Volkswagen has unveiled the 2022 Golf R, which is the most powerful Golf ever with 315 horsepower, 27 more than its predecessor.

The new Golf R is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which is the post powerful version of the EA888 engine. The upgraded engine not only generates 315 hp, but also more torque at 310 pound-feet compared to 280 lb-ft. Thankfully a 6-speed manual transmission is standard, while a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission is optional. All that power is sent to a new 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, which  distributes the power variably between the front and rear axles—and, now, between the left and right rear wheels.

The new all-wheel drive system now has torque vectoring that can distribute the torque variably between both rear wheels, with up to 100 percent able to be directed to the wheel on the outside of the bend.

The new Golf R can zoom from 0 to 62 mph in only 4.7 seconds with a top track speed of 155 mph.

2022 Volkswagen Golf R

Compared to the standard Golf, the new Golf R has an 0.8-inch lower ride height with a strut-type front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. The spring rates and anti-roll bar rates have both been increased by 10 percent, plus the engineers increased the negative camber (-1°20’) on the front axle to allow higher cornering speeds and also improve stability.

The 2022 Golf R also has an improved braking system with larger front discs and the front calipers have two pistons, made of aluminum that reduce mass by 60 percent per side.

To make it even more fun to drive, there are two new driving modes: Special and Drift. In the Special driving mode, VW says that all of the main drive system parameters were configured for the Nordschleife. The result is that the DSG dual-clutch automatic version of the Golf R is up to 17 seconds quicker in internal tests on the Nürburgring Nordschleife than its predecessor. Compared to Race mode, the Special driving mode has softer damping settings, to make sure the Golf R can maintain maximum contact with the road, while the lateral behavior and all-wheel-drive controls are optimized to handle the corners of the Nürburgring.

In Drift mode the parameters for the ESC stability control and the distribution of power via the all-wheel drive system enable the Golf R to drift.

On the outside the 2022 Golf R gets 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels paired with summer performance tires, side skirts, matte chrome exterior mirror caps and blue brake calipers. The rear also looks the part with its black diffuser, a roof spoiler and twin tailpipes.

The 2022 VW Golf R is scheduled to arrive in the US in the latter part of 2021.