Latest news with #hothatch
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
A 1980 Renault R5 Turbo 1 in Photos
More from Robb Report The Renault R5 Turbo May Be the Hottest 'Hot Hatch' Ever Made This Is the Only Ferrari 250 GTO Painted White at the Factory. It's Now Heading to Auction. This Ultra-Rare 1966 Lamborghini 400 GT 'Interim' Is Now up for Grabs Best of Robb Report The 2024 Chevy C8 Corvette: Everything We Know About the Powerful Mid-Engine Beast The World's Best Superyacht Shipyards The ABCs of Chartering a Yacht Click here to read the full article. This 1980 Renault R5 Turbo 1 sold for €86,250 (approximately $100,650) through RM Sotheby's in 2019. Renault's R5 Turbo 1 features a zero-to-62 mph time of about 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 120 mph. The longitudinally mounted 1.4-liter inline-four engine makes about 158 hp. The interior of the Renault R5 Turbo 1 features a cubistic red-and-blue design. The Turbo 1 commands a higher price than the more common Turbo 2, and the original generation's dramatic interior and purpose-built bits make it the ultimate R5. The R5 Turbo was never inexpensive, and justifiably so for what was essentially a handmade homologation special. Prices for an example in good condition hover at, or under, $100,000, while $160,000 or more is not unreasonable for one in concours-quality condition. While enthusiasts used to have to do backflips to get a new R5 Turbo in the U.S. during its heyday, an example can be easily imported now, given that the model is more than 25 years old.
Auto Blog
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Honda Won't Like The Volkswagen Golf R's AWD System
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The hot hatch segment is heating up Hot hatches aren't exactly a dime a dozen, and the competition is a heated one, but the Volkswagen Golf R manages to stand out as one of the best in the business. The German model combines all the practical features of the Golf, like seating for five and plenty of cargo space, with the performance of a sports car. The Golf R isn't the only hot hatch in its price range, though. The Honda Civic Type R presents fierce competition, with a competitive price and similar performance, but it lacks a key feature to go tire-to-tire with the Golf R: all-wheel drive. European 2025 Volkswagen Golf R Black Edition — Source: Volkswagen Volkswagen Golf R comes with standard AWD The 2025 Volkswagen Golf R is the most powerful of its breed, with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. That's 13 horsepower and 15 lb-ft of torque more than the 2024 model. Power is transmitted through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Golf R features VW's 4Motion all-wheel drivetrain, providing drivers with a more engaging experience behind the wheel. The 2025 VW Golf is also one of the more efficient hot hatches, earning up to 25 mpg in combined city/highway driving. European 2025 Volkswagen Golf R Black Edition — Source: Volkswagen The Honda Civic Type R is a favorite of hot hatch enthusiasts, and rightfully so. It comes stocked with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 315 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. That powerhouse comes mated to a six-speed manual transmission that sends power to the front wheels. The Japanese hot hatch is one of the few, if not only, of its segment that comes with front-wheel drive. That drivetrain doesn't translate to higher efficiency, though, with the 2025 Civic Type R earning a combined 24 mpg. Looking deeper, however, the VW Golf R might not be the whole package. The VW Golf R is only available with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, as the 2024 Golf R marked the final year for the six-speed manual. On top of that, the 2025 VW Golf R starts at $47,100. Meanwhile, the Honda Civic Type R offers a six-speed manual as the sole gearbox and is priced from $45,895. 2023 Honda Civic Type R — Source: Honda Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The VW Golf R comes in two trim levels, with the top-spec model starting at $48,415. The Golf R Black Edition rolls out on 19-inch gloss black alloy wheels and as the name implies, it boasts a blacked-out theme, with darkened headlight elements and front grille and black VW and R badging. Black quad exhaust and brake calipers help complete the intimidating aesthetic. The VW Golf R isn't the only AWD hot hatch The Volkswagen Golf R isn't the only hot hatch to come with standard all-wheel drive. The Toyota GR Corolla manages to bridge the gap between the Civic Type R and the German hatchback, albeit in limited numbers. It comes powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Toyota's hot hatch entry also comes with standard all-wheel drive. 2025 Toyota GR Corolla — Source: Toyota Available from $39,160, the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla undercuts both Volkswagen and Honda's hot hatch offerings. It comes in three trim levels, with the top-spec Premium Plus priced from $45,815. The Japanese hot hatch comes stock with an eight-speed Gazoo Racing direct automatic transmission, but drivers can opt for a six-speed manual gearbox instead. Surprisingly, the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla's automatic transmission isn't the most efficient of the two. When paired with the standard all-wheel drivetrain, the GR Corolla earns up to 22 mpg in combined city/highway driving. The six-speed manual is the transmission of choice for both a more engaging driving experience and, as it turns out, fuel economy. GR Corolla models equipped with a manual gearbox are rated for a combined 24 mpg. European 2025 Volkswagen Golf R Black Edition — Source: Volkswagen Final thoughts The Honda Civic Type R is undoubtedly one of the hottest hatchbacks on the market, but the VW Golf R's AWD system might give it the upper hand. On the other side of the equation, the German hot hatch lacks a manual transmission, something enthusiasts tend to look for in performance cars. The Toyota GR Corolla manages to combine the best of both worlds, but its limited production could become an issue. Realistically, though, there's no bad choice in the hot hatch segment. About the Author Joseph Pudlewski View Profile
Motor 1
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
'Disaster for Me:' Hyundai's Sports Car Boss Mourns The Loss of Gas Hot Hatches
With every gasoline-fueled hot hatch that bites the bullet, the world becomes a sadder place. Stricter emissions regulations have largely killed fun cars in Europe , taking away desirable pocket rockets like the i20 N and i30 N. Hyundai's man in charge of the N division is just as disappointed as we are, calling the premature demise of those models a veritable 'disaster.' In an interview with Car Magazine , Joon Park admitted, 'The discontinuation of i20 and i30 N was a disaster for me.' Production of Hyundai N's rivals for the Volkswagen Polo GTI and Golf GTI in the European market ended in February. However, the hot hatches are still around in other regions such as Australia, where the two fun cars even received a minor facelift last year. Hyundai i20 N The Vice President and Head of Hyundai N candidly admits he is 'not the person who actually really likes the EV. I've always liked the smell and the sound and all those kinds of race cars.' By contrast, colleague Tyrone Johnson, Managing Director of the Europe Technical Center in Germany, sees things differently: 'I don't understand the idea that performance cars are dying. If you want to go fast, there's nothing better than an EV. I don't understand the nostalgia.' He added that most gas cars were 'miles away – a disappointment' compared to the 5 N and that 'nobody wants manual gearboxes anymore.' A compromise is coming: hybrids. Joon says it'll be a while before electrified hot hatchbacks roam the streets, but it's doable. The odds of seeing a turbocharged 2.0-liter gas engine under the hood are slim, especially in Europe, due to 'current regulation and future regulation.' The smaller 1.6-liter unit at the core of a hybrid powertrain has a better chance of complying with tougher legislation. Hyundai Veloster N (RIP) It's unclear whether these electrified performance cars will retain a manual like the old i20 N and i30 N had, but we're skeptical. Another quirky Veloster N is also highly unlikely, considering production of the second-generation model ended years ago with no replacement in sight. Outside of the hot hatch realm, an Elantra N (aka Avante N in South Korea) with a bigger combustion engine has already been confirmed , just not for Europe, obviously. As for crossovers, there's no word about Hyundai doing another Kona N, either with a gas engine or as a fully electric model. While the focus appears to be on hot EVs like the Ioniq 5 N and the new Ioniq 6 N , Joon assures traditionalists that 'we [Hyundai N] are not limiting ourselves to EVs.' The future may mostly belong to sporty cars without combustion engines, but ICE will survive in some capacity. Catch Up With The Elantra N: Hyundai Elantra N Sales Are Up Nearly 300 Percent This Year Hyundai Slaps a Big Wing on the Elantra N Source: Car Magazine Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Auto Blog
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
VW's Competitors Should Fear The Upcoming ID2 GTI Seen In Spy Shots, Plus Our Render
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Spy shots of the VW ID.2 GTI reveal compact size, hatchback functionality According to VW's top boss, Thomas Schaeffer, the upcoming, high-performance electric hot hatch–the VW ID.2 GTI–is 'a monster' that will blow away all of our expectations. With a predicted unveiling later this year or in early 2026, the VW ID.2 GTI will give the world a first glimpse at how Volkswagen plans to translate its legendary hot hatch recipe into a fully-electric vehicle. For now, though, thanks to our friend Stephen Hancock of SHProshots, we've gained access to incredible spy shots of the VW ID.2 GTI undergoing testing to satisfy our palates until we finally get to see the real thing. 0:02 / 0:09 2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line review: Is this the EV that will convert you? Watch More VW ID.2 GTI Spy Shot — Source: SHProshots The VW ID.2 GTI will be a true hot hatch in every right While a VW e-Golf GTI is expected to be released eventually, the ID.2 GTI will be Volkswagen's first ever all-electric model to bear the iconic GTI nameplate, and thus has a vast legacy to live up to. Thanks to these highly detailed spy shots, we can all rest assured knowing that, at the very least, the VW ID.2 GTI won't be so bloated. With its smartly compact proportions and short wheelbase, it's safe to say that this electric GTI will be a blast to throw around tight corners–a true staple of any authentic GTI. VW ID.2 GTI Spy Shot — Source: SHProshots Do 'fully-electric' and 'hot hatch' really belong in the same sentence? As a hard-headed purist myself, there's no denying that the idea of a fully-electric hot hatch is ample grounds for skepticism. However, thanks to the precedent set by the lauded Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, which proved that a driver-focused electric hatchback really could put a smile on your face, my hopes are high for Volkswagen's entry into this new and exciting segment. I'll admit that I wish VW's integration of electric hot hatches into its lineup didn't mean its gas-powered sports models will likely be phased out entirely, but it's at least somewhat comforting to know that we won't be left entirely without that necessary 'fun factor' that made hot hatches so appealing in the first place. Volkswagen ID.2 GTI Concept — Source: AI Generated Image Final thoughts: The VW ID.2 GTI carries a massive weight on its shoulders As the VW ID.2 GTI will be the German automaker's first-ever fully-electric performance model, its critical reception will truly be a 'make or break' moment for the brand. If the model excites and demonstrates a genuinely well-executed effort, it could cement VW as a serious heavy-hitter in the segment, as it has been for so many years with models such as the Golf GTI and Polo GTI. On the other hand, if it lacks the passion and vibrance that buyers have come to expect from driver-oriented cars, it could cost VW a lot of the hype they'll need to maintain for the inevitable release of the e-Golf GTI. Until we see more from Volkswagen, we remain hopeful and optimistic that the brand's engineers will be able to translate their traditional hot hatch passion into a progressive and forward-thinking EV. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. About the Author Cole Attisha View Profile
Auto Blog
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Volkswagen GTI Edition 50 Revealed With Golf R-Rivaling Horsepower
Introducing the new king of FWD hatchbacks A few days after confirming that it's the quickest production Volkswagen around the Nurburgring, the brand has officially taken the covers off the Golf GTI Edition 50. It arrives at the perfect time for the iconic Golf nameplate, which celebrates its 50th anniversary next year. With this reveal, we have more insight into how VW managed to get a front-wheel-drive GTI around the famous Green Hell more quickly than the all-wheel-drive Golf R, which is quite an achievement. Thanks to a Performance Package and even more power than we were expecting, this hottest Golf GTI achieved a Nurburgring lap time of seven minutes and 46.13 seconds. Nearly As Powerful As Golf R The final specs are in, and this is clearly no ordinary GTI. Whereas the standard GTI produces 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque (making it slightly less powerful than the European GTI), the GTI Edition 50 gets achingly close to the Golf R with outputs of 321 hp and 310 lb-ft. That's only 7 hp less than the R, and torque is exactly the same. This GTI is also more powerful than the Civic Type R (315 hp), often considered the king of FWD hot hatchbacks. Riding on a special Performance chassis, VW used half a century of experience in developing the GTI to perfect this model. The Golf VIII GTI Clubsport was used as a starting point, before the team added semi-slick tires and more precise steering. The front differential lock was also tuned for this application. Source: Volkswagen Go for the GTI Performance package, and the car gets higher spring rates, a further lowering of the ride height, special suspension mounts, lighter forged wheels, a weight-saving Akrapovic titanium exhaust system, and 235 Potenza Race semi-slick tires from Bridgestone. The cumulative effect of these changes left racing driver Benjamin Leuchter deeply impressed. 'For me, the Golf GTI EDITION 50 is the most precise and sporty Volkswagen I've ever driven,' says Leuchter. 'It reminds me a lot of the Golf GTI Clubsport S from 2016. However, the Golf GTI EDITION 50 has been systematically enhanced once again. Because it's so intuitive and precise, I have a lot of confidence in the car and can really push it to the limit.' Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Sporty Looks Match Record Pace Outside, the GTI Edition 50 gets a choice of five exterior colors: Pure White, Moonstone Grey, Grenadilla Black, Tornado Red, and Dark Moss Green. The red is especially closely tied to various VW performance cars from the past, including the Golf VR6 Mk3. GTI 50 logos, a black roof and mirrors, and a distinctive side stripe combine to visually differentiate this special Golf. Inside, the nostalgic check pattern has been applied to the supportive seats, which has red detailing. The GTI 50 logo can be found on the steering wheel, which also houses paddles for the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. 'The Golf GTI EDITION 50 is our fastest and most powerful GTI to date. With the optional Performance package, we have taken the GTI concept to a whole new level,' explains Sebastian Willmann, Head of the Chassis Development and Driving Dynamics Department at VW. There's no word yet on pricing or availability, but we expect a figure far above the $32,445 starting price of the normal GTI. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
