Volkswagen of American has confirmed that pre-orders for one of the first 500 2015 Volkswagen Golf R high-performance hatchbacks will start on January 8.
The Golf R is expected to reach Volkswagen dealerships sometime during the first quarter of 2015.
Initially, the vehicle will be available in four-door form only and with a DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. More options could be added at a later time though the automaker has not confirmed anything yet.
The first 500 Golf R vehicles will be the top-of-the-line Golf R with the DCC adaptive damping system and a navigation system.
"With 292 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque from its turbocharged and direct-injection EA888 TSI engine, the new Golf R has 36 hp and 37 lb-ft more than the previous version," the company said in a statement. "Despite the additional power and torque, the new R model is considerably more fuel-efficient than its predecessor with an EPA estimated highway fuel economy rating of 30 mpg with the six-speed DSG transmission, up from 27 mpg for the previous, manual-transmission model."
All vehicles will be painted in Lapiz Blue Metallic and come equipped with the 292-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This option will be available for a base price of $39,910, including an $820 destination fee, according to VW.
Those who purchase the first 500 Golf R vehicles will also get a Volkswagen Driver Gear R accessory kit. All kits come with a Volkswagen R watch, serialized, VIN-specific certificate and keychain.
Customers who pre-order vehicles also have to pay a $500 reservation fee that will applied toward the purchase of the Golf R.
The fee is "full refundable," according to the automaker.
When all 500 Golf R vehicles are claimed, a waiting list will open up for the car.
Volkswagen Golf R competes for sales with the Audi A3, Subaru WRX and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
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