The Volkswagen Golf R’s days are numbered, but Wolfsburg is planning a big send-off. How big? Well, big enough to borrow Audi RS3’s 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine. According to Autocar, the Golf R is set to receive the iconic five-pot engine for its 25th anniversary sometime in 2027, before the hot hatch goes down the path of electrification.
But how will they pull it off with tightening emissions regulations? While some have suggested that the Euro 7 emissions regulations will spell the end for the EA855 2.5-litre five-cylinder, the report suggests that Audi will be muscling on by introducing more updates for the unit’s hardware — keeping it alive throughout 2026 and beyond.
These updates could include a new particulate filter, more sensitive nitrogen oxide sensors, recalibrated injection mapping, and higher cell-density catalysts.
Aside from just powertrain modifications, the report also suggests that the rumoured Golf R could also feature upgraded top mounts, reinforced knuckles, additional chassis bracing to increase torsional rigidity, and readjusted camber, to in part counter the heavier engine.
The RS3 also uses a stiffer front axle layout with bespoke pivot bearings to sharpen initial turn-in — more tweaks that could find their way to the Golf R.
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Currently, the MK8.5 Volkswagen Golf R makes 333 hp and 420 Nm from its EA888 turbocharged four-cylinder engine, enabling a 0-100 km/h time of 4.6 seconds. The Audi RS3, on the other hand, produces 400 hp and 500 Nm and sprints from 0-100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds.
If the rumours turn out to be true, the five-cylinder-equipped Golf R will likely be the fastest and most powerful Volkswagen Golf ever – by a long stretch. The report added that the engine may also see even more output in the Golf R, as former managing director of Audi Sport, Sebastian Grams, said in 2023, “There’s still a way to go” with the five-cylinder engine.
On the Nürburgring, the Golf GTI Edition 50 currently holds the quickest lap for a Golf with a time of 7:46.13. The Golf R 20 Years trails slightly at 7:47.31. For reference, the Audi RS3 clocked a 7:40.748 back in 2021 — a benchmark the upcoming five-cylinder Golf R will most likely be targeting.
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Autocar also reported that the five-cylinder Golf R will feature an updated look. Spy photos reveal new intakes on the bonnet, and larger ones adorn the front end for improved airflow. At the back, it sports a new spoiler, rear diffuser, and new titanium exhaust.
As we wait for this fire-breathing Golf R in 2027, reports suggest it will likely be the last pure internal-combustion Golf. Around the same time, Volkswagen is expected to unveil its first fully hybrid Golf, sharing the same powertrain as the next-generation T-Roc. A new fully electric model is also on the horizon, slated to arrive toward the end of the decade.
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