As far as modded cars at SEMA go, the Volkswagen Golf RLMS tuned up by APR seems to be one of the most amazing to appear in Las Vegas. The American tuner of everything Audi and Volkswagen took a year and a half to work on the Golf RLMS which evolved from the hot hatch into something you wouldn’t be afraid to put up against the Nissan GT-R R35. I am not joking. Based on the Golf R, this track-worthy Golf RLMS by APR takes a unique approach to hatchback tuning. An approach I am inclined to call - “let’s make the best freaking hot-hatch.”

They’ve done it - and with so well calculated modifications that turned the Golf R into something a true Volkswagen enthusiast may call the Golf R536. Obviously, this is like my throwback to the Golf R400 super-hatch that had been crafted in the concept guise, but did not reach the production. Dieselgate was to be blamed.

Nevertheless, the R400 may be the first thing to pop into my mind upon seeing this, but this modded Golf RLMS by APR is much more than that.

Golf RLMS Was Inspired by Volkswagen TCR Racecars

The sheer look of the car obviously suggests that APR focused on building a proper track weapon. No wonder the Golf R received a dramatically different exterior look and a number of aerodynamic additions in order to improve the downforce. Of course, for us watching these machines at SEMA, the Golf RLMS looks fascinating and kinda dangerous.

In my talk with the APR PR team, I learned that they had some serious challenges to overcome - the biggest of which was actually the creation of a car that could serve as a show car for SEMA, only to be transferred into a full-fledged track car after the show ends. This is what Paul Brooker of APR said in an email.

“A huge challenge we faced was making the car a show car for SEMA, with the purpose of a track car after. This car couldn't just look the part; it needs to be able to withstand anything we could throw at it on track. Having a TCR inspired kit for a GTI and making it fit functionally on a facelift Golf R was certainly an adventure. The team knocked it out of the park on all of it,“ Brooker stated.

The look of the touring racing car is precisely tailored for the astounding Golf RLMS. Thanks to a wide body-kit, this Golf can finally accept wide wheels. I am writing here about custom designed APR wheels with racing Toyo Tires on them. Can’t imagine the grip considering this one still makes use of the all-wheel-drive system. The body-kit included the addition of a massive front splitter and a rather dominant rear wing. I mean, you can basically choose between the levels of downforce the rear wing can provide.

Drivetrain and Performance

Taking the Golf R for the basis of its build was a smart move. Not only did APR gain access to a car so well endowed with speed, but also more than ready to accept numerous upgrades. Making it as close to race specification as possible meant that the Golf R has to lose much of its interior - most notably the rear seats and some luxuries. Instead of this, one can see an enormous roll cage and a rather nice pair of bucket racing seats. More importantly, the R gained new coilovers. They are a Roll-Control Racing Coilover System that can be adjusted. Furthermore, APR Roll-Control Stabilizer Bars will additionally lower the healing time in the bends. Something you definitely need to sort after installing such wide, grippy tires on a car.

Yet, the heart of the build seems to be its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. See, even the stock Golf R has an amazing arsenal of 292 horsepower. Just to put it into perspective, this is more than what you got in a Ferrari F430, and it is only 114 horsepower less than what that amazing 2007 Volkswagen Golf W12 Concept developed. The Golf RLMS, however, doesn’t have a W-12, just a freaking I-4.

The performance, is, thus, greatly improved compared to an already fast Golf R. We do not know all the details, and APR has not disclosed every single amazing number about the Golf RLMS. We do know, however, that the Volkswagen Golf RLMS will reach the quarter of a mile in less than 10 seconds. So, it's a Porsche 918 Spyder competitor then. Also, it is 15 seconds quicker from 0 to 140 mph than a stock Golf R. 15 freaking seconds.

It's not surprising that Brooker from APR was smitten by it and said:

“Building the RLMS was an opportunity to show the world what we as APR can do. As a friend of mine once said to me "team work makes the dream work," and that is on point with this build.”

After all, this thing will use more fuel, will run hotter than ever, and will gulp up air in big chunks. All of the added pieces, which are then complemented by a new exhaust system, have been brought together by a custom APR remap.

Ok, APR did not actually break any uncharted grounds with this build, but they have made a 536-horsepower, 2.0-liter engine that is somewhat reliable and actually usable. APR officials reported they’ve worked hard at keeping it as turbo-lag free as possible. Obviously, you cannot expect it to be as smooth as the one in the stock Golf R, but this one will get the job done too. The 2.0-liter TSI from the R (or any other VW Group vehicle) has a rather high tuning potential. Just a few months ago I learned about a guy using a single turbocharger for it and increasing the power output to almost 600 horsepower. Builds that can reach even higher levels of power have been recorded as well.

APR's “racecar” conviction was further illustrated by their plans to show this car some tracks and curves. The whole team behind it wants to know what they’ve accomplished and what the car can actually do, so stay tuned for some track laps and numbers at a later date.

Conclusion

APR obviously knocked it out of the park with this build.

"APR's extensive racing history has helped us to develop the Golf RLMS", said APR's President Mitch Williams. "We wanted to create a Stage III track car that can dominate circuits around the country. With 536 horsepower and all-wheel drive, we can't wait to turn some laps."

I did ask about the possible plans of bringing this beast to the Worthersee Tour next year, but the matter of a fact is that APR wants to race it first. Then, they’ll decide. All in all, the Golf RLMS by APR feels like a celebration of Volkswagen and a rather astounding tuning effort.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2018 Volkswagen Golf

Read our full review on the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Read our full review on the 2018 Volkswagen Golf R.

Read our full review on the 2014 Volkswagen Golf R 400 Concept.