According to Autocar, the premiere is scheduled for 2027. At the same time, it has been confirmed that the five-cylinder EA855 engine will remain in service, despite the threat from new environmental regulations in the EU.
Installing this unit will be a significant step forward compared to the current Golf R 333. The latter is equipped with a 2.0-liter "turbo-four" EA888 producing 328 hp and 400 Nm of torque, while the 2.5 TFSI in the RS3 delivers 394 hp and 480 Nm. With this engine, the Golf R will become the fastest in history: while the R 333 accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, the Audi RS3 achieves this in 3.8 seconds.
At the same time, the potential of the engine could be revealed even further. In 2023, former Audi Sport chief Sebastian Grams hinted that the limits of the five-cylinder engine have not yet been reached. For example, the limited RS3 Performance Edition develops 401 hp and 500 Nm.
To keep the engine after the Euro 7 standard comes into effect in November 2026, Audi will upgrade it: a new particulate filter, more sensitive NOx sensors, new fuel system algorithms, and catalysts with higher cell density will be introduced.
The installation of the new engine will lead to changes in chassis settings and the introduction of reinforced brakes. The weight will increase by approximately 25 kg, but this will be partially offset by lightweight wheels and lightweight seats. The model will receive a revised DSG transmission, the Torque Splitter system from the RS3, and new aerodynamic elements - air intakes, a spoiler, a diffuser, and a titanium exhaust system.
This will be the last Golf with a fully gasoline engine: at the same time, the brand will launch a hybrid version, and by the end of the decade, it will present a new fully electric model.
Source: Autocar
