VW Golf R Unveiled, gets 270HP 2.0 Turbo and All-Wheel Drive, 0-100km/h in 5.5 sec

No more hiding for the hottest Golf VI that receives the 'R' badge as the first official photos of the car have made their way on the net ahead of Frankfurt Show grand opening. Set to replace the fifth-generation Golf R32, the new Golf R ditches the latter's 250HP 3.2-liter V6 for the Scirocco R's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit, slightly tweaked to produce 270 horsepower and 320Nm or 236 lb-ft of torque.

However, unlike the Scirocco R that keeps the standard model's front-wheel drive layout, the hot Golf is fitted with a new hydraulic four-wheel drive system similar to the one found on the Audi S3.

A six-speed manual gearbox will be offered standard, while a six-speed, twin-clutch DSG transmission will be optional.

From what we have been told (we'll update the story as soon as VW comes out with an official release), with the manual gearbox the Golf R speeds up to 100km/h (62mph) from standstill in 5.7 seconds, while the DSG model is a tad faster completing the same sprint in 5.5 seconds. In both cases, top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h or 155mph.

By comparison, the FWD 210HP Golf GTI with a DSG gearbox hits the 100km/h mark in 7.2 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 239 km/h or 148 mph.

Classically, the Golf R's chassis has been significantly upgraded with a lowered suspension, new dampers and springs as well as a beefed up braking system.

On the outside, the hot Golf features similar -some could say, even subtle- revisions to the Scirocco R with new bumpers, side skirts, darkened headlamps and tail lights, glossy exterior mirrors, a roof spoiler, a rear diffuser that houses twin exhaust pipes in the center and five-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in chunkier rubber.

Likewise, the R's interior has been lightly enhanced with a pair of front bucket sport seats, a flat bottomed steering wheel and sportier trim.

The newest addition in the Golf family that will be offered in both three and five door bodystyles is expected to go on sale in Europe towards the end of the year, while the model is also slated for a U.S. market debut in early 2010.