Autocarb

400-horsepower VW Golf R Gets Unveiled at LA Auto Show

People who only hear about this German automaker in the news might believe that the VW Golf is a family car, unaware that the line also includes sport models such as this soon-to-be revealed 400 hp Volkswagen Golf R.

A Ferrari from the ’90s has nothing on the new VW Golf R 400. You got that right! This version of the ever so popular family hatchback car puts the 1994 Ferrari F355 (that came with a 3.5-liter V8 packing 375 hp) to shame, both in terms of power and speed. Some might argue that the F355 is better in the design department, but I beg to differ.

More precisely, the F355 could get from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. The Golf R 400, as its name suggests, has not less than 400 horsepower that helps it accelerate as much in under 4 seconds. We finally live in an age where brute performance can come in an inconspicuously designed coachwork. The maximum speed of the R 400 is 173 mph, so there’s still a lot of room left for acceleration. If you’re buying one of these beasts, make sure you only drive this fast only on a proper road (preferably a German Autobahn).

Under the hood of the Golf R 400 there is a 2.0-liter TSI four-cylinder engine that produces 332 pound-feet of torque between 2,400 and 6,000. The aforementioned speed and acceleration are impressive, seeing how this car tops the scale at 3,130 pounds.

The R 400 also has several design elements that set it apart from the production model. The black and yellow accents definitely make the silver flake paint job look great.

There is a black gloss sunroof, which along with the carbon fiber mirror caps and the functional air diffuser integrated into the rear bumper remind drivers that they’re not aboard a family car.

In other words, many of this car’s design elements scream performance, and it would be a real pity not to make a production model based on this concept.

Keep in mind that what will be shown at this year’s LA Auto Show is merely a proof of concept. There are a lot of rumors that the car will enter mass production sometime next year, though.

The VW Golf R 400 will be showcased at the Los Angeles Auto Show, so if you happen to be in the area between November 21-30, go check the exhibit.

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