Can’t Wait for the VW Golf R400? Meet Its 510HP Tuned Cousin

BOLD RIDE

Copyright © 2015 Bold Ride LLC.

 

Posted by Zach Doell

 

 

Whether it’s a longing for the Group B rally glory days or a desire to whomp supercars in an evolved economy car – there’s something truly special about a high-horsepower hatchback. For US fans, the nuttiest of that bunch is Volkswagen’s rumored and sort-of-confirmed Golf R400. 

 

But for global fans not willing to wait for the 395-horsepower behemoth, there is another. It’s called the Volkswagen Golf 500R – a product of German tuning house Oettinger. With 510 horsepower on tap it’s quickly becoming the aftermarket highlight of this year’s Worthersee GTI celebration. Oh yeah, it’ll also run you around $170,000. Yes, you read that right.

That’s a price tag that puts some contemporary supercars to shame, then again there’s certainly something ‘super’ about this tightened and tuned Golf R. Gone is the R’s standard 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, replaced with a highly modified 2.5-liter five-cylinder unit bearing forged pistons, a revamped intake, an uprated turbocharger, and engine control updates. After all the maths have been tallied, you’re looking at 501 lb-ft of torque and the aforementioned 510 hp figure.

 

This wall of power shotguns to all four wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. If fully provoked, the 500R will jump from zero to 60 mph in a slight 3.4 seconds. Top speed? Oettinger says over 186 mph. When it comes to slowing down, the Golf 500R’s six-piston brakes, ATS racing wheels, Dunlop tires, and carbon fiber louvers and aerodynamic elements will make their presence known.

Admittedly for $170,000 you’d expect quite the interior, and Oettinger says it has provided one – topped off in black Alcantara with orange accents – though buyers are likely most interested in what goes on underneath the hood.

There is some good and bad news, however. First the good – Oettinger plans three even crazier 600hp, 650hp, and 750hp versions. And the bad – these Golf Rs from Mars probably won’t be headed to the US anytime soon. But never say never.

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