Volkswagen built the Golf VR6 Turbo but didn’t tell anyone anything

Even before the launch of the sixth generation Volkswagen Golf, some of the brand’s engineers were working with Rothe Motorsport GmbH on a secret project.

The basic idea was to explore the potential of the 3.2 VR6 engine, already used in the fourth and fifth generation Volkswagen Golf R32, perhaps with the aim of taking the Golf’s performance to a new level.

Today we know that wasn’t exactly what happened, as the 3.2 VR6 was replaced by a 2.0 TFSI – the Golf VI has never had engines with more than four cylinders. However, that doesn’t mean the brand didn’t try.

Using one of the first-generation Golfs, with a shared three-door body, Volkswagen has once again used the 3.2-litre VR6 engine – combined with a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox and all-wheel drive – but with some… improvements.

Among them are new pistons, new camshafts, a specific air intake made of fiberglass, a Garret turbocharger (GT35 with a maximum pressure of 3.0 bar) as well as new pistons. The cooler.

All this results in a maximum power of about 450 hp.Which forced to change the speedometer to a scale of up to 300 km/h, as its maximum speed was at those values ​​(!).

Experiences beyond the engine

The result achieved with the changes made to the VR6 was so positive, at least from our point of view, that the Volkswagen engineers did not stop there. To compensate for the (much) improved performance compared to the Golf that served as the basis for this project, it also received other “bonuses”.

Among those that are not easily visible, the most notable is the new stainless steel exhaust system, or a set of Coilovers From Bilstein. Easier to spot is the enhanced braking system, with discs “borrowed” from the Audi RS 6, and the 19-inch wheels, inherited from… the Lamborghini Gallardo.

Had it been released, this Golf VR6 Turbo would have been the absolute benchmark, at least in terms of numbers, among Hot hatch Or even springs huge holeThe “cousin” Audi RS 3 at the time, for example, did not exceed 340 hp, and the Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG reached 360 hp.

Jumping into the cabin of the Volkswagen Golf VI VR6 Turbo, there have also been a number of improvements, but the sporty character seems to have been left behind. The focus is more on luxury.

In addition to the brown leather seats and door panels, the dashboard and an area of ​​the center console are also completely covered in leather, but in black. However, with brown stitching, to match the rest of the range.