Volkswagen previews most spectacular Golf R yet for 2027 Nürburgring race

Key takeaways

• Volkswagen Golf R 24H race car revealed for 2027 Nürburgring 24 Hours
• All-wheel drive Golf R co-developed with Max Kruse Racing
• Marks 25 years of the Volkswagen R performance brand

Volkswagen has pulled the covers off the Golf R 24H, a track-only race car previewing its return to the Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2027. The all-wheel drive racer will mark 25 years of the Volkswagen R performance brand and continues a tradition that began with the original Golf R32 back in 2002.

Volkswagen Golf R 24H race car details

The Golf R 24H is being co-developed with Max Kruse Racing, the same outfit that campaigned the Golf GTI Clubsport at the Nürburgring for the past three years. Technical specifics remain under wraps for now, but the show car gives plenty away.

A full widebody kit features boxy wheel arches, vented front fenders and a huge front splitter. At the rear there's a massive fixed wing, an opaque panel where the tailgate glass would normally sit, and an aggressive diffuser. Hood vents and a visible side-exit exhaust confirm a combustion engine stays under the bonnet, ruling out an electric drivetrain.

The most spectacular Golf R to date

Reinhold Ivenz, Head of Volkswagen R, said: "The 24h Nürburgring is the toughest test for us under real competitive conditions. The Nürburgring is also our test and development track, and we will meet people at the 24h race who share our passion for performance, which is why the project is a perfect match for Volkswagen R."

Ivenz also called the 24H "the most spectacular Golf R to date." Long-time test driver Benjamin Leuchter will lead the programme on the team side and continues to play a role in tuning Volkswagen's hottest production cars.

The Golf R 24H is strictly a race car and will not be sold to the public. Volkswagen has not confirmed a road-going Clubsport version of the current Mk8 Golf R, though spokespeople have previously hinted at the possibility of a more track-focused variant.

The Golf R 24H is a reminder that internal combustion still has plenty of fight left.

Frequently asked questions

When will the Volkswagen Golf R 24H race?

The Golf R 24H is set to compete at the Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2027, marking 25 years of the Volkswagen R brand.

Will the Volkswagen Golf R 24H be sold to the public?

No. The Golf R 24H is a track-only race car. Volkswagen has not confirmed a road-going Clubsport version, although it has hinted at the possibility.

Is the Volkswagen Golf R 24H electric?

No. Visible hood vents and a side-exit exhaust confirm the Golf R 24H runs a combustion engine rather than an electric powertrain.