In 2014, Volkswagen had one thing very massive to indicate to the world. Already well-known within the scorching hatchback world with its Golf GTI, the German firm was able to up the ante within the form of the Golf R400 idea. However this specific dream turned out to be short-lived, resulting from a scandal that rocked Volkswagen to its core. So, let’s look again on the probably game-changing R400 to search out out why it was so completely different and have a look at new reviews that will, partly, resurrect the dream.
Volkswagen’s Unrealized Tremendous Hatch
2014 VW Golf R400 idea | 2025 VW Golf R (5-Cylinder) Projection | |
|---|---|---|
Engine | 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four | 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five (Audi) |
Transmission | Six-speed DSG dual-clutch | Seven-speed DSG twin clutch |
Drivetrain | 4Motion AWD | 4Motion AWD |
Energy | 395 hp | 415 hp |
Torque | 332 lb-ft | 370 lb-ft |
On the 2014 Beijing Auto Present, VW revealed a closely tuned model of its EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder beneath a familiar-looking Golf. This car was all-wheel drive and pushed out simply shy of 400 hp with 332 lb-ft of torque and a six-speed DSG twin clutch transmission setup. VW mentioned that it will get to 62 mph in simply 3.9 seconds on its method to 174 mph, so it ought to have been sooner than a up to date Porsche 911 Carrera in such a dash.
The brand new R400 was a product of Volkswagen’s R division and got here with widened tracks, bigger brakes, an even bigger aero package, and a slick inside cabin with Alcántara and carbon fiber. The rumor mill prompt a restricted run of round 500 items with an MSRP of about €50,000 (about $65,000, then), so it will have been comparatively aggressive in that market. Different rumors talked a few five-cylinder engine (that VW would borrow from its Audi stablemate) for precise manufacturing runs. Crucially, VW needed to beat the likes of Ford with its Focus RS and Mercedes-AMG with its A45 and the specialist motoring press appreciated what they noticed.
Dieselgate Kills The Dream
Sadly, for Volkswagen, Dieselgate would put a lid on the R400 venture. In September 2015, regulators within the US claimed the corporate fitted defeat units to thousands and thousands of diesel vehicles and vehicles merely to cheat emissions testing. Understandably, VW retreated to take care of this main disaster which in the end ended up costing it greater than $30 billion.
Engineers wanted to deal with remediation and regulatory compliance and in that surroundings, there was no room for halo tasks just like the R400. Sure, some prototypes whizzed across the Nürburgring within the interim, however behind the scenes, Volkswagen pulled the plug. In spite of everything, the corporate needed to preserve its money and restructure its complete public picture, so environmental accountability was within the crosshairs as a substitute. And sadly for lovers, the R400 by no means noticed the sunshine of day, as a substitute turning into a logo of what may need been.
The 5 Cylinder Angle
Though VW’s idea options an uprated four-cylinder, the corporate was additionally evaluating Audi’s 2.5-liter turbocharged 5 for eventual manufacturing. This was already a legendary motor going again to its days inside Group B rallying legends just like the Audi Quattro. Its uneven firing sequence gave a really distinctive sound, with its burbling presence simply identifiable to the fanatic.
In newer years, Audi used a 2.5-liter turbo five-cylinder to energy icons just like the RS3 and TT RS. The engine may produce as much as round 400 hp with loads of torque and undoubted reliability. No marvel it received Worldwide Engine Of The 12 months awards many occasions, and you’ll see why VW felt that it was a pure power inside a brand new hatchback evolution.
Simply think about the tip end result if VW had put that engine into its Golf R400. It could have immediately turn into a stealth tremendous hatch and the form of automotive that lovers flock to. However there once more, we by no means acquired to search out out, because the R400 sadly grew to become an oblique casualty of the emissions struggle.
A Attainable Return
A decade later, Volkswagen could also be prepared to present followers what they actually need in spite of everything. Some reviews counsel that the corporate has a particular version Golf R in improvement and that it will have Audi’s 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine below the hood.
If it does, count on it to supply round 415 hp and about 370 lb-ft of torque, which ought to simply eclipse the usual Mk8 Golf R and its 315 hp. The newcomer ought to have a seven-speed DSG twin clutch transmission with Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system and the form of trick rear differential that you just’ll already discover on the present Golf R.
This new creation ought to get to 62 mph in about 3.9 seconds, which has similarities to the unique R400 declare. If it does, it’s going to undoubtedly go up in opposition to the A45 S from Mercedes-AMG in addition to Toyota’s GR Corolla, which is the present hottest hatch within the fanatic world. It may additionally begin to blur the road between scorching hatches and real sports activities vehicles, aiming at autos just like the Porsche Cayman or BMW M2 when it comes to straight-line efficiency.
If every thing goes forward, count on the brand new mannequin to be restricted to managing each exclusivity and prices. And it could find yourself being VW’s final hero automotive earlier than Volkswagen shifts the Golf over in direction of electrification in a next-generation version. So, may this be a ultimate celebration of ICE efficiency in addition to a “again to the longer term” second?
Trying on the Scorching Hatch Market
May the stillborn R400 have reshaped your complete scorching hatch market over this final decade? In spite of everything, many of the different massive gamers on this sector fear about Volkswagen’s functionality and a 400-hp Golf may need immediately reset their expectations. What would Ford have executed subsequent with its Focus RS and the way bold would Honda have been with any new turbocharged Civic Kind Rs?
Sadly, Dieselgate had its say, and this left rivals to grab the stage for themselves. Toyota muscled its manner into the argument with its rally-bred GR Yaris and whereas Volkswagen’s R division survived, it by no means claimed the halo place with that R400 concept.
With electrification on the horizon for many if not all, a five-cylinder Golf R may – even whether it is short-lived – be a parting reward to the fanatic world. For these within the know, it will remind them of the R400 that by no means noticed the sunshine of day whereas delivering the wonderful sound and fury of Audi’s iconic five-pot. It appears extremely unlikely that any new Golf R venture would reset the trajectory of the recent hatch market although, as electrical autos are possible to try this as a substitute. But it surely may convey a certain quantity of closure to an attention-grabbing story that fell afoul of some company scandal.
Volkswagen and its Buyer Connection
Volkswagen could also be able to reconnect emotionally with its fanatic base. In spite of everything, the Golf R is usually seen because the pondering individual’s efficiency automotive and for good cause. It is quick out of the blocks, whereas being sensible and nonetheless comparatively refined. It’s extremely efficient within the market and continues Volkswagen’s lengthy custom of relevance within the scorching hatch sector.
And now, including a five-cylinder may inject additional pleasure and take the Golf to a a lot larger stage. In doing so, it may make the 400 actually particular by injecting quite a lot of character and motorsport heritage into the combination.
The Dream Might Come To Fruition
The Golf R400 may nicely have been a game- and sector-changer in 2015, if the corporate had ever given it the inexperienced gentle. Right this moment, a Golf R with a five-cylinder engine might not be fairly as revolutionary and will not even redefine the market. Nonetheless, it exhibits that desires by no means die and although they might be delayed, they might nonetheless be price constructing upon.
Sources: Volkswagen.
