24. September 2022
If 150 km/h almost feels like idling – then you are probably doing a cool-down lap on the back straight of the 4.25-kilometer Salzburgring. Before that, the VW Golf R roared loudly around the circuit built in 1969.
The compact showed an almost stoic composure towards the physical forces in dream weather. The 320-hp Wolfsburg car showed phenomenal behavior, especially in the curves – such as the notorious 180-degree Nocksteinkehre. Driving as if on rails is almost to the point with the all-wheel drive Golf R.
This is made possible by a development on the rear axle of the vehicle, which the 210-strong R team calls torque vectoring. This system allows optional power distribution to the rear wheels with millisecond precision, controllable from zero to one hundred percent and different depending on the driving mode and driving situation. As explained at the VW Track Days, this makes possible more driving fun and more driving safety, depending on the situation and the selected driving mode.
But VW not only has the emotional R vehicles – seven models in total – in its portfolio, but also electric cars. And that’s why the Track Days also included a direct comparison in the drag race between the T-Roc R and ID.5 GTX. Both models with almost identical engine power: 300 versus 299 hp. The ID.5 is ahead in terms of newton meters – 472 compared to 400, and the T-Roc takes victory in the hundred sprint – 4.9 compared to 6.3 seconds.
And indeed, especially with the launch control, the roaring four-cylinder reveals an incredibly powerful acceleration and dashes forward with impeccable traction. The ID.5, on the other hand, is silent, with its electric motors – one on the front and one on the rear axle – providing full torque right from the start. As a result, the first few meters belong to the two-ton electric car, then the petrol engine catches up.
In the end, the T-Roc prevailed on the 275 meter long straight. Ultimately, he wins thanks to the higher top speed, the lower weight and the bombastic brakes. Ultimately, VW proves that with the GTX and R models, the Wolfsburg portfolio includes vehicles that guarantee driving pleasure and safety at the same time. Of course, the price of the models should not be underestimated. The Golf R costs from 61,060 euros, the ID.5 GTX from 61,250 euros.