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Remember the original Volkswagen Golf R32? When first introduced in 2002, it stole the spotlight (and became the brand’s highest-performance offering) by packing a 3.2-liter VR6 engine, 4MOTION all-wheel drive, and a direct-shift DSG transmission into a compact hatchback form. To celebrate the 25 th anniversary of this performance legend, Sisbarro Volkswagen is pleased to announce that Volkswagen is taking the Golf R racing by competing in the 2027 Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race in 2027. Volkswagen says the R in Golf R (and R32) stands for “racing.” Indeed Volkswagen R models have a storied history on race tracks, including four Rally World Championship titles with the Polo R WRC and several electric records with the ID.R sports car. “The 24h Nürburgring is the toughest test for us under real competitive conditions,” says Reinhold Ivenz, Head of Volkswagen R. “The Nürburgring is also our test and development track, and we will meet people at the 24h race who share our passion for performance – which is why the project is a perfect match for Volkswagen R.” Although the Golf R is the best-known Volkswagen R model in the U.S., but there have been several other R variants in other markets, including the aforementioned Polo R,  Arteon R sedan, and Tiguan R crossover. While road-going Volkswagen R models have long been known for their understated and restrained design, their race-spec counterparts, however, can be much more overt, with dramatic modifications made to rear wings, ground effects, and other body components in order to optimize drag, increase downforce, and improve engine cooling. So far, Volkswagen has only previewed the Nürburgring racing vehicle with the Golf R 24H show car that was revealed to the public at the Ring Boulevard of Nürburgring.  Max Kruse Racing, which has a long relationship with Volkswagen, has been tapped to build the Golf R Nürburgring racer. "With the Golf R 24H show car, we are making our vision for 2027 tangible at an early stage. The preparatory work for the real racing car has already begun. Even though we don’t want to reveal much about the technology yet: fans of the 24h Nürburgring can look forward to the most spectacular Golf R to date,” continues Reinhold Ivenz. As always, innovations and technologies developed for racing tend to trickle down into production vehicles. The date of the 2027 24h Nürburgring has not yet been confirmed, though speculation places the race weekend on May 27–30. German engineering and innovation for practical use can be seen and felt in every model Volkswagen makes, as in the Tiguan, which was the runaway winner in an eight-compact-crossover comparison by Cars.com. Volkswagen builds winners, and we invite you to see them at Sisbarro Volkswagen in Las Cruces, NM.

Sometimes, the trunk or cargo hold isn’t enough, and attaching a roof rack isn’t sufficient either because what you want to take is too large to pack in or on your vehicle. Sometimes, what you want to take is even a temporary home or a motorized toy for trail, snow, or water. Big trailers need a towing-focused vehicle, but what if you're towing something light? Can you do it with a regular Volkswagen? Possibly. Sisbarro Volkswagen discusses what you can and cannot tow with your Volkswagen. Cars used to be built differently, mostly with body-on-frame construction, where the chassis handled all loads, and the body was simply bolted on. This allowed a single model line to offer a range of body styles, including sedans, coupes, convertibles, and station wagons. Volkswagen, for example, built multiple models, including the Beetle, Bus, Fastback, Kammback, and Karman Ghia, on mostly the same chassis. Towing ability was common among these vehicles because load impacts were absorbed by the chassis alone. Rear-wheel drive also helped by limiting trailer loads to the frame between the rear axle and the hitch. Even the Beetle could tow up to 1,500 pounds, though steep inclines challenged its engine. Today, most cars and crossovers are built using unibody construction, in which the body itself serves as the frame.  There are several advantages of this, including weight reduction, which improves both performance and efficiency, and better handling because the body has less flex, enabling a more comfortable and quieter ride. Front wheel drive architecture in which the engine is turned sideways with the transmission beside it (instead of behind) and the crankshaft essentially lines up with the front axles.  Almost every all-wheel-drive vehicle uses a front-wheel-drive architecture, including all modern Volkswagen models. One drawback of unibody construction is that it limits towing ability. This is because the towing pull stress is now distributed across the entire vehicle body, and the front-wheel-drive architecture exacerbates the problem. This doesn’t mean that no unibody vehicles can tow, but most will tow less than similar-sized body-on-frame vehicles, which are now mostly pickup trucks and SUVs on pickup-truck chassis. This may lead you to wonder if any VW vehicles can tow at all.  The answer is some can, and some cannot. Cannot Tow In general, towing increases with the vehicle size. Thus, it is the smaller models that are not recommended for towing of any kind.  These include: Golf GTI and Golf R Jetta and Jetta GLI Taos Can Tow The Tiguan, when fitted with a Class 1 hitch, can tow up to 1,500 pounds with FWD and 1,800 pounds with AWD.  This may be enough for a compact camping trailer with room for one double bed and a small kitchen.  It may also be enough for a trailer containing a single mid-size ATV or two dirt bikes. With a properly installed hitch, the Atlas and Atlas CrossSport are both rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds regardless of whether they are FWD or AWD.  This is enough for most pop-up campers and light travel trailers from 15 to 20 feet that sleep four and have amenities like a bathroom and even a single slide-out to expand the living space.  Some small boats and trailers may also come under this figure. Can Tow But… Electric motors' high torque aids towing; the ID.4 has a max capacity of 2,200–2,700 pounds, depending on the model, and the ID.Buzz can tow 3,500 pounds with AWD and 2,700 with FWD. Range reduction limits practicality for long-distance towing. Towing reduces a vehicle’s efficiency—but it’s more critical for EVs because they have limited stored energy. The larger 82kWh battery of the ID.4 holds about 2.4 gallons of gas, and the electric motor’s efficiency enables up to 291 miles on a full charge, but trailers can reduce this range. Know Your GCWR Knowing the trailer weight isn't enough for safe towing; you must also consider your model’s Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), the maximum total combined weight of your vehicle and trailer, including passengers, cargo, and fuel. Exceeding GCWR can cause brake failure and damage. For example, the Atlas's GCWR is about 9,000–10,000 pounds, depending on the model. If fully loaded with passengers, cargo, and additional trailer cargo, you may go over the limit. It's best to weigh your vehicle and trailer at a public scale and add passenger and cargo weight before towing. If you have something you want to tow with your Volkswagen, ask the experts at the Sisbarro Volkswagen Service Department about the best steps to take.

Summer in New Mexico and West Texas is very enchanting and very enjoyable. However, the heat can be a challenge for everyone. It could mean less comfort for everyone.  When it comes to keeping you comfortable, Volkswagen offers a lineup of family-friendly SUVs designed to beat the heat. Inside each of our models in the lineup are features designed to keep you cool, comfortable, and refreshed upon arrival at your destination. Let’s start with front ventilated seats. When you turn them on from the climate control system, they simply cool the seats through vents inside them. You can turn on the fan to maximize seat cooling. They can be found on higher-trim versions of the 2026 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, Tiguan, Taos, ID.4, Jetta, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, and Golf R. Other systems offer precise temperature control, along with a range of fan speeds. Vents are positioned where you really want them to be – especially in three-row vehicles, such as the 2026 Atlas and 2025 ID.Buzz. For two-row SUVs, sedans, and hatchbacks, you may find a rear vent that keeps you comfortable. Upper models of the 2026 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport may feature a three-zone climate control system with a separate rear climate setting. On the 2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo, there is a separate control panel for the rear passengers to control their own temperature. Another feature that may come in handy is a 115-volt outlet located in either the front or rear seating area. When it is enabled, you can run your power cooler to keep drinks and snacks cool. This is available on some 2026 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport trim levels. When it is really hot outside, you dread getting out to unlock the doors, start up the vehicle, and turn on the climate control. The solution is right in your hand with the myVW app. You have several functions available at your fingertips, such as remote start, remote lock and unlock, and cabin pre-cooling. You can even find your vehicle through the last parked location. Your Volkswagen should be compatible with myVW and myVW+ services from your smartphone. When the heat is on, get ready to stay cool in a Volkswagen. Contact us at Sisbarro Volkswagen so we can show you all the great features that make your summer on the road a relaxing one.

To celebrate the 50 th anniversary of the Volkswagen GTI, it and the Golf R have been named to Car and Driver’s annual 10Best list. This marks the 20 th time the GTI has been on the list since its introduction in 1976. The Car and Driver 10Best List The Car and Driver 10Best list is the magazine’s annual selection of the best vehicles driven on the same roads at the same time by the magazine’s journalists. Each car has to be on sale by January of the new year and go up against the previous year’s winners. For 2026, Car and Driver welcomed over 100 vehicles to go head-to-head, including the Volkswagen GTI and Golf R... and only 10 cars and 10 trucks/SUVs can be called the best. Introducing the 2026 GTI Volkswagen offers the 2026 GTI to customers at a starting price of $36,320, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that puts out 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, mated to a smart, quick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. In the hands of Car and Driver’s hot shoes, the GTI gets to 60 mph in only 5.6 seconds. Performance and Practicality Go Hand in Hand While speed is fun, it’s not the only thing the GTI is known for. As a hatchback that can be used every day, owners will have 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. Folding the rear seats down gives you 34.5 cu.ft. of space, which is comparable to a crossover. The EPA estimates that owners can expect 24 mpg in city driving, 32 mpg on the highway, and an average of 27 mpg between both driving cycles. A Word from Car and Driver “We’ve always loved the current Volkswagen GTI’s mix of value, practicality, performance, and personality, but it’s the interior improvements that Volkswagen made for 2026 that helped land it a spot on the 10Best list,” said Car and Driver Editor-in-Chief Tony Quiroga. “And, the Golf R’s design looks and is practical, but under that conservative shape is a sports car that’ll rip to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds.” Meet the 2026 Golf R For those who want more, the Golf R offers the same usability as the GTI, with more power and all-wheel drive. Starting at $50,730, the Golf R also features a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine, delivering 328 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. With its 4Motion all-wheel-drive system and a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, Car and Driver achieved 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Faster Without Compromises Fear not, though, because all of that power does not mean that you will pay more at the pump, since the EPA says the Golf R will get you 22 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, while averaging 25 mpg between the two. Adaptive Suspension Damping One similarity between the two vehicles is the addition of adaptive dampers. They are standard on the Golf R and optional on the GTI, and with them, drivers can custom-tune the ride of their car with 15 different settings. A Word from Volkswagen "Golf models have a special place in the hearts of drivers—they’re practical, but they also bring real joy behind the wheel," said Kjell Gruner, President and CEO of Volkswagen of America. "The GTI created the hot-hatch legend, and the Golf R shows just how far that idea can go. It’s no surprise these cars keep winning awards and winning over new generations of enthusiasts." Sisbarro Volkswagen Has the Right Vehicle for You When you’re ready for a new or used Volkswagen, there is no place like Sisbarro Volkswagen. With excellent customer service, their knowledgeable sales staff will find you the right vehicle to fit your needs and budget. Why Choose Sisbarro Volkswagen Sisbarro Volkswagen is proud to offer the prices and services on new and used Volkswagen models. Our sales team will work to find you the car you want, and our finance department will help you get the best possible price. When it’s time to service your car, our service department will work hard to ensure your car or SUV receives the best care imaginable. We thank you for trusting us, and we look forward to serving you soon.

For the third time since 1985, the editors at MotorTrend selected the Volkswagen Golf GTI as their 2026 Car of the Year. Not just the Golf GTI. They also named the Golf R alongside it for one of the most prestigious annual awards in the automotive business. As the definitive duo of sports compacts, the Mk8.5 2025 Golf GTI and Golf R offer that perfect balance of practicality, superb driving dynamics, and exciting performance. It is a tradition that now spans 50 years worldwide as Volkswagen defined what a “hot hatch” should be. The Golf R simply moved the bar by adding 4Motion all-wheel drive for extraordinary traction and grip with a higher performance threshold. Since 1949, MotorTrend’s editors have convened to review eligible candidates consisting of either all-new or significantly revised vehicles for this prestigious award. They evaluate six key items: advancement in design, engineering excellence, performance of the intended function, value, safety, and efficiency. The Golf GTI and Golf R stood out based on the merits that made them heroes among the enthusiast crowd. The editors at MotorTrend said that they were “authentic and spirited, the Golf continues to inspire the same enthusiasm it has since its debut. A recent update refined this eighth generation, sharpening its capabilities while preserving the engaging character that makes it a joy to drive. The GTI and R pursue different goals, yet each fulfills its mission with precision and confidence.” For 2025, the Golf GTI and Golf R received a refreshed exterior and interior, along with updated technology. That includes a larger center display touchscreen and a few exterior and interior updates. The 2025 Golf GTI continues to be available in three trims – S, SE, and Autobahn. Each trim level offers plenty of comfort without compromising its essence. That 241-horsepower turbocharged engine will keep you engaged on the road. The Golf GTI previously won the MotorTrend Car of the Year award in 1985 for the Mk2 model and in 2015 for the Mk7 model. The Golf R was added to the 2015 award, as well. The significant change for the 2025 Golf R was an increase in power, now up to 328 horsepower.  The 4Motion all-wheel drive puts that power down on all corners.  In addition, the Golf R now comes in a Black Edition trim and the Euro Style package, which includes the Akrapovic™ titanium exhaust system and European sports seats in cloth, while deleting the standard sunroof to save weight. Bringing home a winner is what we do at Sisbarro Volkswagen. Contact us for a closer look at the reigning MotorTrend Car of the Year – the Golf GTI and Golf R!

The award-winning 2026 Volkswagen Golf R is truly the benchmark in the sports compact class. It always has been because of its envelope-pushing performance and driving signature. Enthusiasts know that no other compact performance car can match what the Golf R offers the driver. There are those who believe that there are alternatives to the Golf R. In the last couple of years, the Toyota GR Corolla has emerged as a direct rival to our all-wheel drive “hot hatch.” MotorTrend took the opportunity to compare the two to see which is the best. The 2026 Golf R has a lengthy resume. A 328-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged EA888 four-cylinder engine, a seven-speed DSG transmission, 4Motion all-wheel drive, and Dynamic Chassis Control all make up the main ingredients for the seminal sports compact. The level of refinement is also a calling card for the Golf R. Leather sports seating with an elevated feature list, including 12-way power seat adjustments, Climatronic Touch automatic climate control, a 12.9-inch center display touchscreen, Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster, and the full range of IQ.DRIVE driver assistance features. For the enthusiast looking for more action out of their 2026 Golf R, there is the available Euro Style package. This features a throaty Akrapovic™ titanium exhaust system and European sports seats in ArtVelours cloth. For weight savings, the standard sunroof is deleted. In all, this package reduced the weight of a 2026 Golf R by around 80 pounds. Granted, the GR Corolla is a formidable foe. With all-wheel drive, a 300-horsepower turbocharged three-cylinder engine, and aggressive aerodynamic body add-ons, it gives enthusiasts a choice of hot hatches. However, MotorTrend points out that it is a matter of choosing between “thunder” and “lightning.” Or, in another way of putting it, “streetwear” versus a “suit.” MotorTrend worked through this comparison by measuring each vehicle’s overall performance. The Golf R was quicker in every respect – sprinting in 4.1 seconds from 0-60 MPH, reaching 100 MPH in 10.2 seconds, and the quarter mile drag in 12.6 seconds. The DSG shifts better, thanks to smooth gear changes and no weight transfer. They even noted that the cabin is quieter overall. In the end, MotorTrend declared its current Car of the Year, the Golf R, as the winner. They noted its refinement, comfort, and practicality. It does so at a “higher level” than the GR Corolla. The Volkswagen Golf R defines what a sports compact should always aspire to be. It is why the enthusiast crowd always dreams of owning one. If you are one of those dreamers, contact us at Sisbarro Volkswagen, and we can show you all the great things the Golf R has to offer for those who want a better overall driving experience.