Golf R Observations and Questions

[Corey_R]

This is how I measured.

I wet the out side tyre and then did a complete circle.
I then took the measurement of the diameter at it's widest point.

Here are the results-

Turning left, full lock - 9.3 m
Turning right, full lock - 9.1 m

Thanks mate! There isn't anything wrong with those numbers are all. There are hundreds of car models I've seen the magazines print numbers over 10m over the years. You have ACC too, so that clears up people thinking that could be the cause. I look forward to someone with 19's doing this to see how much of a difference that makes.

[Big_Dave]

Yeah Corey,
and i had it in comfort mode when i did the test.

[SilvrFoxX]

Oh dear.. and I thought waiting to take delivery drove you to strange undertakings.. you guys really need a hobby

[Prodigy]

This is how I measured.

I wet the out side tyre and then did a complete circle.
I then took the measurement of the diameter at it's widest point.

Here are the results-

Turning left, full lock - 9.3 m
Turning right, full lock - 9.1 m

My car has 18" wheels, and tyres are 225/40 Dunlop sp sport maxx GT.

I've just had a look in the latest VW Golf brochure and it lists a turning circle of 10.9 mtrs for ALL models, so 9.3 sounds pretty damn good.

[Tom_R]

Just had my R for 2 days.
No problem with turning circles. Was pleasantly surprised after reading the threads. Much better than my previous integra.

[Looseunit]

I've loved reading through this thread, so I thought it's time I contributed (or added fuel to the fire)...

I've done about 1,500km in the R and it was loosening up nicely - the exhaust note really deepens over time; it's amazing. But now the EPC and Catalytic Converter Warning Lights have come on so I'm trying to tee up an appointment at a VW Service Centre (which is apparently not an easy thing - one of them told me it would be a week before they could see me!).

Other than that....

PROS:
The smile it puts on your face when you floor it in Sport or work the gears in +/-
The RVC - it really is a useful add on
That exhaust note getting better
RNS510/Dynaudio - beats fumbling around with the Gregory's and the sound is so rich
The oil temp readout - takes the guesswork out being sympathetic to your engine
The car's flexibility to cope with all conditions from summer peak hour traffic to the wide open road

CONS:
The EPC/Cat Light coming on!
Sorry, have to say it, but the turning circle is bigger than my old A4 quattro (but that had smaller wheels and the R has the dreaded 19s)
D mode in DSG - it's like driving Miss Daisy
Some parts of the fit/finish - all up it's very good (much better than most), but things like the fabric on the side of the leather seats, steering wheel buttons moving in their housing etc. could be a little better

But overall (aside from the warning lights) it's been an impressive ride and I love every minute I spend behind the wheel!

[wooduck]

On the subject of oil consumption. I haven't used any and am now coming up to 7500ks. Dealer included a spare litre and said the engine would use oil.

[weewilly]

Corey, Have you carried out your Stage 2 yet?

[Corey_R]

Yep... Stage 2+
I did the APR Divorced Downpipe/Cat (not the cat-back to form the full exhaust), Intercooler, and High Pressure Fuel Pump. I have not installed an intake at this point as I'm exploring options.

I'm extremely happy with the results. Keeping the stock rear end of the exhaust means I still have the OEM look. It also means I have the flapper system still. When I turn it on and it idles on a cold start, there is no question something is significantly different as the idle is very loud whilst it's "warming up". The exhaust valve opens during this to help heat up the system asap. But after about a minute when the idle drops to it's regular operating revs, you'd be hard pressed to notice any difference between stock sound and volume.

Driving around with very light throttle is enough to keep up with regular traffic. The sound and volume is also basically the same as stock.

But the more you press the pedal, the more "new" sounds come from the engine bay. More turbo sound, more induction noise (yes, even though it's the stock intake), more other sounds (not specifically sure how to describe).

When you floor the pedal though - wow! The exhaust flap opens and the car snarls loudly. The "DSG far" turns into an explosive "Brrraaappp" sound. The car accelerates great. The only spoiler is Australia's low speed limits! It all ends so quickly.

I have to say that the car feels quite different now. It feels like it weighs a few hundred KG less in general driving just because of how responsive it is. It also doesn't feel as heat sensitive due to the intercooler.

Doing the Stage II+ is a decent whack of money, but I'm glad I did. I had Stage II in the MKV GTI, and it was awesome, but the biggest difference was the stock > stage I step. With the R, and having a K04 turbo, the difference between Stage I and Stage II+ is much larger than stock > stage I. (I went straight to this setup, so I'm not sure what just the DP and S2 software is like without the IC and HPFP). I completely understand why there seems to be more MKV Pirelli Stage 2(+) cars running around than Stage I cars (at least from the active members on these forums).

I'll definitely be adding an intake, but not just yet.

[Fab_R]

Yep... Stage 2+
I did the APR Divorced Downpipe/Cat (not the cat-back to form the full exhaust), Intercooler, and High Pressure Fuel Pump. I have not installed an intake at this point as I'm exploring options.

I'm extremely happy with the results. Keeping the stock rear end of the exhaust means I still have the OEM look. It also means I have the flapper system still. When I turn it on and it idles on a cold start, there is no question something is significantly different as the idle is very loud whilst it's "warming up". The exhaust valve opens during this to help heat up the system asap. But after about a minute when the idle drops to it's regular operating revs, you'd be hard pressed to notice any difference between stock sound and volume.

Driving around with very light throttle is enough to keep up with regular traffic. The sound and volume is also basically the same as stock.

But the more you press the pedal, the more "new" sounds come from the engine bay. More turbo sound, more induction noise (yes, even though it's the stock intake), more other sounds (not specifically sure how to describe).

When you floor the pedal though - wow! The exhaust flap opens and the car snarls loudly. The "DSG far" turns into an explosive "Brrraaappp" sound. The car accelerates great. The only spoiler is Australia's low speed limits! It all ends so quickly.

I have to say that the car feels quite different now. It feels like it weighs a few hundred KG less in general driving just because of how responsive it is. It also doesn't feel as heat sensitive due to the intercooler.

Doing the Stage II+ is a decent whack of money, but I'm glad I did. I had Stage II in the MKV GTI, and it was awesome, but the biggest difference was the stock > stage I step. With the R, and having a K04 turbo, the difference between Stage I and Stage II+ is much larger than stock > stage I. (I went straight to this setup, so I'm not sure what just the DP and S2 software is like without the IC and HPFP). I completely understand why there seems to be more MKV Pirelli Stage 2(+) cars running around than Stage I cars (at least from the active members on these forums).

I'll definitely be adding an intake, but not just yet.

Good summary Corey...
Glad to hear you are happy with it with Stage 2+