VW`s R400 guns for A45 AMG

@ROBERT_MABUSELA

Like a kindergarten bully unleashed on the playground, the A45 AMG boasted enough energy to outrun its hot hatch rivals and pose questions to teachers(Motoring Journo`s) as to, what has the mother of this bully packaged in the lunch box(engine).

What seemed to be a German battle between the 265kW A45 AMG, 235kW BMW 135i and the 221kW Audi S3 has seen a new contender which will seemingly top the motoring hot hatch, German Bundesliga. The 221kW produced by the G7 R has been amplified to 295kW and the R400 name has been added, which according to VolksWagen comes from its power output figures.  Just five short of 400hp, 395 hp is equivalent to 400 metric horsepower and the Golf R395 would just sound like the perfect price but in SA we could consider the R300 (300kW).

Various manufacturers have shown that the capability of a 2.0 litter engine can been stretched to their limits and the impressive figures we have recently seen from Mercedes Benze`s A45 AMG are certainly not the last.

Developers at Volkswagen’s engineering and customisation R division, have developed a mean concept in Golf`s seventh generation R400, using the same turbocharger as the Golf 7R. Same turbo, different figures as the R400 achieves a 0-100kmh sprint in 3.9 seconds and packs 73kW and 70Nm more than the 7R.

The electronically limited 280km/h top speed 2.0litre engine could be matted with a six-speed manual or DSG box. VW`s latest Haldex multi-plate clutch 4Motion four-wheel drive system has also been taken from the new Golf R. Drive sent to the front and rear axles is constantly changed by the electro-mechanical 4Motion four-wheel drive system, the system may also send up to 100 per cent drive to either axle depending on the levels of traction. The operation is a combination of Volkswagen’s EDS and XDS+ electronic differential locks which form part of the R400’s multi-function ESP system. A sport function will allow a less forceful intervention of the electronics. 

Although much has not been said about the latest buttons one may push inside the cabin, the interior looks fitting with the quality sports interior VW offers. On the exterior side of things, the R400 comes with a bulky looking body kit. Featuring three wings, one at the lower ends of the front and rear bumper and a carbon fibre rear diffuser. Noticeably, the R400 sits on a lowered suspension, looks wider and looking at the 19 inch wheels one does feel confident enough that it stands on enough wheels to put all that power down on the road. 

Less hype revolves around the A45 AMG, with google searches speculating that it will soon have to move over to the left lane as the R400 occupies the Right lane.