Volkswagen Golf R Mk8.5 arrives with 333 PS and ChatGPT

VOLKSWAGEN has introduced the Golf R facelift, which not only comes with a fresher design and the latest features but also a more powerful engine.

As with the pre-facelift model, the Golf R Mk8.5 is available in both the five-door hatchback and estate (known as the Golf R Variant) guises.

At first glance, it may appear similar to the Mk8 Golf R, but the facelifted version has a fresher front fascia made up of new LED Plus headlights, larger intakes on the bumper, and illuminated LED strips and VW logo.

Customers can now opt for the available 19-inch Warmenau wheels, which the automaker claims weigh only 8 kg each and have a more efficient design for brake cooling.

Inside, you will find a 12.9-inch touchscreen display (the largest offered by Volkswagen to date) with improved operation and a 10.2-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster with a new Sport Skin display mode.

The infotainment system now includes the voice assistant IDA, which accesses the AI-based software ChatGPT to answer questions. The responsiveness of the steering wheel touch panels has been optimised, the brand said.

Customers looking to spruce up cabin can do so by ticking the box for the Nappa leather upholstery and rear carbon fibre trim.

Like before, the Golf R Mk8.5 is powered by the EA888 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, but this time the output has been bumped up from 320 PS to 333 PS, making it the most powerful Golf ever produced.

The engine is paired with a 7-speed DSG transmission tasked with delivering power to the wheels through the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system with R-Performance Torque Vectoring.

Although torque remains at 420 Nm, the 0-100 km/h acceleration time has been cut short by 0.2 seconds to just 4.6 seconds. Needless to say, the maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

However, the figure can be increased to 270 km/h if equipped with the optional R-Performance package.

Said package also adds two more driving modes, namely Drift and Special. The former needs no explanation, while the latter is specifically adapted to the conditions on the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

Not stopping there, Volkswagen also throws in a GPS lap timer and G-meter – both of which are displayed in the Digital Cockpit Pro.