While the all-new
Volkswagen Golf is not far from an official unveiling, ABT believes there’s
still time to make a few adjustments to the outgoing iteration. Mind you, this
isn’t the average Golf, but the range-topping R spec. In base form, the
2.0-liter turbo-four produces 300 PS and 400 Nm of torque. After receiving the tuner’s engine control unit, the output has
increased to 350 PS and 440 Nm of torque.
Admittedly, this
Golf R won’t blow anyone’s mind in terms of performance, but it’s not ABT’s
nature to overdo things. Even with the small boost in power, performance has
likely been improved beyond stock model’s ability to accelerate to 100 km/h in a little under 5 seconds when equipped with the dual-clutch automatic
gearbox. Also, top speed can be increased to 270 km/h with the
optional Performance Pack.
New suspension
springs and the height-adjustable suspension kit make the car more dynamic
around corners while also leaving room for relatively large wheels – 18-, 19-
and 20-inch in diameter, available in four different design patterns. The
tuner’s sport anti-roll bar kit can also be added.
Meanwhile, the hot
hatch also gets a distinctive muffler system developed in Kempten, southern
Germany, featuring four dark chrome tailpipes, with 102 mm in diameter
each. By enhancing the soundtrack of the car, this upgrade will be winning
“plenty of hearts” in the process, as ABT put it.
