VW has finally revealed a big photo gallery with the US-spec 2015 Golf R, which seems to be very appealing to American customers, who reserved the first 500 Launch Edition units in just 12 hours earlier this month.



Compared to the European-spec model, the Golf R gets a slightly detuned engine for the US market, as the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine puts out 292hp (296PS) and 280lb-ft (380Nm) of torque, compared to 296hp (300PS) and the same peak torque in Europe.

For now, the 2015 VW Golf R is only offered with a six-speed DSG transmission that sends power to all four wheels via a 4Motion all-whell drive system. In this configuration, the Golf R needs 4.9 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph (0-62 mph in 5.1 seconds) and its top speed is limited to 155 mph (250 km/h). The European model is slightly quicker from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h), covering it in 4.9 seconds.

EPA estimated highway fuel economy for the 2015 Golf R is 30 mpg (7.8 l/100 km) with the six-speed DSG transmission, up from 27 mpg (8.7 l/100 km) for the previous, manual-transmission model.

From summer 2015 when VW is expected to introduce the 2016 Golf R, the automaker will also offer a six-speed manual transmission, which will reportedly drop the Golf R’s price by $1,100 from the current automatic version’s MSRP of $37,415.

Unlike the EU-spec model which is also available as a three-door hatch, the Golf R is only offered with a five-door body in the United States.

PHOTO GALLERY