New Volkswagen Golf R to get Audi’s 5-cylinder petrol engine

Volkswagen has begun developing its most powerful Golf yet, reports our sister publication Autocar UK. Set to make its debut in 2027 – to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Golf R – the new range-topper will be powered by Audi’s 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbo-petrol engine found in the RS3.

1. 2027 VW Golf R to serve as a send-off for the petrol-powered hatch
2. 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine makes 400hp and 480Nm in the Audi RS3
3. Suspension tweaks, bigger brakes and design changes are also expected

2027 Volkswagen Golf R engine and performance details

Audi and VW will upgrade the 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine to meet Euro 7 norms

The upcoming Golf R will serve as the final send-off for the petrol-powered hatchback before an electrified powertrain replaces it. The development of the 5-cylinder Golf R indicates Audi’s commitment to keeping the ‘EA855’ engine, following suggestions that new emission regulations (coming in November 2026) would lead to its discontinuation.

To keep the engine running beyond the Euro 7 deadline, Audi will update its hardware. Likely changes include a new particulate filter, more sensitive NOx sensors, recalibrated injection mapping and higher cell-density catalysts.

New Golf R expected to outperform the current Golf R 333

The 2025 RS3 sedan is the fastest compact-class car around the Nurburgring.

Thanks to the 5-pot engine, the new Golf R is expected to out-power the current Golf R 333 by a significant margin. While VW’s ubiquitous ‘EA888’ 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol in the current hot hatch makes 333hp and 400Nm, the 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine produces 400hp and 480Nm in the Audi RS3. With the boost in output, the upcoming performance-spec Golf’s 0-100kph time will also reduce from the current model’s claimed 4.6 seconds; for reference, the RS3 performs the same in a claimed 3.8 seconds.

The 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox is also expected to be upgraded to handle the extra power, and the RS3’s Torque Splitter – a mechanical torque-vectoring rear differential – is also expected to feature. The Torque Splitter is said to be instrumental in helping the RS3 set a Nurburgring time of 7min 40.748sec in 2021.

2027 Volkswagen Golf R mechanical upgrades

Due to the heavier engine, suspension mods and bigger brakes will be required

The new Golf R could use the front axle layout with bespoke pivot bearings seen on the Audi RS3. While the current R 333 already uses a tweaked suspension setup compared to the standard Golf, more modifications would be required to handle the extra power and the added weight (kerb weight is expected to increase by about 25kg to around 1,570kg), from increasing torsional rigidity to enabling sharper initial turn-in.

Among the other upgrades expected are forged aluminium Warmenau wheels shod in semi-slick Bridgestone Potenza Race tyres, along with larger carbon ceramic brakes, replacing the current model’s 357mm steel discs.

2027 Volkswagen Golf R exterior and interior changes

Spy shots show new air intakes in the bonnet and front bumper, and a roof-mounted spoiler

The 5-cylinder Golf R is expected to feature styling changes as well. Spy shots have shown there are new intakes in the bonnet, larger intakes on the front bumper, a more aggressive roof-mounted spoiler, and a new diffuser. The quad exhaust pipes are expected to feature titanium tips and active flaps. On the inside, weight-saving measures – lightweight bucket seat options – are likely to be featured, similar to the Golf GTI Edition 50.