Next Golf R to borrow the RS 3’s five-pot mill

Volkswagen is readying its most powerful Golf yet. It will fit a 25th anniversary version of the R with the 2.5T five-cylinder petrol engine borrowed from the Audi RS 3.

Due out in 2027, it is a send-off special for the pure-petrol Golf which is transitioning to electrification. 

All that means a significant step up from the current Golf R, adding around 40kW and 60Nm. Output will be 294kW and 480Nm, if the RS 3 tally is any indication.

It should also subtract about half a second off the sprint time, given for the RS 3 a 0-100 run takes 3.8sec.

And evidently Audi Sport reckons that’s not all. The engine could easily deliver more output. For example, the RS3 Performance Edition of 2023 managed 299kW and 500Nm.

To keep the engine alive beyond the Euro 7 November 2026 deadline, Audi/VW will tweak the unit’s hardware. It will likely require a new particulate filter, updated NOx sensors, recalibrated injection mapping and higher cell-density catalysts.

Moreover, suspension tweaks are needed for the Golf R to support the added weight of the five-pot mill. Expect more negative front camber (up to 2.0 degrees), beefier top mounts, stronger knuckles and extra chassis bracing for increased torsional rigidity. The RS3 also uses a stiffer front axle layout to sharpen initial turn-in. 

The five-cylinder engine adds a modest amount of weight over the current Golf R’s 1545kg, likely around 25kg. So the new R will likely adopt forged aluminium wheels finished with semi-slick Bridgestone Potenza Race tyres. Wider tracks and recalibrated software are also expected to increase grip and control.

The final Golf R will require more braking power too. And it will need a reconfigured version of Volkswagen’s seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

It’s will likely debut a mechanical torque-vectoring rear differential. That means the next Golf R will be the firm’s quickest variant around the Nordschleife.

Read our review of the current Golf R.

Spy photos of prototypes show new intakes cut into the bonnet, and larger air intakes up front to improve airflow to the new engine.

At the rear is a bigger roof-mounted spoiler and a new diffuser. Lightweight bucket seat options are likely too, as in the GTI Edition 50.

The final ICE powered Golf R is due out next year.