It is part of a web series that showcases the VeeDub’s slick surfaces.
Spring is flourishing in Northern Hemisphere, with a few exceptions at high elevation. Volkswagen hasn’t yet given up on the snow. The new golf R uses a prepared snow course in Zell am See in Austria to challenge itself in a series contests that measure speed and precision.
These cars are all new 2021 models, identical down to the color. The challenge is really behind the wheel, where Volkswagen R test driver Benny Leuchter battles Jasmin Preisig, a Swiss racing driver, for Golf R supremacy. The Golf R Winter Challenge is now available on the Volkswagen R YouTube channel. There are several videos you can view. We’ll be focusing on the two clips we find most entertaining for our purposes.
The video at the top shows a side-by, drag race with a twist. The drivers must accelerate down a small stretch of snow and then stop completely with the front fascia in a very short finish line box. You risk losing your place if you pull up too soon. Push beyond the far end of this box and you will lose. This is a great challenge, but it also reminds us about the importance of having proper tires for slick conditions. While all-wheel drive is great for getting you moving, it won’t help much when you need to stop.
The second video (above) shows the Golf R’s lock capabilities in a different way. This showdown has two challenges. The first is to drift the farthest through a corner. The second is to drift straight through cones. Drivers must hit the cones with their rear wheels precisely. However, the second challenge will require them to drift straight through cones. While both drivers have sideways skills, the Golf R’s fantastic drift mode which we’ve personally experienced is available to assist.
These videos are short enough that you can enjoy them in short bursts. However, they also serve as a reminder of the fact that both the GTI and Golf R have yet to arrive in the States. Thankfully, it will be here later in the year.