If you missed the opportunity to acquire the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R “20 Years” last year, well fret not because there’s the 2023 Volkswagen Golf R 333 Limited Edition which is kind of like the “20 Years” but with a little different aesthetics and produced in limited numbers of 333 units.
Under the hood, it has the same 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that has been massaged to produce 245 kW (329 HP) and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) of torque which allows it to make the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph).
One shall not take the engine by its numbers. Yes, it is no doubt powerful for its class but the real magic, IMHO, is how it is optimized to achieve extremely spontaneous responses:
“The turbocharger is preloaded to keep it at a constant speed during partial-load driving. This then allows faster power development for subsequent acceleration. The open throttle valve in overrun phases also improves dynamics and performance on the road. When the driver takes their foot off the accelerator and then accelerates again, this allows faster build-up of the engine torque and noticeably improves the engine’s responsiveness.”
So yeah. It really is the “20 Years” but with a different look, lent to it by the factory Lime Yellow Metallic with black accents. To make sure its status as an R 333 model is conveyed, the 333 logos can be found adorning the sides.
Even the wheels are the same 19-inch Estoril wheels wrapped in semi-slick tires but instead of blue, they are now in black. The R Performance calipers in blue also come as standard as is the R Performance exhaust system from Akrapovič with titanium rear silencers.
Speaking of which, unlike other R models, the Golf R 333’s specification is predefined by VW that promises to “leave no customer wishes regarding performance unfulfilled – thanks to its extensive equipment.” That’s a bold statement. But as you have read so far, the 333 indeed appears to have it all.
Oh, it also has the R-Performance Torque Vectoring with Vehicle Dynamics Manager which distributes the drive power between the front and rear axles, as well as between the two rear wheels, and it offers Drift and Special driving profiles, designed for the Nürburgring racetrack.
The new Volkswagen Golf R 333 Limited Edition’s state-of-the-art driver assist systems are contained in the IQ.DRIVE package. These include Travel Assist, the Lane Assist lane keeping system, Emergency Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with stop & go function. Also on safety but on the inside are a center airbag (front) and a rearview camera system.
Other highlights include IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights (including Light and Vision package), premium sport seats in Nappa leather, and a 480W Harman Kardon 8+1 speaker system.
The 2023 Volkswagen Golf R 333 Limited Edition is the first Volkswagen R model with a strict limitation of 333 units with a sequentially numbered badge in the interior. So, if exclusivity is your thing, this is your ride.
The special edition model can be ordered at German dealerships starting on June 02 with a starting price of 76,410 euros (which works out to be around US$81,569 at the time of this post).
Images: Volkswagen.
