2025 Volkswagen Golf R Trades Manual Transmission For More Power

Volkswagen rolled out the new Golf in January, and ever since they've been dropping performance variants like a striptease for gearheads. The Golf R Mk8.5 is about to hit the streets, and it's packing some serious heat under the hood.

This isn't just any Golf R; this is the most potent version ever. They've crammed an upgraded turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine into it, pushing out 329 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. That's a bump of 14 horses and 15 extra pound-feet over the last model. Whispers on the internet suggest there's an even beefier Golf R Clubsport on the horizon.

This new Golf R rockets from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds—4.6 seconds if you opt for the Performance pack. Top speed? Electronically limited to 155 mph, but slap on that Performance pack, and you can push it to 167 mph.

All-wheel drive with torque vectoring is standard, as you'd expect, but kiss the manual goodbye. A seven-speed DSG automatic is the only transmission now. Volkswagen has confirmed that the stick shift is dead for the Golf GTI and Golf R after the 2024 model year. Pour one out for the manual purists.

One thing that's sticking around is drift mode. Now dubbed the Drift Performance Profile, it lets you send up to 100 percent of power to the rear wheels for some tire-smoking antics. Torque vectoring still does its thing during cornering, shoveling power to the outer wheel to keep understeer at bay. The same hefty 18-inch brakes from last year make a return.

The Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive suspension—standard in Germany and expected to be standard in the US for 2025—adjusts the steering, suspension, and throttle response on the fly.

Camouflaged prototypes hint at some fresh visual tweaks. Redesigned bumpers and new LED light fixtures spruce up the front end. Out back, IQ.Light LED taillights with a 3D design, inspired by VW's electric fleet, add some flair. It’ll roll on special 18- and 19-inch wheels emblazoned with R badges.

Inside, the Golf R gets a tech upgrade with a 12.9-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, both sporting custom R graphics. There's a GPS lap timer and a G Meter for those obsessed with their 0-60 mph times. The touch sliders from the previous model stick around, but at least they'll be illuminated. A head-up display is optional.

Details on pricing and availability are still under wraps. The 2025 Golf R will hit US shores later this year, bringing with it a blend of raw power and high-tech flair that's sure to turn heads and burn rubber.

This article was co-written using AI and was then heavily edited and optimized by our editorial team.

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