The German automotive giant Volkswagen AG will be making its Golf R “hot hatch” ten horsepower weaker than it currently is. The company will notify all of its clients who pre-ordered the car about the negative change.
According to VW, this step has become necessary due to new WLTP regulations providing for more precise emission measurement and control.
The company offers no comment on what exactly will lead to the engine power reduction, but a more complex exhaust system design sounds the most plausible. Once implemented, all VW vehicles will fully comply with the latest WLTP requirements.
The Volkswagen Golf R comes equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine now reduced to 300 hp / 225 kW. Initially, it could accelerate 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, but the performance drop would add 0.1s or so, the manufacturer states.
Seat is an example of another manufacturer who has similar plans in mind. Its Leon hatchback series will soon be limited to 290 hp / 216 kW. BMW, Peugeot, Porsche and Audi have also voiced similar intentions.
Photo: motor1.com