Volkswagen's in-house performance brand - R - is celebrating an important production milestone for the relatively 'small' division.
Formed in 2002 to create cars with 'performance, sport and emotion' at their core, Volkswagen R has now developed, built and retailed 200,000 cars globally after executive director, Jost Capito, handed over the keys to a brand new Golf R to a customer in the UK.
“Developing and globally retailing 200,000 units in 15 years is a big achievement,” said Capito.
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Volkswagen R timeline. Photo / Volkswagen R
“Volkswagen 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.”
Known as Volkswagen Individual when it was established, the division was rebranded into Volkswagen R in 2011. The letter ‘R’ representing ‘Racing’ on the first R model in 2002.
Production of the R models started in 2002 with the 3.2-litre six-cylinder 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.
Today’s Golf R is available in hatch and station wagon. 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 Volkswagen Golf line-up.
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2018 Volkswagen Golf R performance pack. Photo / Volkswagen R
“The passion of motorsports developed further, and made fit for road use, is what Volkswagen R stands for," said Volkswagen R executive Sven Schuler.
"Our vehicles are true Volkswagens with that certain extra something which the Volkswagen series production vehicles do not offer. They inspire people with a taste for the extraordinary.”
Fittingly, the owner of the 200,000th R model, Keith Williamson, fitted his Golf R with the Performance Pack and Akrapovič exhaust system. Williamson is also long-time 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 200,000thVolkswagen R makes it particularly special,“ said Williamson.
“I’ve always loved the Volkswagen Golf, the Performance range has always been about versatile and fun cars.”
”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!”
