Several reports have been quoted about how Volkswagen took the Golf R to unmatched levels of power by implementing an R400 / R420, but finally decided to cancel the project due to costly Dieselgate. The team from Wolfsburg should implement a muscular version of their all-wheel-drive hot hatch. A new Golf GTI TCR is launching with power close to 300 hp.

 

VW will fix the narrowing power gap with a new Golf R that is expected to generate 330 hp. And if people look out for some extra, then Audi RS3 Sportback is there with its outstanding five-cylinder engine. But this is expensive. This is where the Manhart come into play as they’ve just created a 450-hp variant of the Golf R.

It began as a Euro-spec car from the pre-WLTP era, so before reducing 10 horsepower in order to follow the emissions regulations. Save for the front spoiler lip, custom wheels, H&R lowering springs, and the subtle body decals, the Manhart RS450 appearing similar as a stock Golf R. The real secret is the four-cylinder 2.0-liter gasoline engine now has a larger turbocharger and a carbon intake.

After remapping the engine’s ECU, Manhart has able to generate 450 hp and 500 Newton-meters (369 pound-feet) of torque from the familiar 2.0 TSI. The tuners also manipulated the engine’s soundtrack by changing the exhaust to fit a new downpipe.