2016 Volkswagen Golf R

2016 GOLF R: VOLKSWAGEN'S PERFORMANCE HALO

• Most powerful and fuel-efficient production Golf ever for the North American market starts at $35,650
• EA888 TSI® 2.0-liter engine propels DSG® equipped Golf R from 0 to 60 mph in less than five seconds
• Six-speed manual transmission new for 2016
• New MIB II infotainment system brings ÚSB connectivity and smartphone integration with VW Car-Net® App-Connect technology
• Car features 4Motion® all-wheel-drive system Herndon, VA — The latest Golf R, introduced for 2015, is the most powerful version of the Golf ever to be sold in this market. With 292 horsepower, it has 36 horsepower more than the previous version, which was sold as a 2013 model. Despite the additional horsepower, the R model is considerably more fuel-efficient than its predecessor with an EPA-estimated highway fuel economy rating of 31 mpg with the six-speed manual transmission, up from 27 mpg.





After its reintroduction in 2015, the Golf R continues to add value for model year 2016 with the addition of a six-speed manual transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) The addition of a new infotainment system for 2016 provides a comprehensive suite of connectivity features. Volkswagen Group of America is one of the first in the industry to support all three available connected car systems: Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™ and MirrorLink®. The new MIB II system offers ÚSB and VW-Car Net® App-Connect, allowing owners with these systems to access select apps from their smartphones directly through the vehicle's head unit. VW Car-Net's connected vehicle services umbrella also includes connected car services, advanced telematics, and enhanced navigation available by subscription.

For 2016, a Driver Assistance Package is available on the Golf R with DCC and Navigation, which includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, and Park Distance Control (Park Pilot).



The Golf R is distinguished at the front by a new bumper design with larger air inlets, a modified radiator grille that sports an 'R' logo, and newly developed daytime running lights that are integrated into the Bi-Xenon headlight housings. The LED Daytime Running Lights form a distinctive dual 'Ú' design beneath the headlights.

From the side, the Golf R is characterized by 18-inch or 19-inch 'Cadiz' aluminum-alloy wheels shod with 225/40 or 235/35 tires, black brake calipers with the 'R' logo, body-color 'R' style side skirts, 'R' badges on the front fenders, and black painted door mirror caps.

Rear details that define the Golf R include an 'R' design diffuser, four chrome tailpipes, and an 'R' logo on the hatch.

Interior
As in the three previous Golf R models, Volkswagen R GmbH has extensively upgraded the interior. The most powerful Golf is equipped with front sport seats with 12-way power adjustment for the driver and leather seating surfaces integrated with 'R' logo embroidering. A flat-bottom, leather wrapped sport steering wheel integrates a chrome 'R' logo on its lower cross bar.

The decorative inlays of the dashboard and door trim panels feature the 'Carbon Touch' design; ambient lighting is also integrated in the door trim panels as standard. The door sill kickplates, pedals, and foot support are designed with a stainless-steel look.

The instruments and the touchscreen's start menu are also customized. When the ignition is switched on, the illuminated light-blue tachometer and speedometer needles sweep once across the entire scale to their end pins. The instrument needles are also automatically illuminated as soon as the driver's door is opened. The radio or navigation system touchscreen shows an animated 'R' logo on startup.

One of the most significant advances in the 2016 Golf R comes in the form of its new MIB II touchscreen infotainment system with ÚSB and VW Car-Net App-Connect, standard on all models. The all-new infotainment system not only creates the foundation for the next generation of Volkswagen's Car-Net connected vehicle services platform, but also offers one of the most comprehensive suites of connected vehicle services and features available in the automotive industry today. Features available through the new Car-Net are divided into three key areas, 'App-Connect,' 'Security & Service,' and 'Guide & Inform.'

App-Connect. The Composition Media unit is available on the base model. Featuring an 800x480 capacitive color touch display with proximity sensor, with a 6.5-inch screen, standard features include AÚX-in, SD card slots, and a ÚSB multimedia interface with Apple iPhone® and iPod® compatibility, reverse camera display, and Bluetooth® technology with the ability to send and receive SMS text messages with compatible phones, sync two phones simultaneously, App-Connect smartphone integration, two SD card slots, and a JPEG viewer, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, HD Radio and support for lossless audio file format (Free Lossless Audio Codec FLAC).

Models with DCC and Navigation feature the Discover Media unit, which captures the features available in the previous two units and adds 2.5D Navigation, one-shot voice destination entry, predicts possible destinations based on often used routes, and Destination Entry with Quick Search and Auto-complete, and Car-Net Guide & Inform.

Security & Service. Consumers have the ability to access the Car-Net Security & Service suite through the innovative online Customer Web Portal as well as an advanced app for smartphones, providing access to all the features available from virtually anywhere your mobile device is connected to wireless internet.

Available security related features include Automatic Crash Notification, which automatically notifies an operator who can quickly contact first responders in the event of an collision; Manual Emergency Call, a feature that allows for quick access to customer specialists at the touch of a button; Roadside Assistance, for added peace-of-mind in the event of trouble on the road; and Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance, which uses Car-Net Security & Service to assist law enforcement with locating your vehicle in the event that it is stolen.

In addition, VW Car-Net Security & Service offers other new features for 2016 model year including new layers of convenience such as remote vehicle access, remote door lock and unlock, remote honk and flash (of lights), last parked location information, and remote status check (doors and windows). Consumers will also be able to send a location from their connected smart device to the factory-installed compatible navigation system on select models. For consumers that prefer a more personal touch, agent destination assist is also available.

The Car-Net Security & Service also offers Family Guardian, a suite of features that help families. Features including speed alert, which notifies the owner of the vehicle when the pre-determined maximum speed limit is exceeded; and boundary alert, which lets you know when the vehicle has traveled outside of a pre-set virtual boundary.

Diagnostics and maintenance information is also available through Car-Net. A Vehicle Health Report allows Volkswagen customers to quickly check to see if their vehicle is in proper running order. When it's time for scheduled service, Car-Net Security & Service not only notifies the customer, but provides a simple way to schedule a dealer visit. It can even identify the closest dealer in case you need a recommendation.

Available later this year, the VW Car-Net app for Apple Watch will allow VW customers to control a host of features and functions available through the iPhone app and Customer Web Portal, directly from their wrist. Apple Watch wearers can keep an eye on their vehicle from afar, remotely locking and unlocking doors and viewing the status of doors, windows and sunroof (open or closed). Consumers will also be able to find a parked vehicle quickly, with a map of the current vehicle location, walking or driving directions to the vehicle, and the ability to honk the horn and flash the lights remotely. Drivers will be able to check their fuel level from the Apple Watch as well. As with the Car-Net app for iPhone, Apple Watch wearers will also be able to receive alerts directly to their Apple Watch from the app.

Guide & Inform. Car-Net Guide & Inform offers an enhanced navigation and infotainment experience for VW consumers. Volkswagen has incorporated technologies that enhance existing navigation offerings while adding an additional level of information that empowers consumers.

Satellite navigation is refined with Car-Net Guide & Inform, incorporating several layers of information right onto the screen. MIB II-equipped Volkswagen models with in-vehicle navigation systems will now feature real-time fuel prices, sports scores, movie information and weather data as part of the three month SiriusXM Travel Link trial. VW customers will also enjoy real-time traffic information and a complimentary four-year SiriusXM Traffic trial.

Customers purchasing new Volkswagen models equipped with VW Car-Net connected vehicle services (not including App-Connect) will receive a no-charge trial for six months after purchase. To extend the benefits of this connectivity system, customers can choose from a number of VW Car-Net payment options: 1 year, for $199; 2 years for $378; 3 years for $540; or, month-to-month, for $17.99. App-Connect can be used free-of-charge and is not included as part of the subscription-based services.

Powertrain
The Golf R has an even more advanced version of the EA888 four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® 2.0-liter engine that's fitted to the new Golf GTI. The engineers boosted power to 292 hp, delivered at 5,500 rpm, thus creating one of the most powerful four-cylinder production engines in the world. Maximum torque has been increased to 280 pound-feet, available over a broad speed band from 1,800 to 5,500 rpm. To attain this output, the Golf R model's 1984-cc engine was subjected to a motorsports-style development program. The following components were modified or completely redesigned compared to the GTI engine: the cylinder head (together with exhaust valves, valve seats, and springs), pistons, high-pressure injection system, and turbocharger.

The Golf R model's EA888 series engine has innovative engineering solutions such as water-cooled exhaust gas channels running through the cylinder head to the turbocharger to help efficiently reduce full-load fuel consumption. Thanks to its fully-electronic coolant control system, the Golf R TSI engine has much more efficient thermal management with a reduced warm-up phase that reduces frictional losses and fuel consumption. In addition, the TSI engine has variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust sides, as well as two-stage exhaust-valve lift. This helps enable optimal control of the charge exchange process for better performance, fuel economy, and lower emissions.

Equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, the Golf R will reach 60 mph from rest in 5.3 seconds, an improvement of 0.4 seconds over the old car; with the six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission, the car completes the sprint in just 4.5 seconds.

When equipped with the six-speed manual transmission, the Golf R records an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. When equipped with the optional six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, EPA estimated fuel economy ratings are 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

4Motion® All-wheel-drive System
The Golf R has always used 4Motion permanent all-wheel drive. Úsing refinements such as the Haldex® 5 coupling, the latest-generation 4Motion system is activated before any wheelspin occurs, helping eliminate nearly all traction losses. The system achieves this by using an advanced control function based on specific driving conditions. When operating under a relatively low load or when coasting, the front wheels are driven and the rear wheels are decoupled, helping to save fuel. (concept carz) However, the rear wheels can be engaged in fractions of a second whenever necessary via the Haldex coupling, which is activated by an electro-hydraulic oil pump.

A control unit continually calculates the ideal drive torque for the rear wheels and controls how much the multi-plate clutch should be closed by activating the oil pump. The oil pressure increases the contact pressure at the clutch plates in proportion to the torque desired at the rear axle. So, the amount of pressure applied to the clutch plates can be used to continuously vary the amount of torque going between the front and rear wheels, up to a maximum of 50 percent at the rear axle.

In addition to the Haldex coupling that acts longitudinally, electronic differential locks (EDS) that are a function of the electronic stability control system act laterally. The system briefly brakes a wheel that is slipping, enabling uninterrupted and stable transfer of drive power to the wheel on the opposite side.

Chassis
The Golf R features a sport suspension setup that is specifically tuned to the car. Compared to the base Golf, the ride height was dropped by 0.8 inches, which makes the Golf R even lower than the GTI, by an additional 0.2 inches. In the Golf R, the strut-type front suspension has a newly developed lower control arm and the multi-link rear suspension was enhanced with different tuning of the toe-link bearings.

The engineers designed the running gear of the new Golf R for maximum driving fun combined with extraordinary stability and good long-distance comfort. Compared to the previous model, steering response was improved thanks to the new progressive variable ratio steering rack. In addition, maximum attainable cornering speeds were significantly increased and understeer all but eliminated.

With the progressive electric power-assisted steering system, there are 2.1 turns of the wheel (380 degrees) from lock to lock, compared with 2.75 turns (500 degrees) for less powerful Golf models. The new steering operates with a progressive gear ratio, perceptibly reducing steering effort in maneuvering and parking. On country roads with lots of bends, the experience is enhanced because the steering is more direct.

The Golf R has the uprated brakes from the GTI Performance Package model. At the front, the car has 13.4-inch diameter vented discs that are 1.2 inches thick, while the rear rotors are 12.2 by 0.9 inches. The black brake calipers have the R logo on them. Úp front, the single pistons per side are 2.4 inches in diameter and are 1.7 inches at the back.

In addition, the Golf R is equipped with the XDS® cross differential lock at the front and rear. The latest XDS+ version applies this functionality to a larger range of dynamic performance, helping make the vehicle more agile. When the car is being driven at highway speeds, brake pressure is applied to the inside wheel to help restore optimal traction as soon as the electronics detect excessively light loads. The XDS+ system thereby operates like a limited-slip differential and thus helps compensate for understeer during faster cornering.

The Driving Mode Selection feature has three programs in the Golf R, and four in conjunction with the DCC® system: 'Normal', 'Individual', and a 'Race' mode that has been specially designed for the Golf R. In 'Race' mode, which is designed for high-speed track driving, damping is increased when equipped with DCC and engine response and the shift points of the DSG transmission are configured to be even sportier. In the 'Individual' driving profile, the driver can combine mode settings for various individual parameters.

The new Golf R can be ordered with the second-generation DCC adaptive damping system as an option. DCC offers three driving modes: 'Comfort', 'Normal', and 'Sport', which are selected and displayed via the center console touchscreen as part of the 'Driving Profile Selector' functionality. In 'Sport' mode, the dampers are stiffened for more agile handling.

The DCC system adaptively controls the damper valves via a further developed and refined control algorithm. DCC takes input signals from wheel displacement sensors and accelerometers as well as vehicle information from the Chassis-CAN bus to compute these values and adaptively adjust the optimal damping force. Moreover, damping forces are selectively applied to the four wheels individually. With the new generation of DCC, it is now possible to independently vary rebound and compression damping while cornering.

The new Golf R is equipped with 'ESC Sport' as standard. The system is activated by a two-stage switch on the center console. When the driver presses this switch briefly, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) switches to the 'ESC Sport' mode. In very fast driving on a race track, the ESC system has a higher threshold in this mode. When the ESC button is pressed for longer than three seconds, the system is fully deactivated for high-performance track driving, a feature that is available only on the Golf R.

Safety
To help keep the occupants safe, the Golf R provides a combination of both passive and active safety systems. The Golf R has been engineered to meet or exceed all current crash regulations and features no fewer than six airbags as standard along with a number of electronic and mechanical safety systems, including standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

A standard feature on the 2016 Golf R models is Volkswagen's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. This builds on the premise that a collision is rarely a single, instantaneous action, but rather a series of events that follow the initial impact—the most significant of which can cause additional collisions. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System addresses this by applying the brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus helping reduce residual kinetic energy and, in turn, the chance of additional damage.

The Golf R also includes Volkswagen's Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collisions.

Driver Assistance Systems
The Golf R with DCC and Navigation model is available with the Driver Assistance Package, which adds Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, and Park Distance Control (Park Pilot).

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) uses forward facing radar to maintain a set speed while helping maintain a set distance to the vehicle in front. The driver sets the speed and the desired spacing via buttons on the multifunction steering wheel and can use the accelerator, brake pedal, or steering wheel to cancel or override the ACC function. All system messages appear in the central multifunction display.

When the roadway ahead of the vehicle is empty, the system maintains the set speed. Golf R models fitted with DSG transmissions and ACC can match a vehicle in front and come to a stop, as well as automatically resume driving within a defined time period or if the driver chooses to do so. On manual transmission Golf R models, the ACC ceases to operate below 19 mph.

Within physical system limits, Forward Collision Warning helps warn the driver of critical front-end collision situations, both acoustically and visually by a warning symbol in the instrument cluster, and, if necessary, Autonomous Emergency Braking is activated to slow the vehicle if the driver fails to brake. If the brake pedal is applied but the driver brakes too lightly, the brake pressure is increased by the system (Braking Support).

If there is an indication that the vehicle is unintentionally straying from its lane, the Lane Departure Warning system actively countersteers to help keep the vehicle in the lane above 40 mph. The system's camera recognizes visible lane markings (one side suffices) and, using a special algorithm, calculates the risk of the car leaving the lane. If the driver takes their hands off the wheel for a defined period of time, or the vehicle crosses a lane marking without use of a turn signal, the system provides an audible warning and a visual signal in the instrument cluster, asking the driver to take over.

The system works in the dark and/or in fog, but will not engage if it cannot properly detect lane markings. If the turn signal has been set before crossing a lane marking, the Lane Departure Warning system will not engage or give a warning. The driver can 'override' the system at any time by applying minimal force, and is not relieved of responsibility to make conscious driving decisions.

Blind Spot Monitor uses two radar sensors at the rear of the vehicle to scan the approaching traffic and help warn drivers of potential danger in adjacent lanes. If the driver uses the turn signal to indicate a lane change while a vehicle is detected in a blind spot, the system utilizes a flashing LED symbol in the outer area of the side mirrors.

The system is designed to help alert drivers in specific situations; stationary objects or oncoming vehicles do not trigger warnings, nor will vehicles more than one lane across.

The Rear Traffic Alert system not only helps alert the driver to stationary and moving vehicles directly behind, but also helps detect vehicles approaching from the side that may be difficult for the driver to see while reversing. It offers a sizable range of about 65 to 80 feet, depending on model, and will present a visual and an acoustic warning, before applying the brakes if a potential impending collision is detected. The system is activated either by selecting reverse gear or by the optional Park Distance Control when starting off.

Park Distance Control (Park Pilot) uses ultrasonic sensors located in the front and rear bumpers to monitor a range of up to five feet in front or behind the vehicle. The system is activated when reverse gear is engaged or below a speed of 9 mph and helps provide guidance when parking or in tight situations. The system has audible and visual warnings when the car starts to approach parked cars or static objects from the front or rear.

Limited Warranty
All 2016 Golf R models are offered with Volkswagen's standard five-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and three-year/36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty.

Model Lineup

Golf R
The Golf R begins at $35,650 (plus $820 destination and delivery) with six-speed manual transmission; the dual-clutch DSG costs an additional $1,100. The base model comes incredibly well-equipped and includes: the 292-hp 2.0-liter TSI engine; 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with performance summer tires; Bluetooth connectivity; a rearview camera; Keyless access with push-button start; automatic headlights; rain-sensing windshield wipers; a MIB II Composition Media touchscreen infotainment system with ÚSB, VW Car-Net App-Connect and a 6.5-inch display; SiriusXM Satellite Radio; a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, handbrake, and shifter knob; Climatronic® dual-zone automatic climate control system; VW Car-Net connected vehicle services; ambient and footwell lighting with LED reading lights; leather seating surfaces; heatable front seats; and Driving Mode Selection feature.

Golf R w/ DCC and Navigation
Starting at $37,895, Golf R with DCC and Navigation adds to the base equipment: four-mode Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) Adaptive Suspension, 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels with performance summer tires; a MIB II Discover Media touchscreen navigation system with ÚSB, VW Car-Net App-Connect and a 6.5-inch display; and Fender® Premium Audio System. The dual-clutch DSG costs an additional $1,100. The factory order only Driver Assistance Package, which adds Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, and Park Distance Control (Park Pilot), costs $1,295.

Source - Volkswagen