As with all eight Volkswagen Golf iterations, the fifth-generation mannequin spawned a number of efficiency variations. Pictured right here is essentially the most performing of the lot, the R32 with its naturally aspirated 3.2-liter VR6 engine making slightly below 250 horsepower. Nonetheless, we’re studying the engineers from Wolfsburg had an excellent spicier taste in thoughts. No, we’re not speaking in regards to the GTI W12-650 as that was solely a bonkers mid-engined idea.
In an interview with The Intercooler, Marcos Marques, Mission Supervisor eFuels at Porsche, revealed VW as soon as constructed a fifth-generation, all-wheel-drive Golf with a V10 engine. As with all Mk5 fashions bought to the general public, the engine was mounted transversally on the entrance. The Lamborghini Gallardo and Audi R8 had the naturally aspirated V10 put in longitudinally, behind the seats.
Though Marques wasn’t immediately concerned within the challenge, he believes the challenge got here to be at a time when the VW Group was supposedly keen on rejoining Formulation 1. The engine had someplace within the area of 500 horsepower and revved all the way in which as much as 8,200 rpm. He noticed a operating prototype at a secret facility in Wolfsburg: “I noticed it and I heard it operating a number of occasions, and it was fairly a loopy automobile.”
Aficionados know the VR6, V10, and W12 did not signify the tip of Golf initiatives with fascinating engines. In April 2014, in the course of the days of the Mk7, VW unveiled the R400 idea with a 2.0 TSI dialed to (sure, you’ve guessed it) 400 horsepower. Within the wake of the pricey Dieselgate, the challenge was deserted. There was even a prototype operating across the Nürburgring with Audi’s inline-five engine for an alleged Golf R420, however that by no means occurred both.
Talking of Audi and rumors, legend has it that VW needed to borrow the turbocharged 2.5-liter for an amped-up Golf R Mk8 however the 4 Rings refused. The reasoning was apparent as a five-cylinder Golf R would’ve cannibalized gross sales of the RS3.
