The Volkswagen Golf doesn’t really need an introduction. It’s one of the hottest hatchbacks on the market, and it’s well-known across all of the major markets on the planet. Unlike the Tiguan, the Golf manages to sell well, so it doesn’t really need any special attention, but VW decided to give it some anyway. That’s why you’re looking at this crazy-looking Golf R with a custom wrap, aftermarket wheels, performance exhaust, and new side skirts among other things. Based on the new Golf R, it’s the best-equipped car showcased at this year’s SOWO event in Georgia.

2018 Volkswagen Golf R Abstract Concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2018 Volkswagen Golf R Abstract Concept
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

What Makes the Volkswagen Golf R Abstract Concept Special?

- Based on the 2018 Volkswagen Golf R - 20-inch wheels and lowering springs - New side skirts - Performance exhaust - New exhaust outlets - New steering wheel - Custom body wrap

It’s not the most elaborate or outlandish Volkswagen Golf that we’ve ever seen, but it’s not that bad either. The outside of the Golf R Abstract Concept is defined by that unique body wrap that stands out by way of unique color and design. The wrap is about 25-percent black, 25-percent white, 25-percent grey, and 25-percent fluorescent green. The artwork is patchy in nature with there being no real rhyme, reason, or logic to the pattern. That said, it’s a pretty damn cool pattern and definitely something to look at. Every time I look at it I see a little detail that I didn’t see before. It’s the right mix of dark and light for a car, which is probably enhanced by the dark wheels, dark mirrors, dark window trim, and dark fascia trim.

Outside of the crazy body wrap, the exterior is dominated by those 20-inch FR design wheels. They are finished in Mystic Black and come directly from ABT Sportsline. Ironically, the camo art that covers the car from top to bottom is inspired by the street art found in the Wynwood Art District of Miami, Florida where ABT Sportsline is headquartered – there’s definitely no connection there. Back to the point, ABT threw on a new pair of side skirts to match the wheels and offset the H&R Springs sport spring system. It’s not as intense as the system found on the Tiguan R-Line Aero Concept, but it does lower the Golf an inch closer to the ground for a sportier stance.

Finally, there’s a new stainless steel performance quad-exhaust system that features four-inch exhaust tips that are finished in matte black chrome. There’s no word on whether or not it ups the power output or lowers performance times but it is said to give it a more commanding and dynamic sounds, so there’s that at least. As far as the interior goes, there’s not much to write home about, but there is a new BAK Performance MK 7 carbon fiber steering wheel with the traditional Golf R blue stitching.

Outside of the potential for a few extra horsepower from the performance exhaust system, there’s no word of any other enhancements to the Golf R Abstract Concept. That means it has the same turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-banger with 292 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It’s not the fastest car on the road, and the Civic Type R has more, but it does have all-wheel drive, a six-speed manual transmission, and a Haldex center differential to tie it all together. Of course, over in Europe, the Golf R has 310 horsepower, enough to top the Civic Type R (and the Seat Lean Cupra R for that matter.) Either way, it can hit 62.1 mph in 4.9 seconds on the way to a top speed of 155 mph.

References

Read our full review on the 2018 Volkswagen Golf.

Read more Volkswagen news.