2026 Volkswagen Golf R: Fastest Volkswagen Ever
About this episode
The episode dives into the latest automotive news, highlighting the 2026 Volkswagen Golf R, which boasts an impressive 328 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of just over 4 seconds. The hosts discuss Volkswagen's investment in electric truck maker R and the implications of tariffs on affordable electric vehicles like the Volvo EX30. Special guest Lauren Fix shares memories of her late friend and fellow automotive journalist Paul Brian, reflecting on their shared experiences in the industry. The episode also features road tests of the 2024 Mazda CX-30 and Volvo EX90 Recharge, showcasing their unique attributes and performance.
In the same week that Volkswagen announced a giant investment in electric-vehicle maker Rivian, the brand also reinforced its stance in conventional gasoline-powered vehicles with the unveiling of the newest Volkswagen Golf R and Golf R Variant. The fraternal twins redefine their class with 328 horsepower and the handling chops to leverage it. The new models are the most powerful Golf versions to date. They rocket 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.6 seconds (Golf R) and 4.8 seconds (Variant). With the Performance package, top speeds increase to a claimed 167 mph, making these the fastest Volkswagens alongside the Arteon R Shooting Brake that will never see the light of day in America.
Both models feature a new front-end design, advanced light systems, 19-inch forged wheels, and an updated infotainment system. In Germany, they come standard with DCC adaptive damping to complement their impressive horsepower. The Golf R Black Edition, with darkened Volkswagen badges and a Performance package, adds more spice to the Golf R lineup. The Golf R Variant combines sports car performance with the practicality of a wagon. Since the debut of the legendary Golf R32 in 2002, the Golf R series has sold over 250,000 units. We’ll have more details in the news this week.
Also in the news, a global carmaker has delayed the launch of a new, affordable EV in the wake of the Biden Administration’s new tariff on Chinese-built electric vehicles. We’ll tell you the carmaker, the model and why the decision was made to scrub the launch in this episode, plus our comments.
Another important news story concerns the potential ticking timebomb you have in your car. We’ll tell you what the danger is and how you can defuse it in this episode.
Our special guest is Lauren Fix. You might have seen her on TV or heard her on the radio as The Car Coach. She’s terrifically knowledgeable about cars and, like host Jack Nerad, a member of the North American Car of the Year jury. The two share stories about Paul Brian, another jury member and a friend of ours who passed away recently. Brian was a larger-than-life guy, and we’re sure you enjoy the tales Lauren has to tell about her longtime on-air partner.
In this week’s road test segment, Co-Host Chris Teague will evaluate the 2024 Mazda CX30. Its maker calls it a crossover SUV, but Teague and Nerad think another name might be just as appropriate. Both will share their views on the vibrant hatch.
Nerad had a far more luxurious assignment this week. He put the 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge through its paces. The plug-in hybrid happens to be the most performance-oriented version of the Swedish automaker’s three-row crossover, bot Nerad and Teague will offer their opinions on it in this episode.
America on the Road is brought to you by Driving Today.com, Mercury Insurance, and EMLandsea.com , the publisher of Nerad’s latest book, Dance in the Dark, which is available HERE on Amazon.com
Mazda Cx30
"It's kind of a pseudo hot hatch. It's the Mazda Cx... 30 a 20 24 model year. I can't wait to tell you all"
Suzuki X90
"I think you probably are jealous about the the fact that I drove it for a week. It is the 20 24 volvo X recharged, the plug in hybrid version of the X 90. So interesting vehicle. We're very well done. And this week, our special guest is"
Tesla Model 3
"...ink the Chevy bolt and maybe some versions of the model 3 have come closest, but, yeah. It's a shame. We ha..."
Volkswagen Golf
"...xcited about that. Volkswagen has announced a new Golf r and Golf r variant. Talk and a lot of horsepowe..."
Toyota G R Corolla
"... paint on the outside. Just a really lively as my Toyota G r Corolla, but I'm happy to see it's got more power. It's d..."
Chevrolet Corvette
"...ests and motor trend magazine, and trying to push corvette vets and Lamborghini and those kind of things up ..."
Nissan Rogue
"... to New York for the auto show. It was the Nissan Rogue. It was called the Rogue trip. You know and it wa..."
Porsche 0917
"In 19 70, the indy 500 pole speed was a hundred and 70 miles an hour. But at Lam lamar, Vic Alfred Porsche 09:17, raged down the Mo straight at 248 miles per hour. The racing pit of the porsche 09:17 versus the Por ferrari... 05:12,"
Ferrari 0512
"But at Lam lamar, Vic Alfred Porsche 09:17, raged down the Mo straight at 248 miles per hour. The racing pit of the porsche 09:17 versus the Por ferrari... 05:12, the fastest road racing ever, and Road tracks sent a promising new rider 27 year old Ted West to cover it."
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