2023 Volkswagen Golf R 20th Anniversary Edition Revealed, Sunroof Removed

Volkswagen on Thursday unveiled a special edition of its all-wheel-drive Golf R hot hatchback to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The aptly named "2023 VW Golf R 20th Anniversary Edition" will go on sale in the U.S. this fall, with approximately 1,800 units expected to be produced.

The 20th Anniversary model, which commemorates the 2002 European launch of the Golf R's predecessor, the R32, deletes the sunroof that is standard equipment on other Golf R models. This reduced the weight of the highest part of the car's body, resulting in a lower center of gravity.

Other exterior changes include gloss black finish 19-inch wheels with the same 235/35 summer tires as the standard Golf R, "20 R" paddle lights, and a sprinkling of the "R" logo in a blue finish.

The 20th Anniversary Edition is available in Lapis Blue Metallic, Deep Black Pearl, and Pure White. To emphasize the contrast, the mirror caps are finished in Lapis Blue on the Deep Black Pearl and Pure White cars and in Gloss Black on the Lapis Blue car.

On the interior, carbon fiber trim pieces have been added to the dashboard and front door panels. The "R" logo also appears on the steering wheel and key fob.

The special edition's mechanism remains unchanged, and the EA888 2.0-liter turbo four from the standard Mk8 Golf R is retained, with output remaining at 315 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. A special, slightly more powerful Golf R will be available in Europe, but only the 20th Anniversary Edition for the U.S. will be equipped with a six-speed manual transmission (a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is also available).

Prices start at $46,035 for the manual transmission and $46,835 for the dual-clutch transmission (all prices include destination), $650 more than the standard Golf R with either transmission.