MacPherson front axle, four-link rear axle, progressive steering, 18-inch brakes. The basic layout of the sports running gear, which is lowered by 20 mm compared with the standard version, consists of a MacPherson front axle, a four-link rear axle and a high-stability 18-inch brake system. Progressive steering is installed as standard. It operates with a progressive gear ratio and significantly reduces the effort required to steer when manoeuvring and parking. On winding country roads and when turning off, drivers will notice a greater dynamic response thanks to the more direct setup. It also means drivers do not have to change their hand position as frequently. For the first time, the previously optional DCC adaptive chassis control system is now on board as standard in Germany.
Intelligent Vehicle Dynamics Manager. In the Golf R and Golf R Variant, a highly innovative Vehicle Dynamics Manager not only closely integrates the electronic differential locks (XDS) and lateral dynamics components of the controlled shock absorbers in the adaptive chassis control system (DCC), but also – for the first time – the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system with R Performance Torque Vectoring. Electromechanically adjustable running gear systems once again significantly enhance the balance between maximum dynamics and the highest levels of comfort. The Vehicle Dynamics Manager coordinates the electromechanical functions of the all-wheel drive system, electronic differential lock and lateral dynamics components of the DCC shock absorbers during every driving manoeuvre. Adjustment of the wheel-specific damping ensures particularly agile and precise handling. The Vehicle Dynamics Manager also enables calculation of perfect clutch control for the selective wheel torque control function to further optimise agility and stability. In parallel to this, targeted braking intervention on the vehicle side on the inside of a bend further reduces understeer in the transition and limit ranges. Traction is improved by an increased locking torque in the selective wheel torque control, and vehicle handling is slightly more biased towards the rear instead of an understeering tendency.
DCC adaptive chassis control. The DCC adaptive chassis control – which in Germany is now fitted as standard in the Golf R and Golf R Variant – continuously reacts to the road surface and driving situation while taking into account various elements including steering, braking and acceleration. The lateral dynamic components of the DCC running gear are coordinated and further optimised by the Vehicle Dynamics Manager. Using the set driving profile, the driver can influence the reduction in body motion as desired. The required damping is calculated for each wheel and adjusted at the four shock absorbers within fractions of a second. Consequently, DCC always provides the highest level of driving comfort and optimum driving dynamics.
Individual ESC control. The driver can deactivate ESC by means of the vehicle menu. When starting the Golf R and Golf R Variant, the ESC is always active as a full system. After this, the ESC can be adapted in two stages: in ESC Sport mode, the ESC thresholds and TCS slip thresholds are increased to reduce the intensity of interventions. In ESC Off mode, experienced drivers can additionally deactivate ESC altogether for all driving situations. However, Front Assist and the swerve support function reactivate the full ESC system in an emergency.