Contrary to popular belief, Volkswagen
does have high-performance sports cars, and they deserve some respect. We may know the brand to be fun and frugal, but luxury is still on the table. Jerry
, the car ownership super app
, checks out the fastest Volkswagens to ever hit the market.The fastest Volkswagens that warm our hearts
While the Beetle GSR may be a sleeper performance car, it’s not to be underestimated. Many would argue that the GSR paved the way for the infamous GTI. With a VW Bug as its base (just like the Beetle RSI), the GSR offers a turbo four-cylinder engine with 210 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. The Beetle can reach 60 mph in 6.6 seconds and garners a top speed of 130 mph.
The Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR Mk7 was only manufactured between 2019 and 2020. Let’s just say this special edition is a little more hardcore than your typical GTI. TCR gets its name from FIA’s Touring Car Racing Golfs and produces 290 hp. According to HotCars
, “The TCR gains 18-inch forged alloy wheels and large composite brakes with 17-inch calipers. Only 400 of the Golf GTI Clubsport S were built. The 306 hp hot hatch only sends power to its front wheels and features expertly dialed-in suspension. Drivers also enjoy exceptional handling and stability control.
The Golf GTI Kh8 Clubsport 45 celebrates 45 years of the Golf GTI and is the sixth generation of Golf to have an anniversary edition. With a top speed of 166 mph, the GTI can sprint to 62 mph in 5.6 seconds.
The special edition comes equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a Akrapovic titanium exhaust system. If you’re lucky enough to ride inside, you can fiddle around with the customizable Digital Cockpit Pro on a high-res 10.25-inch screen.
Volkswagen R favorites
The 2021 Touareg R is arguably the most powerful Volkswagen ever produced. Out of the “R” models, the Touareg was the first to adopt an electrified powertrain. The auto offers a 3.0-liter V6 engine mated to a battery, with a whopping 462 hp.
With a 14.4 kWh battery, the electric-only range is 28 miles. The Touareg R can go as fast as 155 mph and takes 5.1 seconds to jump to 62 mph.
The 2021 Tiguan R SUV may be smaller than the Touareg R, but it sure is fast. The vehicle features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with 320 hp. In 4.9 seconds it can reach 62 mph, and carries a top speed of 155 mph.
“Up to 100% of the car’s torque can be sent to just one rear wheel, this aids cornering and helps reduce understeer,” HotCars tells us. The vehicle also sports a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox.
The 2021 Arteon R is a passenger car that screams luxury, The R variant features 320 hp with a turbocharged 2.0-liter petrol engine. And the auto can reach 63 mph in 4.9 seconds, thanks to its 4MOTION four-wheel-drive.
According to HotCars, “As standard, the Arteon comes equipped with an ‘XDS’ electronic differential lock and a dynamic chassis control active damping system.” These systems help make the Arteon a sportier drive and reduce understeer.
Countdown to the fastest Volkswagen
The 2021 Touareg V8 TDI provides versatility, with a V8 turbo diesel engine that cranks out 421 hp. It can even move 3.5 tons! With a top speed of 155 mph, it takes 4.9 seconds to reach 62 mph. Whether on the asphalt or off the beaten path, the Touareg V8 TDI’s all-wheel-drive can handle it all.
The 2021 T-Roc R is a compact SUV with a top speed of 155 mph. The T-Roc R is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine mated to a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox. And it only needs 4.8 seconds to hit 62 mph.
If you’re looking for more thrills, you can opt for a titanium Akrapovic exhaust system, or utilize “Race Mode” to leave the competition in the dust. In fact, The “R” button located on the steering wheel allows drivers to experiment with various driving modes to fit their needs.
The Golf R Mk8 can reach 62 mph in 4.7 seconds. With a top speed of 155 mph, the 320-hp car outperforms its predecessors. According to HotCars, “Improving the dynamic ability over the Mk7, the R utilizes a new torque vectoring system.” If you opt for the Performance Package, the vehicle’s top speed can increase to 168 mph. Downward force is also increased with the R’s larger rear spoiler.
Ending our list of fastest Volkswagens is the Mk7 Golf R. It was produced between 2014 and 2020 and featured a DSG dual-clutch transmission. The car sports a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 300 hp and a top speed of 155 mph. To accelerate to 62 mph, give the Mk7 Golf R about 4.6 seconds.
Sitting 5 mm lower than the Mk7 GTI, the car has stiffer springs and can perform under various conditions. And its 4MOTION all-wheel-drive ensures the car gets maximum action and maximum traction.
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