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Ok, so you’re a Golf lover, who isn’t? It’s the iconic hatchback, and the GTI has become the symbol of hot hatchery in its 40 year existence since the MK1 GTI first arrived on the scene. To celebrate this, VW is giving you the Golf R 400 Concept, and that 400 is the power figure.
Sadly, it isn’t in kilowatts, but rather PS (Pferdestärke), translating to 395HP, and 294.2kW, up 88.2kW over the South African spec Golf R. Torque is up by 70Nm too, with a total of 450Nm on tap. Did we mention that power comes from the same 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-pot engine as the standard Golf R? It’s all rather impressive, and when mated to Haldex all-wheel drive and a 6-speed DSG transmission, the R400 will sprint from 0-100km/h in just 3.9 seconds. 3.9 seconds! Top speed, naturally, is limited; but a governed top speed of 280km/h is nothing to scoff at.
Dimensionally, the Golf R 400 is rather close to its R sibling, measuring only 20mm wider, whilst weighing 1420Kg, the same as the standard R. Visually, the R 400 gets flared arches reminiscent of the 1988 Rallye Golf G60, a Silver Flake metallic paint job, a gloss black roof, and carbon mirror housings. New side sills, as well as 19-inch Cadiz-derived alloy wheels, fitted with 235/35/R19 rubber, and a new front bumper design also add to the celebratory concept’s flair. A carbon fibre splitter helps direct air towards the honeycomb grill, which is highlighted by a Lemon Yellow detailing, with matching yellow stripe across the grill and bi-xenon headlamps. Completing the aggressive design of the R 400 is a new rear bumper, which integrates 100mm diameter R32 styled tailpipes.
Inside, the seats have been swapped out for motorsport shell seats, upholstered in a cross-quilted design and clad in Alcantara and ‘carbon leather’. The rear seats have also been swapped out for 2 individual seats. All stitching throughout the cabin is in Lemon Yellow.
While the R 400 does look striking, it also looks a little bit riced. It’s just a concept for now though, but VW insiders have hinted that the R 400 is quite possibly production ready and reliable. We do however doubt the R 400 will see production at the full 294kW power output, especially as the upcoming Audi RS3, touted to use the 5-pot engine of the previous generation, will only generate in the region of 285kW. As with the Audi TT Quattro Sport Concept, the 2.0 TFSI engine has proven to be rather incredible, and who knows, VW may yet surprise us all with something that makes the Mercedes-Benz A45 look like a toy.
