Publications
Partners
Volkswagen R stands for performance, sport and emotion. Since it was established in 2002, the R nomenclature has developed, built and retailed precisely 200 000 cars.
Known as Volkswagen Individual when it was established, the division was rebranded into Volkswagen R in 2011. The letter 'R' stood for 'Racing' on the first R model in 2002, the Volkswagen Golf R32.
A long standing legacy
Jost Capito, Executive Director of Volkswagen R, handed over the 200 000th model to a UK customer at Robinsons Volkswagen Peterborough.
READ: Vrrrphaaa! Golf R, GTI and GTD... Jhb to Bloem in three performance Golfs
"Developing and globally retailing 200 000 units in 15 years is a big achievement. VW R is a small business that employs around 350 colleagues. Everyone in our company contributes to the success of the company.
My personal thank you goes out to everyone in the team, but also in the Retailer network, who should take pride in this milestone," said Capito.
Image: Newspress
"The passion of motorsports developed further, and made fit for road use, is what Volkswagen R stands for. Our vehicles are true Volkswagens with that certain extra something which the Volkswagen series production vehicles do not offer.
A rich history
They inspire people with a taste for the extraordinary,” commented Sven Schuler, Director Business Development and Digitalisation Volkswagen R.
The owner of the 200 000th R model, a Golf R with the Performance Pack and Akrapovic exhaust system, was naturally particularly excited to receive his vehicle.
Image: Newspress
Keith Williamson is a long-time Volkswagen customer, and has a MkV Golf R32 and a MkVI Golf GTI in his collection.
"I couldn’t wait to take delivery of my car and the fact it’s the 200 000th Volkswagen R makes it particularly special. I’ve always loved the Volkswagen Golf, the Performance range has always been about versatile and fun cars."
Image: Newspress
"I get so much enjoyment from my Golf GTI and the Golf R just lifts that level of driver involvement even higher. I’m particularly excited about having the Performance Pack on the car. This is another car that won't be leaving my collection,” he added.
Production of the R models started in 2002 with the Golf R32. Since then there have been three further Golf R models, plus the Passat R36, the Touareg R50, the Scirocco R, the Golf R Convertible and the Golf R Estate.
Image: Newspress
Today’s Golf R is available in hatch and estate forms. Both have a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and 4Motion four-wheel drive. Special styling cues and 'R' sports suspension make the Golf R and Golf R Estate the most potent models in the broad Volkswagen Golf line-up.
