Stockholms Dagblad - Volkswagen R Returns to Nürburgring with Golf R 24H in 2027

Volkswagen R has confirmed it will return to motorsport with a new Golf R 24H race car, developed in collaboration with Max Kruse Racing for the 2027 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The initiative is designed to revive the brand's racing roots and demonstrate the credibility of its 'R' designation.

While the 'R' badge currently identifies high-performance road vehicles such as the Golf R, Tiguan R, and former Touareg R, it originally stood for Volkswagen Racing. The performance division made its Nürburgring debut in 2002 with the Golf R32. Reinhold Ivenz, head of Volkswagen R, described the upcoming event as the most rigorous test under real competitive conditions.

"The 24h race is for us the hardest test under real competitive conditions," Ivenz said. He characterized the Nürburgring circuit not as a sterile testing ground but as a "lie detector" that reveals true vehicle quality only at its limits.

To mark the performance brand's 25th anniversary, Volkswagen and Max Kruse Racing are developing the new model. Max Kruse Racing brings extensive experience with the track's demands. Co-founder Benjamin Leuchter serves as both a race driver and a development and test driver for Volkswagen sports models. Insights from racing applications typically inform production vehicle engineering, including suspension, cooling, software, and all-wheel-drive calibration.

Volkswagen has withheld specific technical details but confirmed the Golf R 24H will feature all-wheel drive and be tailored to the Nürburgring's requirements. The vehicle will include a wider track, aggressive aerodynamics, significant downforce, a uncompromising suspension, large brakes, and a powertrain resembling that of a GT race car more than a standard compact.

The project extends until 2027, with Volkswagen indicating serious commitment to the endeavor.

E.Henriksson--StDgbl