Volkswagen is unveiling the second new R model in its current lineup at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The Golf R shares its basic underpinnings with the recently-unveiled Scirocco R. It also adds VW’s 4Motion AWD to its architecture. Replacing the heavy naturally aspirated 3.2-litre V6 found in the Golf V R32 is a 2.0-litre petrol turbo engine. Power is 195kW (265hp) and torque is around the 350Nm mark. The 0 – 100km/h time should be covered in about 6.5 seconds for the 6-speed manual and 6.4 seconds for the DSG model. These figures compare very well with the Audi S3 and the TT S with which the Golf R shares its engine. If you thought it would be a basic upgrade on the GTI you’d be wrong. The car features a host of changes including new front grille with LED daytime running lights, a different set of wheels, R side sills, R badging at the rear and those twin tailpipes almost come together in the middle. The interior is much sportier as well with two-tone sports seats, aluminum pedals and R badging in places like the flat-bottomed steering wheel. The good news for US fans is that the Golf R is headed for North America according to reports, although nothing has been confirmed for its 3-door Scirocco relative.

Hi Res pics can be found here:  http://www.worldcarfans.com/109091421719/vw-golf-r-uncovered-ahead-of-frankfurt-debut/highphotos

Volkswagen has officially unveiled the highly anticipated 2010 Scirocco R.

Under the hood, the new Scirocco uses a modified version of the previous Golf GTI’s 2.0-liter engine which produces 265 hp and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. Power flows to the front wheels through either the standard six-speed manual transmission or the optional dual-clutch DSG gearbox. Thanks to this unique setup, the Scirocco R runs from 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds (6.4 seconds with DSG) before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155mph).

Of course true performance is more than just horsepower, so Volkswagen went to work equipping the R with a variety of upgrades. Among the items engineers included are a lowered sports suspension with more aggressive dampers and springs, an electronic XDS differential and massive 345mm (13.6-inch) front and 310mm (12.2-inch) rear brakes.

As with many hot hatches, VW decided to spruce up the already sexy Scirocco exterior by adding an aggressive front bumper with massive air intakes, LED daytime running lights, new side skirts, a slightly altered grille, and beautiful 18-inch wheels (19-inchers are optional). The sporty styling continues out back as the Scirocco R receives a redesigned rear bumper, a roof spoiler, and darkened tail lights.

The interior also gets a modest makeover thanks to the addition of sporty bucket seats, a redesigned instrument cluster, a flat bottomed steering wheel, and plenty of aluminum trim.

Look for the new Scirocco R to start arriving at European VW dealers this fall.