Golf R -v- Golf GTI

[bcm]

As to the left foot braking to keep the engine on boost, if you have the gearbox in S, doesn't the automatic downshifts keep the engine on boost anyway?

I wouldn't think so. Not sure how it would be any different to heel and toeing into a corner apart from being quicker.

Generally though you only use left foot braking as a technique to keep boost up in corners where you don't need to change gear.

Only person I've ever seen that was able to use all three pedals at once was Pentti Airikkala who sadly died last year.

[AdamD]

*Corey_R slaps AdamD

What are you waiting for! This is your homework for tonight. Go out and use your Launch Control and fully experience the awesomeness that is your car! hehe

ROFL! *Hangs head in shame*

I'm sure Adam will happily oblige if you provide a video of your new R doing the same infront of the dealership

Corey'll be using LC as he drives his R out of the showroom, Dave!

[WhiteJames]

In terms of understeer bias ... the MKV GTI and the new Golf R offer a similar chassis tune. They are tuned to cause the motor vehicle to push wide off the mark when on the throttle during cornering. This is the old school of VAG suspension tune and tech. Both MKV GTI and Golf R understeer more than Falcodores. The Mark 6 Golf GTI is tuned to carry a slight amount of understeer right way through the corner with the aid of XDS tightening the line closer into the apex. Similarly ... the new RS Audi’s are using XDS on AWD front wheels plus tricky rear diffs to cause their vehicles to pivot around the centre axis to a small & safe degree that is pre-programmed into the ESC, XDS and E-diff, aiding turn-into corners and creating a sporty albeit synthetic driver experience, without any of the drawbacks of aftermarket sway bars (loss of suspension independence, head-toss, lift of oversteer, reduce ride comfort, etc). No doubt the MK7 Golf R will most likely come with XDS in addition to EDL as per the top end Audi RS versions. XDS did at first seemed like a gimmick & determining mechanic grip –v- electronic grip levels is a challenge in itself esp. with DCC offering another electronic layer of aid, distancing the driver from what is happening underneath – it’s all very surreal in a techno, synthetic & safe sort of way. Watching the new Polo GTI with XDS dancing on snow in the earlier YouTube video is testament to the effectiveness of FWD and XDS diffs on surfaces with very poor grips levels. I had the pleasure of driving from Sydney to Goulburn recently in the torrential rain via the Macquarie’s Pass, up 20km of steep winding roadways, with streams and waterfalls running across the roadway in many parts. Never once did I lament not having AWD. That wasn’t the case with my previous MKV GTI, even with upgraded heavy duty premium suspension.

Cheers
WJ

[G-rig]

The GTI is better
Enjoy.

[REXman]

The GTI is better
Enjoy.

The only thing the GTI is better at is not being as good.

[Fab_R]

The only thing the GTI is better at is not being as good.

Yep, very simply put!

[ethosguy]

In terms of understeer bias ... the MKV GTI and the new Golf R offer a similar chassis tune. They are tuned to cause the motor vehicle to push wide off the mark when on the throttle during cornering.

...I had the pleasure of driving from Sydney to Goulburn recently in the torrential rain via the Macquarie’s Pass, up 20km of steep winding roadways, with streams and waterfalls running across the roadway in many parts. Never once did I lament not having AWD. That wasn’t the case with my previous MKV GTI, even with upgraded heavy duty premium suspension.

Cheers
WJ

Maybe, in part, the MkVI worked better in the wet because you didn't have stiffer upgraded suspension?
Stiff suspension doesn't intrinsically improve grip. Handling and grip aren’t synonymous terms: Nor are predictability and speed. Chassis tuning trades off against a variety of parameters. What comes out of VAG (and most other manufactures) is a pretty safe & predictable setup, as you rightly say, for punters like you and me. Too bad OEM tune is also tedious.

[dave_r]

The only thing the GTI is better at is not being as good.

HAHA you bastard! I just had to clear a mouthful of breakfast from my monitor! Quoted for truth!

I went for a random hoon last night with the missus after dinner. Fwy, suburbs, twisties, basically until the yellow light came on and the car can do everything! The GTI could have probably done all the same stuff, but the R will do it better!

Even found a new Focus RS in my travels. I think he was afraid of the R's awesomeness cos he wasn't interested in doing anything unless I was behind him. PS that green is farken HIDEOUS!

[Fab_R]

HAHA you bastard! I just had to clear a mouthful of breakfast from my monitor! Quoted for truth!

I went for a random hoon last night with the missus after dinner. Fwy, suburbs, twisties, basically until the yellow light came on and the car can do everything! The GTI could have probably done all the same stuff, but the R will do it better!

Even found a new Focus RS in my travels. I think he was afraid of the R's awesomeness cos he wasn't interested in doing anything unless I was behind him. PS that green is farken HIDEOUS!

You bloody hoon Dave!
Good to hear you had some fun though.
Yeah the green is horrid, seen one the other day!
Are you around the Eltham this weekend mate?

[Corey_R]

Maybe, in part, the MkVI worked better in the wet because you didn't have stiffer upgraded suspension?
Stiff suspension doesn't intrinsically improve grip. Handling and grip aren’t synonymous terms: Nor are predictability and speed. Chassis tuning trades off against a variety of parameters. What comes out of VAG (and most other manufactures) is a pretty safe & predictable setup, as you rightly say, for punters like you and me. Too bad OEM tune is also tedious.

Yeah - this is a good point. When I'm watching motorsport, the first thing that the team do where possible, is start unhooking antiroll bars etc to loosen the car up. Stiff car in the rain is detrimental to its handling.