It seems Volkswagen is preparing a special edition of the blistering Golf R for 2023, called the Golf R 333 Limited Edition. A preview has been sent out to stir excitement.
Volkswagen is no stranger to special editions, particularly for its hot hatch models. In the past 10 years or so it has launched the Golf GTI Pirelli Edition, the GTI Edition 35 and GTI 40 Years editions, as well as more recently the R Grid Edition and Wolfsburg Edition.
Well, that lineage is set to continue with the 2023 Golf R 333. We don’t know much about it at this stage, but the obvious guess is the ‘333’ refers to its power output in the German ‘PS’ (or metric horsepower) standard. That translates to 245kW.
At 245kW, it’s a neat step up on the current model’s 235kW output in Australia. Volkswagen claims a 0-100km/h time of 4.8 seconds in hatch form and 4.9 for the wagon. With 10kW added, that time is set to drop to 4.6 seconds, like in the 245kW Golf R 20 Years edition – a different but sort of similar special edition.
It isn’t likely to be all about power upgrades, though. The Golf R 333 is expected to feature a range of unique items, including what looks to be a set of 19-inch ‘Estoril’ type alloy wheels, various black or darkened trimmings, and an Akrapovic sports exhaust system.
Passengers will probably be treated to bespoke seat upholstery, perhaps with 333 logos on them and the dash, along with a build plaque to cement its exclusivity.
The latest generation Mk8 Golf is set to undergo a facelift soonish, and is likely to hit Australia in the second half of 2024. Speculations suggest this could be one of the last special editions, at least for the R, before it signs off.
Speaking of which, only a limited number will be produced and that number might be 333 units. However, being such a popular and fairly mainstream product, VW could probably sell a lot more.
All will be revealed on May 31. Volkswagen Australia is yet to confirm if the 333 will be heading Down Under.