Volkswagen Golf R 400 Concept debuts at Beijing Motor Show
Volkswagen unveiled the Golf R 400 Concept at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show, showcasing a 400hp evolution of its flagship hot hatch with supercar-chasing acceleration.
Volkswagen chose the 2014 Beijing Motor Show to reveal the Golf R 400 Concept, a one-off evolution of its Mk7 Golf R that pushes performance well beyond the production model. The concept’s 2.0-litre turbocharged engine delivers 400hp and 450Nm, making it one of the most powerful Golfs ever shown by the company.
The Golf R 400 Concept builds on the standard Golf R platform, but its engine has been heavily reworked, including a modified turbocharger. The result is an increase of 100hp and 70Nm over the production Golf R, which itself is no slouch. Power is sent to all four wheels through Volkswagen’s 4MOTION system, and the company claims a 0-100km/h time of just 3.9 seconds. That puts the concept deep into supercar territory for acceleration, while top speed is electronically limited to 280km/h.
Performance and engineering changes
The 2.0-litre TSI engine in the R 400 Concept is based on the EA888 unit used in the Golf R, but the additional power comes from a larger turbo and revised engine management. Torque climbs to 450Nm, available between 2,400 and 6,000rpm. The only available transmission is a six-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox, which helps deliver the rapid acceleration figures.
Volkswagen quotes a kerb weight of 1,420kg for the concept, only slightly heavier than the standard Golf R despite the uprated powertrain and additional bodywork. The car rides on 19-inch alloy wheels with 235/35 tyres, and the brakes and suspension have been uprated to match the performance increase.
Exterior and interior details
Visually, the Golf R 400 Concept is more aggressive than the standard car. The bodywork is wider, with flared arches and a bespoke front bumper. Yellow accents and carbon-fibre detailing set it apart from the production model, while the larger wheels fill out the arches.
Inside, the concept features motorsport-inspired shell seats trimmed in Alcantara and carbon leather, with integrated head restraints and yellow contrast stitching. The rest of the cabin includes carbon-fibre trim and further yellow highlights, underlining the car’s performance focus.
Concept only: no production plans
Volkswagen presented the Golf R 400 as a one-off concept with no official plans for production. The company used the Beijing show to gauge reaction to the idea of a more extreme Golf R, but at launch made clear that the car was not intended for showrooms.
