Volkswagen’s ‘R’ team is exploring the development of an electric Golf R to rival Hyundai’s Ioniq 5N. Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schafer confirmed that the new-generation Golf GTI and Golf R will transition to electric power, with a petrol-powered version to remain until the end of the decade.
Next year, Volkswagen will introduce the smaller ID.2 GTI as a precursor to full electric GTIs and Rs. An electric Golf R would compete with Hyundai’s innovative Ioniq 5N, offering dual-motor all-wheel-drive performance.
The shift towards electrification signals the end of the combustion era for Volkswagen, with the current Golf Mk 8 likely being the last of its kind. Recently, the facelifted Golf R was launched in Australia, hinting at Volkswagen’s commitment to electric performance vehicles.
Volkswagen’s R brand aims to go fully electric by 2030, focusing on translating the essence of the ‘R’ brand into battery electric vehicles. The evolution of rapid electric vehicles has reshaped performance expectations, emphasizing the importance of driving dynamics alongside acceleration.
Hyundai’s user experience features, such as simulated sounds and gear shifts, have impressed Volkswagen’s top brass. They are contemplating similar enhancements for an electric VW R model to enhance the overall driving experience.
While Volkswagen’s progress towards an electric Golf R remains undisclosed, discussions are ongoing regarding quality, design, and the user experience. The transition to electric power presents new opportunities and challenges, such as a heavier weight but improved handling due to a lower center of gravity.
Volkswagen engineers are enthusiastic about the prospect of an electric Golf R and other R-badged models using the new scalable platform. Future R models could extend beyond the Golf series to include SUVs like the T-Roc, Tiguan, and Touareg, as well as potential models from the ID. lineup.
As the industry embraces electrification, Volkswagen is poised to expand its R lineup with electric variants of various models. The possibilities for R-badged electric vehicles seem limitless, hinting at a future where performance and sustainability converge in Volkswagen’s lineup.
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