You?re probably aware that America will only get two versions of the newest Mk8 VW Golf. First is the Euro-spec Golf GTI, complete with a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 245 horsepower and 273 lb-ft. of torque. But if that?s not good enough, we?re also getting the 2022 VW Golf R, the most formidable iteration of the Golf across its entire lineage.

2022 VW Golf R: Feel The Power

Since we?re talking about the fastest and most powerful VW Golf in existence, let?s start with the engine. The original Golf R32, released in 2002, came with a potent naturally-aspirated 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine. It wasn?t until 2009 when the third-gen Golf R (based on the Mk6 Golf) came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-banger. Even though the engine was smaller, it made more power than the old six-cylinder engine.
The 2022 VW Golf R has a high-output version of the Mk8 Golf?s EA888 turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The engine has a maximum output of 315 horsepower and 310 lb-ft. of torque and has 27 more horses than the previous model. More importantly, the Golf R achieves peak torque from under 2,100 rpm to 5,350 rpm. VW claims the new fully-electronic coolant regulator unit shortens the warm-up phase of the motor to reduce friction, thereby saving fuel.

This new engine has variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust cams. It also has variable valve lift on the exhaust side, allowing VW to concoct the perfect blend of performance, fuel economy, and lesse...