VW's Secret Mk6 Golf VR6

Volkswagen is known for its special versions. Limited editions, Anniversary editions, special prototypes, there was something for all occasions. The most sought after ones however were the six-cylinders. It was like a wolf in sheep's clothing. Officially the Golf VR6 ended with the Mk5. But unofficially, the engineers down in Wolfsburg worked diligently behind the scenes on a prototype Golf Mk6 powered by a VR6 motor.

The one off Golf was built back in 2009 with a 3.2-liter engine provided by Rothe Motorsport Racing Team, which was based on the same engine that powered the Mk5 Golf R32. The original naturally aspirated engine was capable of 247 horsepower and 236lb-ft of torque. However, this particular successor was further developed to produce a jaw dropping 463 horsepower, and 384lb-ft. Codenamed “Bub”, this VR6 had quite a laundry list of upgrades:

• Fuselage engine R32 code letter BUB
• Rothe Motorsport pistons with compression reduction
• Compression ratio 8.5:1
• Finely balanced and lightened crankshaft
• Schrick Camshafts
• Machined Cylinder Head
• Rothe Motorsport exhaust valves
• Cast Iron Rothe Motorsport Exhaust Manifold
• Rothe Motorsport Intake Manifold
• Garret GT35 turbocharger
• Hand-welded 60mm Pressure pipes
• Hand-welded Rothe Motorsport Intercooler
• 89mm stainless steel Rothe Motorsport Trouser pipe with exhaust system
• Rear silencer with flap control
• Rothe Motorsport Injectors
• Rothe Motorsport air duct made of GRP

This insane Mk6 was also fitted withe the front brakes off of an Audi RS6, and 19-inch wheels from Lamborghini, which look a lot like the Rotiform BLQ-C. A Bilstein B16 suspension kit was equipped, and the interior received some modifications in the form of Alcantara throughout, and a leather-wrapped dash with contrasting decorative stitching. 

Although real world performance numbers, such as the actual 0 to 60 or quarter mile times, were not provided, we can only speculate based on what we know about the VR6. The original Mk5 with a DSG did a 0 to 60 in less than 6 seconds. This prototype weighed only 3,000 lbs, was all-wheel-drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. VW did let it be known that the top speed is definitely more than 155mph.

But sadly it never made it to production. This particular Mk6 was used internally for awhile until it joined the VW Classic fleet. It is also going to become part of the model’s 50th anniversary celebration and is going to be displayed during GTI Fanfest in Wolfburg.