Volkswagen’s ludicrous Golf R400 concept will get the production green light only if engineers can fit a strong enough gearbox, according to a report by British motoring publication Autocar.
Based on the range-topping Golf R, the R400 concept (which made its international debut at the Beijing Auto Show last month), reportedly makes 294 kW and 450 N.m of torque – the only problem is that the Wolfsburg-based manufacturer currently doesn’t have a transmission that can handle that kind of torque load.
With rumours suggesting that engine wizards could coax even more ponies from the Golf R’s turbocharged 2,0-litre four-cylinder motor, the only viable option at this point is to turn to the upcoming 10-speed DSG as its been rated to cope with up to 500 N.m. The 10-speed dual-clutch system will be made available on the next-generation Passat later this year.
If that happens, with drive sent to all four corners via the firm’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system, the Golf R400 should be able to manage a 0-100 km/h sprint of 3,9 seconds and a top speed of 280 km/h.
