Volkswagen readies new-generation Golf R

Although the memorable 6-cylinder character of the original R32 has given way to turbocharged 4-cylinder propulsion in recent years, Volkswagen continues to deliver V6-type power for the performance flagship of the Golf lineup, injecting the all-new 2022 Golf R with 315 hp claimed from a fourth-generation version of the company's EA888 2.0-L. The company said Golf R's engine now is the most powerful iteration of the turbocharged and direct-injected EA888 yet released for production.

The R variant of the recently launched eighth-generation Golf compact car also is fitted with a more-sophisticated 4Motion all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. And in a wink to the R's renown as the ultimate VW performance car, the 2022 Golf R - not coming to the U.S. market until late next year - also will continue to offer the choice of a manual transmission at a time when the few remaining shift-it-yourself models from every automaker continue to disappear.