The 2011 Volkswagen Golf R is powered by the same 2.0 TSI (1,984 cm3) turbo four-cylinder direct injection engine that outputs 199 kW / 270 PS and 350 Nm of torque at 2,500 rpm. The new engine of the 2011 Volkswagen Golf R is more powerful than the unit used on the R32 and at the same time offers a 21% improvement in fuel efficiency. In performance numbers, the 2011 Volkswagen Golf R can reach 100 km/h from a standing start in 5.7 seconds with the manual gearbox and in 5.5 seconds with the DSG one. The maximum speed of the Volkswagen Golf R is limited to 250 km/h.

The 2011 Volkswagen Golf R is customised by features such as the new “Talladega” style wheels, black brake callipers with R-logo and new bumper design. In front, three very large air intakes shape the front bumper section of the Golf R; louvres on the intakes are painted in high-gloss black, and standard LED strips that serve as daytime running lights are integrated in the two outer air intakes. The exterior styling of the 2011 Volkswagen Golf R is also considerably different in comparison to the regular Golf.

The Golf R – together with the Golf GTI and Golf GTD – is setting standards among the international competition. The centre panels of the sport seats are upholstered in the honeycomb textured grey-black “Kyalami” design – named after the race course of the same name in South Africa; the front edge of the seat is upholstered in Titan Black fabric.