R-Performance package for the Golf R “20 Years”. 

Alongside the regular “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Race” driving profiles, the special-edition model also comes as standard with the additional “Special” and “Drift” profiles. For driving on the Nordschleife, the race driver chose the “Special” driving profile, which was developed for this track. 

Volkswagen Golf R 20 Years

The modified shift characteristics of the 7-speed gearbox allow gear changes with more intensive feedback and make the powerful driving experience in the Golf R “20 Years” even more emotive.

The optimised exhaust system sound in the low engine speed range and the rougher engine sound in the vehicle interior underline the vehicle’s increased dynamic performance.

The preloaded turbocharger is also kept at a constant speed in overrun mode so that the engine can develop its power more quickly in subsequent acceleration. This process is supported by the continuously open throttle valve. 

The Golf R “20 Years” with its performance-oriented drive technology achieved a speed of almost 240 km/h at the “Schwedenkreuz” crest, while 265 km/h was measured at the “Döttinger Höhe” on the Nürburgring.

Volkswagen Golf R 20 Years

The new record time of 7:47.31 minutes means an improvement of four seconds compared to the predecessor model and a special gift for Volkswagen R to mark the 20th model anniversary.

“With this car, I can drive here on the Nürburgring and the next stop is then the baker’s or the DIY store. The vehicle is really an all-rounder that can do everything,” says a visibly impressed Benjamin Leuchter. 

The continuous and rapid development towards even greater performance can be easily seen by taking a look at some of the vehicle data of the models from past years, such as the Golf R323 with 241 PS, the Golf 6 R3 with 270 PS, and the Golf R “20 Years” with 333 PS, making it the ultimate collector's item.

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