Avatar photo

By Charl Bosch

Motoring Journalist


Powered-up Golf R coming as Volkswagen starts teasing R 333

Output is set to be similar to the limited edition R 20 Years Editions, namely 333 PS or 245kW/420Nm.


In a newly released teaser video, Volkswagen has, once again, confirmed rumours dating almost five years ago about there being a more powerful version of the Golf 8 R.

Watch Golf R 333 teaser below

Rumours become real

Back in 2018, Britain’s Auto Express alleged that the then still being developed R would produce as much as 400 pferdestärke (PS) or 294 kW as a result of the 2.0 TSI engine being combined with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.

ALSO READ: Dynamic new VW Golf R is not taking any prisoners

Two years later, a series of supposed product slides leaked weeks before the debut of the Golf 8 GTI at the Geneva Motor Show, alleging that the R, as claimed by the UK’s Car Magazine at the time, would be offered in two states of tune; an entry-level model developing 245 kW and a more potent derivative delivering 257 kW.

What to expect

While the eventual production Golf 8 R went on to be revealed with outputs of 235kW/400Nm, Volkswagen seemingly kept the mentioned slides close to its hearts This as the mentioned teaser names the incoming R as the Golf R 333 Limited Edition. These numbers reference the power output of 333 PS that amounts to 245 kW.

Volkswagen starts teasing Golf R 333 Limited Edition
Special R 333 logos found at the base of the rear doors. Image: Volkswagen R YouTube

Likely to be achieved without any electrical assistance ruled-out in 2019, a year before the R’s eventual debut, the 333 Limited Edition is also set to benefit from more torque, 420 Nm,. However, it will retain the combination of the seven-speed DSG and 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.

As the teaser video confirms, it will have special touches such as gloss black mirror caps, blue R branded brake calipers, black 333 decals at the base of the rear doors, blue R logos, the Matrix I.Q. LED headlights, black 19-inch alloy wheels and the quad outlet Akrapovic titanium exhaust system.

While no images or details of the interior were revealed, it is likely that the Golf R 333 will feature a series of bespoke items related to colours, materials and unique badging.

Volkswagen starts teasing Golf R 333 Limited Edition
Akrapovic titanium exhaust system will be standard fare. Image: Volkswagen R YouTube

Replacement for R 20 Years Edition

Besides the additional power and torque, which incidentally is identical to that of the R 20 Years Edition unveiled last year, the R 333 is anticipated to feature a subtly revised chassis, although at present, this remains purely speculative and unconfirmed.

In terms of performance, the Golf R 333 will more than likely mirror the 20 Years Edition’s top speed of 250 km/h and 0-100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds.

More details expected

Confirmed for unveiling on the 31st of this month, expect more teasers of the R 333 Limited Edition to possibly become apparent over the coming weeks.

NOW READ: Priced: Volkswagen Golf 8 R cheaper than expected but still pricey

Read more on these topics

Motoring News Volkswagen Golf Volkswagen(VW)

For more news your way

Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.