R Topic Hub

Volkswagen teases 2021 Golf R, claims it will be most powerful Golf model in history

Volkswagen has always had a way of pleasing the masses. The current generation Golf GTI still remains one of the best performance bargains in the market today, but what if your a hot hatch buyer that craves more power, and wants something that can really make a splash at the local track day? Volkswagen has just the answer for you, with the German auto giant releasing the first official teaser for the 2021 Golf R. Exterior styling pumps up the volume Volkswagen chose to release one lone teaser image which appears to show a portion of the model’s rear …

Oct 31, 2020 Read more

2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

We like cars that fly in the face of convention. Nissan’s Juke, Kia’s Soul, many Minis…all a little off of center, but lovable and fun. And to this list, you have to include the Hyundai Veloster. The quirky, sporty, three-door hatch that some love and has other scratching their heads, has always be an affordable funster. And now we have an all-new 2019 Veloster, and that’s always a crap-shoot. Will it keep the unique vibe, or go more mainstream and lose the plot in the second chapter? Chapter Two Well, the looks have gone from funky to aggressive, but we …

Nov 12, 2018 Read more

2018 Honda Civic Type R – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

Are you an extrovert? Do you like being the center of attention? Do you like answering lots of questions from people you don’t know? Then we have the car for you. The Honda Civic Type R. It’s R turn. While Type R Honda models have been the epitome of performance for the brand elsewhere, Honda and Acura have been extremely stingy bringing any to the U.S. When the new Civic bowed, a promise that the lineup would include the first ever U.S. Civic Type R got enthusiasts all fizzy with excitement. Sparkling or flat? Not everyone likes bright and bold …

May 03, 2018 Read more

2017 Lexus RC-F – Road Test Review – Introducing Jesus R. Garcia

I’m Thankful for Sports Cars Having a two-door luxury sports coupe for Thanksgiving can give anyone a lot to be thankful for. Especially when the coupe in question is the 2017 Lexus RC F; a V8 powered Japanese GT car with some serious attitude underneath its sleek and professional exterior. I had two weeks to get well acquainted with this car. Compared to the last Lexus vehicle I tested, 2017 Lexus IS 200t, this was the other end of the spectrum. Interior This was the first car I drove that had carbon fiber, suede, and leather surrounding the interior. Thanks …

Jan 17, 2018 Read more

2017 VW Golf R w/ DCC & Nav – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

Most car makers have “halo” cars. You know, special products (usually at nosebleed prices) to show off the best of what they can do, and to make you feel better about the garden-variety products that most of us end up buying. Think Nissan GT-R, Corvette Z06, Acura NSX. VW has a halo vehicle, too. And while the family parts bin of Audi goodness could probably have given them some ridiculous $80,000 über Passat or something, they did something very cool. They made a VW Golf their showpiece. So, is the VW Golf R a hatch that super-enthusiasts can really get …

Sep 28, 2017 Read more

Frankfurt IAA 2017 – SEAT, VW, Opel, Mini and Renault

Insignia GSi causes a major double-take to get things started on the euro mass-market showfloor gallery. A brand-new Cupra R and Megane RS are headed to buyers very soon and look dynamite. The Mini JCW GP Concept is even cooler in real life than it was in its preshow photos. And finally VW’s soft-skinned ID Crozz Concept is red and happy to be in the world. Like an electric puppy. 2018 Open Insignia GSi 2018 Renault Megane R.S. 2018 SEAT Leon Cupra R 2017 MINI Cooper GP Concept 2017 VW I.D. Crozz Concept, 2018 VW T-Roc

Sep 16, 2017 Read more

Autocross Class of 2017! Which Pocket Rocket Is Quickest?

Imagine the best kart track ever – inside the amazing Road America racetrack itself. Then swap the karts for real cars. And race them against the stopwatch in rapid-fire rotations of drivers! It was an squeely good time with the class of 2017’s new and special pocket rockets. A big variety in power, drivetrain layout and body style: everything from the Abarth 500C to MX-5 RF and 370Z Heritage Edition. Hyundai’s new Elantra Sport joined the fun, as did a ragtop Miata, 124 Abarth, Toyota 86 and VW Golf R. They were all a laugh riot around …

Sep 09, 2017 Read more

2016 VW Golf R – Road Test Review – By Lyndon Johnson

You read the headline correctly: This is a review of a 2016 VW Golf R — not a 2017. Why are we just now getting to review this model? Because when a car is this good, every media outlet wants to drive it. Luck of the draw meant we got this Lapiz Blue example of the 2016 Golf R late in the calendar year. That’s how it goes sometimes. The Golf R is now available as a 2017 model, with an MSRP starting a little bit north of $35K and topping out at $40,475. We hear you saying it: “Forty-large …

Jan 16, 2017 Read more

Road Test Review – 2016 Jaguar F-Type R Convertible AMAZES Tim Esterdahl

Review: 2016 Jaguar F-Type R Convertible Amazes A week behind the wheel of in the 2016 Jaguar F-Type – a $110k, 550HP, 2-door luxury/sports car convertible – brought about a lot of emotions like joy, exhilaration and amazement. Yet, one emotion stood out among all others. Happiness. Pure, unbridled happiness and the smile it brought lasted all week. This car, nah, mood changer really hits all the right marks. The 2016 Jaguar F-Type convertible has been out for a while now and there has been plenty written on how it handles on the track, 0-60 times and its …

May 29, 2016 Read more

2017 BMW Motorrad G310 R – Ultra-Light Stunt Bike Is A Two-Wheeled Dino Ferrari

This of this new G310 R from BMW Motorrad as the two-wheeled Dino Ferrari. Lighter weight, lower power outputs than its big brothers…. but just as sexy and innovative. And crucially, with a radically lower price! The G310 R is the production variant of the G310 Stunt concept — -and is a wonderful intro sportbike thanks to its flawless handling, light weight and modest power output. A single-cylinder engine puts out a top horsepower rating of just 34. But before you balk, just know that the total unladen weight is only 350 pounds! This all ensures flickable, trustworthy maneuvers on …

Feb 22, 2016 Read more

3.3s 2017 BMW R nineT Scrambler – Air-Cooled Boxer ThrillRide! USA Arrival + Specs

All you need to know? Aircooled boxer engine, race-bike fast — but wearing any tires across any terrain you’re brave enough to ride! A two-in-one exhaust cannon is said to really shout out like a racebike on full throttle…. ThruuuMmmm… Brummm! 110HP is the top R90 output, and 124-mph the Vmax. The new R nineT is set for a USA arrival around August of 2016 as a 2017 model-year bike. To kick off the excitement, here are a few animations of the various looks and modes of the bike…. plus a cool 90 pics of this butch new BMW bike. …

Feb 21, 2016 Read more

Pagani ZONDA Mega Gallery – 88 Photos of Zonda S, Tricolore and Cinque

Just what it says on the tin … or, carbotanium! The Zonda made quite an impression on the automotive world over its first decade since ~2002. Despite fewer than 100 made in total, the specials were quite plentiful. Here we have the Zonda, Zonda S, F, Zonda Tricolore and Zonda Roadster. There are even a few Zonda Tricolore photos in here. =] The all-time favorite among this crew? The Zonda Cinque Roadster with its giant scoop intake! For the Zonda R and Revolucione… check out the related posts. Pagani ZONDA Cinque Roadster Pagani ZONDA Mega Gallery

Jan 01, 2016 Read more

Custom Showcase – 2015 Koenigsegg Agera R on ADV1 Centerlock Alloys

Upgrading hypercar wheels is a complex process at times. But not for the team at ADV1 wheels. The variety and customization choices from this exclusive wheel manufacturer is what makes ADV1 one of the most popular customizers for supercars and exotics. Walk-ins do not come much more exotic than a 2015 Koenigsegg Agera R! The Agera was fitted for ADV5.2 wheels in M.V1 cut, with the CS centerlock option. Among those many selections, you also have a dozen wheel finishes or limitless custom colors. This set of one-piece alloys is a mux of brushed aluminum for the spokes, with …

Aug 30, 2015 Read more

Update1 – 2015 BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R Concept Makes Race-Ready Debut at Pebble Beach

Updated 8.16.15 with 22 new photos At this very hour last year, we were limping away from the BMW Pebble Beach mansion after a party celebrating the M5 Jahre 30 Edition and Vision Future Luxury. A day of roaming the Pebble Beach grounds left our feet blistered and bloody — but the Nikon SD card full of fantastic photos. This year, we are covering the events from afar — feet intact and dress shoes safely stowed in closet. It is cars like this new Hommage R concept that make us wish were spending $1000 a day to not drive any …

Aug 13, 2015 Read more

First Drive Review – 2015 Volkswagen Golf R Feels Like 400HP Heaven

What makes a so-called “cult classic” ? Without looking up any textbook definitions, we can easily define it by a photo of the 2015 VW Golf R. How? It is a car that will appeal to only a single-digit percentage of car shoppers seeing a 4.9-second sports-car for around $40,000. For the other 95-percent of car shoppers, the VW Golf R’s very demure exterior makeover, similar turbo four engine to all other USA Golfs and fairly dull curb appeal will rule it out of the consideration set. After all, a BMW 235i, 4 series or Lexus IS350 are all …

Mar 28, 2015 Read more

2015 Volkswagen Polo R WRC Is Packing 318HP For Monte Carlo Season-Opener

Pretty sexy upgrades for the Polo R WRC in 2015 — with the giant wide-body and open-box fenders venting the red-hot brake and turbo heat. These rallies are very long, with Monte Carlo in particular a major challenge for race engineers, teams and drivers alike. After all: what other series races off-road — even in the snow?! 2015 Volkswagen Polo R WRC THE FULL “MONTE”: THE NEW POLO R WRC MAKES ITS DEBUT AT A RALLY CLASSIC 16/01/15 First big test for the second generation Polo R WRC Volkswagen drivers Ogier, Latvala and Mikkelsen first onto the “Monte” …

Jan 16, 2015 Read more

4.8s, 155MPH 2016 Volkswagen Golf R Sportwagen LA Debut – Huge Tease or USA Fast-Wagon Heaven?

VW USA really, really needs some cool halo models in the lineup. Endlessly bashed for not bringing over European-market cars, one can’t help but feel a bit bad for the VW of America team. They are full-time apologists who are not running the show whatsoever — and that is not an enviable position for anyone. So the announcement that the Golf R Variant will make its debut in LA is bittersweet. On the one hand, the Golf R is indeed coming to the USA. The Jetta Sportwagen is now the Golf Sportwagen — so a Golf R Sportwagen Variant …

Nov 18, 2014 Read more