Volkswagen R is the brand used by the German auto manufacturer Volkswagen to indicate a sport or high performance model. An "R" badge is placed on the grille, front fenders and trunk of R-model vehicles to indicate the vehicle's trim level. The R-marque is used on certain performance models alongside "GT" model designations, such as the GTI, GLI, GTE and GTD. These vehicles are also sold as "sport models" but are less performance-oriented when compared to vehicles such as the Golf R.
Volkswagen began production of the Mk4 R32 in 2002, for the 2003 model year. It was the world's first production car with a dual-clutch gearbox — available for the German market. Due to unexpected popularity, Volkswagen decided to sell the car in the United States and Australia as the 2004 model year Volkswagen R32. Billed as the pinnacle of the Golf IV platform, the R32 included every performance, safety, and luxury feature Volkswagen had to offer, including the all new DOHC4 valves per cylinderVR6 engine, which produced a rated motive power output of at 6,250 rpm and at 2,800 rpm of torque. Further additions included Haldex Traction-based 4motion on-demand four-wheel drive system, a new six-speed manual transmission, independent rear suspension, Climatronic automatic climate control, sport seats from König with R32 badging, 18" OZ Aristo alloy wheels, Electronic Stability Programme, larger disc brakes with gloss blue painted calipers, sunroof, Xenon Headlamps, and model-specific bodywork additions.
In September 2005, the Mk5 R32 went on sale in Europe. United Kingdom sales began in November that year. It features an updated 3.2-litre VR6 engine of that fitted to the previous Mk4 version, with an extra due to a reworked inlet manifold. Maximum power is now at 6,300 rpm; torque is unchanged at. It reaches an electronically governed top speed of. Going from 0 to will take 6.5 s, reduced to 6.2 s with the Direct-Shift Gearbox. Compared with the previous Mk4 R32, it is 0.1 seconds faster for the manual version, while the newer R32 is about heavier. As with the previous R32; there is the Haldex Traction-based 4motion part-time four-wheel drive, now through 18" Zolder 20-spoke alloy wheels. Stopping the R32 comes in the form of blue-painted brake calipers with discs at the front and disks at the rear. The Mk5 R32 was released in the US in August 2007 with a limited production run of 5000. Each R32 has its production number laser etched on its steering wheel. In Chile, the Golf Mk5 was only offered in this model. Only the Brazilian-made Mk4 was sold.
At the Frankfurt Motor Showin September 2007, Volkswagen launched the 'R line' R36, created by Volkswagen Individual GmbH. The R36 uses a 3.6 litre VR6 engine rated and of torque, which pushes the saloon and Variant to in 5.6 and 5.8 seconds respectively. The name "R36" is derived from the engine displacement, 3.6-litres. The R36 features redesigned front and rear spoilers, 4 wheel drive, DSG gearbox with paddleshift on the flat-bottom steering wheel, 18" Omanyt aluminium alloy wheels, lowered suspension, 'R' engraved stainless steel pedals, Recaro seats with R36 logo, heated front and rear seats, Bi-Xenon headlights with cornering function, and twin rear muffler tailpipes.
The Touareg R50 is the third Volkswagen after the Golf and Passat to be given the 'R' treatment by Volkswagen Individual GmbH. The R50 global launch was at the 2007 Australian International Motor Show. The "R50" naming comes from the engine displacement: 5.0 L. The R50 was offered with a 5.0-litre V10 diesel engine that produces and of torque, pushing the car from 0 to in 6.7 seconds.
Like the GTI, the Golf R is also built as a three- or five-door hatchback. It is powered by a newly developed version of the turbochargedEA888petrol FSIInline-four engine used in the latest Golf GTI, but in this application producing from 5,500 to 6,200 rpm and from 1,800 to 5,500 rpm of torque. Compared to the GTI's powerplant, the Golf R's engine has a modified cylinder head, exhaust valves, valve seats and springs, pistons, injection valves and larger intercooler and turbocharger. DSG equipped models also come with an auxiliary oil cooler on the passenger side.
R-Line
Volkswagen began offering the R-Line trim level in 2011, being first introduced on the Volkswagen CC. R-Line vehicles consist of sport upgrades that are mostly cosmetic, such as different bumpers and wheels.
