2014 Volkswagen Golf R 400 Concept

Volkswagen is displaying the potential of its flagship Golf R hatchback at the Auto China show in Beijing, in the muscular form of the Golf R 400 concept. If the '400' in the name doesn't give the game away that this is a seriously powerful machine, then the body and bumper modifications and flared wheelarches should give more than a hint.

Based on the standard Golf R hatchback, which with its turbocharged 300 PS engine and 4MOTION four-wheel drive is hardly a shrinking violet, the Golf R 400 ups the ante considerably, with 400 PS and an extra 70 Nm of torque, making for 450 Nm in total, available from 2,400 to 6,000 rpm.

Developed by Volkswagen R GmbH, the arm responsible for high-power and customisation projects, the Golf R 400 uses a modified version of the engine found in the Golf R: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine (Type EA888). The extra power of the 400 helps propel this six-speed DSG-equipped model from rest to 62 mph in just 3.9 seconds, a whole second faster than its 300 PS sibling. Its top speed is 174 mph (governed).

To achieve the increase in power, the Golf R 400 features a newly developed turbocharger with a higher maximum charge pressure and reinforced crankcase. A water-cooled exhaust gas feed to the turbocharger integrated in the cylinder head helps to reduce full-load fuel consumption, while variable valve control with dual camshaft adjustment improves economy and performance.

At 1,420 kg, the Golf R 400 weighs the same as the standard Golf R, but its appearance has been substantially altered. The body is 20 mm wider on each side, with flared wheelarches that are reminiscent of those on the 1988 Rallye Golf G60. These arches, like most of the body, are painted in 'Silver Flake' metallic, and contrast with the gloss black roof and carbon door mirror caps. New sill extensions seamlessly bridge the gap between the widened arches. Filling those arches are 19-inch alloy wheels on an increased offset. A development of the Golf R's standard 'Cadiz' wheels, these are highly modified, with high-gloss back inserts that act as air vanes, helping to cool the reinforced braking system. The tyres are 235/35 R19s.

At the front, the bumper has been completely redesigned to take into account the greater cooling requirements of the R 400. A carbon fibre splitter and aerodynamic 'wing element' help to push air towards the honeycomb mesh of the grille - one of many aspects influenced by motorsport. The 'R' badge on the gloss black radiator grille sits on a 'Lemon Yellow' background, while the horizontal stripe across the grille (which, like the chrome strip on the Golf R, continues into the bi-xenon headlights) is also 'Lemon Yellow'.

The redesigned rear bumper includes vents on each side, and the Golf R's four tailpipes have been replaced with two centrally mounted items, like those on the 2002 Golf R32. These 110 mm diameter items are 200 mm apart, and point slightly upwards, displaying a honeycomb mesh. A black double spoiler with LED brake lights atop the tailgate finishes the look.

Inside are motorsport shell seats with integrated head restraints and belt openings. These are upholstered in cross-quilted panels covered in Alcantara, and 'carbon leather', as are the two individual rear seats. Stitching throughout the interior is in contrasting 'Lemon Yellow'.

The Golf R 400 is only a concept at this stage, with no production plans.

Source - Volkswagen

WORLD PREMIERES OF THE REFINED TOUAREG AND THE EXTREMELY SPORTY GOLF R 400

The Olympic stadium in Beijing was the venue for the Volkswagen group night themed 'Night of the Stars'. The presentation of the Volkswagen brand was dominated by the refined Touareg and the extremely sporty Golf R 400.

The new Touareg generation is typified by its dynamically designed front and rear sections as well as by its fresh colours and wheels. This upper-class SÚV is equipped with an automatic post-collision braking system which prevents secondary collisions in the event of an accident. The V6 TDI version now offers a coast function, in addition to bi-xenon headlights. The TDI motor decouples from the 8-speed automatic gearbox when coasting in order to use kinetic energy to further reduce fuel consumption.

In the interior new leather colours, lighting solutions and controls emphasise the premium appearance. The new Touareg version will be launched in the German market in autumn – as a diesel (TDI) and as a hybrid1 (TSI plus electric motor).

The Golf R 400 celebrated its debut in Beijing: The 400 PS sports car concept was developed by Volkswagen R GmbH, the sports car division of the brand. The Golf R 400 is powered by a 2.0 TSI engine whose technical genes stem from the Polo WRC racing engine. This motor propels the concept car to super sports car territory: From standstill to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, top speed 280 km/h. The maximum torque of 450 Newton metres is available in the range between 2,400 and 6,000 rpm. An automatic 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG), which can also be controlled via gear shift lever or shift-paddles at the steering wheel, transmits the power to the 4MOTION permanent four-wheel drive system.

The exterior was also completely redesigned, featuring significantly wider wings as a modern interpretation of the legendary Golf G60 rally car. Detailed perfection is also displayed by the front section, the front and rear bumpers and many other parts made of visible carbon fibre, similar to race cars. In the interior, on the other hand, the exclusive character of the Golf R400 is rounded off by Alcantara and racing seats covered with 'carbon leather'.

Source - Volkswagen

FIRST SKETCHES OF 400 PS FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE GOLF R 400 CONCEPT REVEALED

Volkswagen has released design sketches of the Golf R 400 concept car, ahead of its official unveiling at the Auto China show in Beijing on 19 April.

As the name suggests, the Golf R 400 is an even more extreme concept version of the already powerful Golf R hatchback, with power increased from 300 to 400 PS.

As well as a series of engine modifications to increase power, the R 400 features body and bumper modifications, flared wheelarches, uprated wheels and a reworked interior that includes motorsport shell seats with integral head restraints and belt openings.

The flared wheelarches are deliberately reminiscent of those on the 1988 Rallye Golf G60, and most of the concept is painted in 'Silver Flake' metallic, in contrast to the gloss black roof and carbon door mirror caps.

'Lemon Yellow' highlights on the outside include the horizontal stripe across the grille (which, like the chrome strip on the Golf R, continues into the bi-xenon headlights), while the interior stitching is also 'Lemon Yellow'.

The four-wheel drive, DSG-equipped Golf R 400 promises a zero to 62 mph time of just 3.9 seconds – a full second quicker than the standard Golf R – and a top speed of 174 mph.

The Golf R 400 is only a concept at this stage, with no production plans.

Source - Volkswagen