No Longer the Dour German: Volkswagen Spektrum Program Offers 40 Custom Colors for 2019 Golf R

Fans of the Golf R, a machine generally accepted as being the most serious car … in the world, will have the chance to jazz up their ride with VW’s Spektrum Program, now available on the Golf R.

The program will allow customers to choose from 40 custom order colors in addition to the five standard colors. Price for such largesse? $2,500.

Your author is of the firm belief VW’s Golf R is, while an outstandingly capable machine, like dating a really hot woman … but you know she’s totally not into you. Colder than Hoth, the Golf R seemed perpetually annoyed at my attempts to have a bit of fun.

“NEIN, NEIN, NEIN! DO NOT DRIVE MIT YOUR CLOWN SHOES ON, ENGLISHMAN!” it seemed to perpetually shout at me, all the while flinging me towards 60 mph with all-wheel-drive élan. The Golf R is a fantastic machine, but remained several degrees too cold for this driver.

The Spektrum Program should fix that. Available hues range from Nogaro Blue Pearl and Violet Touch, to Caribbean Green and Copper Orange. It’ll definitely give the R a boost in the personality department. My pick is Viper Green, a shade originally found on the European Mk 3 Scirocco before appearing on buff book covers by way of the Lamborghini Huracán.

VW dweebs will be delighted to learn the company is offering a few historical colors among the 40 choices. Deep Blue Pearl was found on the Mk 4 and Mk 5 R32, Ginster Yellow showed up on the 1997 Driver’s Edition GTI, and Mars Red appeared on the Mk 1 GTI. Drivers with no sense of adventure or style can continue selecting from the existing palette of five colors, most of which are shades of grey.

A build tool will soon be live on VW’s website [www.vw.com], where those with too much time customers can try out all 40 hues while spinning the vehicle on a 360-degree camera. Dealers will get a sample kit with paint shop-quality color cards to help shoppers pick their poison. After submitting an order, the build and delivery time will be eight to sixteen weeks.

The Golf R currently bears a starting MSRP of $39,785. Options include an $1,100 DSG transmission and a myriad of accessories like floor mats and trunk liners. I know where I’d rather put my money.

[Images: Volkswagen]