Back in March, we picked up on a teaser video from Volkswagen (which, incidentally, has since been removed) showing a handful of performance enhancements for the facelifted Golf R, including a slightly different body kit. And now the Wolfsburg automaker has revealed a few more details about some of the tuning packages set to be offered.
VW says the tuning options will include uprated disc brakes and semi-slicks for those wishing to hit the track in anger. But perhaps most interesting is the addition of a new exhaust system for the VW Group’s familiar 2,0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.
The so-called R-Performance titanium exhaust system comes courtesy of the folks over at Akrapovič and is as many as 7 kg lighter than the standard system. VW makes no mention of the possible effect of this system on peak output.
Volkswagen says the updated exhaust system gives the Golf R “completely new acoustics”, which extend “all the way to that of motorsport” with the sportiest of driving modes selected.
“Especially at high revs and when shifting gears, a sound is generated that is typical of Akrapovič systems – tight, finely tuned and yet not too loud,” the automaker says.
The R-Performance brakes, meanwhile, are two kilos lighter than the standard brakes and thereby also reduce unsprung mass. VW says the front discs are what are known as “built pin discs”, with the brake pot made of aluminium and the friction ring fashioned from cast steel (and the two joined by cast pins).
The system, which is identifiable by the silver logo plate with R-lettering on the calipers, furthermore includes “special” brake pads on the front axle.
No word yet on availability of these parts in South Africa, where the Golf R has been detuned from the full-fat 228 kW to 213 kW.
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