Volkswagen to sell the Golf R in the US

The move signals Volkswagen's plans to grow its worldwide sales, and especially in the United States, as the German carmaker aims to be the world's largest automaker by sales volume by 2018 with over 10 million units sold annually. Volkswagen targets 800,000 sales in the US by 2018, three times its current volume.

"In the U.S., Volkswagen has earned considerable emotional equity over the years. Volkswagen enthusiasts are passionate about our cars," said Jonathan Browning, CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, before adding, "We have products that appeal to the enthusiast and cars that are accessible to the majority. I'm pleased to say, there is more of this strategy to come."

The Golf R is powered by a 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which produces 270bhp and 350Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive with a Haldex differential, and this enables the Golf R to sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds with a manual gearbox, and 5.5 seconds with the optional DSG dual-clutch transmission. Top speed is capped at 250km/h, and the Golf R is available in three and five door forms to further broaden its appeal.