Special-edition Golf R reported to celebrate 25 year anniversary with an explosive powertrain upgrade in 2027
As Volkswagen’s legendary Golf R performance hot-hatch nears its 25th anniversary, reports have suggested that a special edition model could see showroom floors sporting Audi’s legendary 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine.
While the Golf GTi has been celebrated for nearly 50 years, the first full-fat Golf R – known as the R32 – launched in 2002 with a bizarre powertrain: a transverse mounted VR6 petrol mated to a six-speed DSG or manual and electronically-controlled all-wheel drive system.
Pictured: Volkswagen Golf R 20 Year edition (left) and Golf R32
The R32 was an instant success, and the ‘R’ moniker has been expected on the back of Golf models ever since. Now, a report from Autocar suggests another left-of-field powertrain could be coming to the performance hatchback.
Fans of the Golf R would know that Volkswagen’s tried and tested ‘EA888’ turbocharged four cylinder petrol has since become synonymous with the flagship badge, first appearing nearly 20 years ago, and still found in the current Golf 8.5 R today.
But many have long awaited the announcement that Volkswagen sister brand Audi would allow its iconic five-cylinder turbo, which debuted in 2011, to appear in the ‘people’s car’.
Pictured: Audi RS3 five-cylinder engine
Pictured: Audi RS3 sedan
And while the Golf R’s current four-pot produces a respectable 245kW and 420Nm, Audi’s current RS3 boasts 294kW and 500Nm… As well as an enhanced soundtrack.
Increased outputs would also likely go some way in reducing the 4.6 second 0-100km/h time of the Golf R, with the RS3 quoting 3.8 seconds in its current form.
The rumoured 25th anniversary Golf R couldn’t just sport Audi’s powertrain. Suspension would be upgraded and tweaked, weight would increase slightly and larger performance brakes would likely be fit.
Pictured: MK 8 Golf R
The report, however, remains unconfirmed speculation, with fans and pundits alike expressing doubt that Audi would allow its unique and iconic engine to be fitted in the significantly more affordable Golf from its sister brand Volkswagen.
In Europe, the model’s speculative 2027 launch is hindered by strict Euro 7 emissions regulations, and in Australia, ‘27 NVES targets would make the launch equally difficult.
