VW NZ asks ‘R’ you ready for four performance cars?
Volkswagen New Zealand hopes Kiwis ‘R’ excited to see four premium performance vehicles in 2022 when the highly anticipated fifth-generation Golf R will be joined by the Tiguan R, T-Roc R, and Touareg R.
The R (that stands for Racing) badge has been worn by the Golf R for 20 years.
“R is much more than a badge,” said Volkswagen General Manager Greg Leet. “It’s a symbol that promises an intricate blend of sport, high performance and indescribable thrills. The all-new Volkswagen R range is all about excitement.”
The first two R models off the rank in the first part of the year will be the new Golf R (priced from $76,990) and Tiguan R (from $79,990). They have a powerful 2.0L turbocharged TSI petrol engine, boasting 235kW of power and 400Nm of torque.
These will be the first Volkswagen products to feature an all-new drive system - 4MOTION with R-Performance Torque Vectoring. This technology delivers an extensive ride and handling upgrade, distributing drive not just between the front and rear axles, but also variably between the two rear wheels. Enabling a new dimension of agility and sportiness With maximum grip and stability, particularly when cornering.
The Golf R also has its own exclusive feature, two special driving modes: ‘Drift’ and ‘Special - Nürburgring’.
The ‘Drift’ profile distributes 100 percent of the rear torque to one wheel for optimal driving dynamics away from public roads. This feature opens a new level of driving dynamics and further exploits the potential of Torque Vectoring by provoking oversteer instead of neutral vehicle handling.
The ‘Special - Nürburgring’ is available on Golf R 1st edition only.
“As you can see, Kiwis really will have the opportunity to feel the true power of R,” said Leet.
The technology born out of Volkswagen’s participation in generations of motorsport research and events means that today’s owners can experience the same level of racing performance, without compromising on space and practicality.
It is also a pedigree that doesn’t compromise customers on price. The Volkswagen R range will offer a level of performance technology that has only been available previously within the more high-end vehicle categories.
“But Kiwis will also need to be as quick if they want the chance to claim one as their own.”
The first shipment in the New Year is already more than 70 percent pre-sold for the Golf R alone, but more cars are expected in April.
The Touareg R and T-Roc R are both scheduled to arrive in the second half of 2022, with prices to be announced closer to launch. Touareg R will be the first Volkswagen SUV with plug-in hybrid technology to be released in New Zealand.