20th anniversary VW Golf R ditches sunroof, adds carbon fiber

Volkswagen made an announcement today: A limited edition of the Golf R is coming stateside to celebrate two decades of “high-performance all-wheel-drive Golf vehicles,” which started with the launch of the Golf R32 back in 2002.

The Golf R's 315-horsepower EA888 engine doesn't get a power bump in the "20 Years" edition, but the car has lost some weight by forgoing a sunroof.

Available with either the six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG–an option that VW stresses is unique to North America–the Golf R "20 Years" can be had in Lapiz Blue Metallic, Deep Black Pearl or Pure White.

Other features exclusive to the "20 Years" model include gloss-black 19-inch wheels, carbon-fiber interior trim, and unique blue “R” badging inside and out.

VW says it will only build 1800 units, with a limited allocation for each color mentioned above.

Look for the Golf R "20 Years" to appear in showrooms starting this fall. Prices will start at $44,940 for the manual and $45,740 for the DSG. (Current MSRP for the “standard” manual- and DSG-equipped Golf R starts at $44,090 and $44,890, respectively.)

Comments

Error404 HalfDork
9/1/22 11:10 a.m.

Could lose more weight by equipping the correct number of doors. Two.

z31maniac MegaDork
9/1/22 12:10 p.m.

Error404 said:
Could lose more weight by equipping the correct number of doors. Two.

It would be the same chassis. Just like the 2/4 door E30s, so you likely wouldn't save any noticeable weight.

Noddaz GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
9/1/22 1:28 p.m.

That is purty. Do you think these will sell anywhere near MSRP?

*sigh*

carcoleo
9/1/22 1:33 p.m.

Let the dealer price gouging begin!!

Brett_Murphy (Agent of Chaos) GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
9/1/22 1:45 p.m.

In reply to Error404 :

I disagree. Any car with a back seat should have four doors.

Kpcheng GRM+ Memberand New Reader
9/1/22 4:11 p.m.

Wasn't the original R the 2004 R32? How is this 20 years

Kpcheng GRM+ Memberand New Reader
9/1/22 4:15 p.m.

Wasn't the original R the 2004 R32? How is this 20 years? VW marketing in the US has always been odd.

calteg SuperDork
9/1/22 4:17 p.m.

How much would I hate myself for just buying a base model GTI? It's exactly what I want in a DD, but I owned a 2010 GTI for all of 6 months and it threw three CELs during that time period.

Tom_Spangler (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
9/1/22 4:27 p.m.

I love the Golf R, especially if you can actually find one for MSRP. But the reviews about the infotainment system have me spooked. You interact with that all the time, and if it's as frustrating as people say, it's a deal-breaker.

Colin Wood Associate Editor
9/1/22 5:13 p.m.

In reply to Kpcheng :

It probably would have been helpful for me to note that VW is referring to the launch of the R32 in Europe, which happened in 2002. I apologize for the confusion.