It was at last month’s Geneva Motor Show where Volkswagen introduced the Golf R facelift fitted with an optional Performance Package bringing a slew of upgrades. The folks from Wolfsburg also released a teaser video — which has since been removed — to demonstrate what’s in tow for the beefiest road-going Golf R of them all. Now, an extended version of the promo clip has been released to provide a closer look at the extra goodies.
The Performance Package improves aerodynamics thanks to the tweaked air curtains in the front bumper, sleeker side skirts and a motorsport-inspired rear diffuser. Also at the back, a new roof-mounted spoiler is installed to boost downforce by 20 kilograms. Beefier 17-inch brakes are also part of the deal to provide superior stopping power and match the stronger 2.0-litre TSI engine. One of the most important upgrades is the titanium exhaust system developed by Akrapovic shaving off 7 kg.
As it was the case with the teaser video, the all-digital instrument cluster shows the speedometer going all the way up to 166 mph whereas the regular Golf R is electronically capped at 155 mph. Aside from bumping the limiter, the engineers have also optimised the dampers and have given the all-wheel-drive hatch a lower, stiffer suspension setup. Some updates to the steering are also included, as are a bunch of minor revisions inside the cabin.
To refresh your memory, the facelifted Golf R now churns an extra 10 horsepower for a grand total of 310 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque, enough for 0-62 mph in a swift 4.6 seconds with the optional dual-clutch transmission. Speaking of which, the mid-cycle refresh has also brought along a new seven-speed DSG replacing the previous six-speed ‘box. Purists will still be able to get the range-topping Golf with a six-speed manual.
VW says the Golf R with the Performance Package will be available at a later date. As for a production version of the R400 concept, it’s not definitely going to happen. That effectively means the car featured here will remain the top dog in the vast Golf VII family.