The Mk8 Volkswagen Golf R has just received a new special edition, dubbed the Golf R 333. Named after its 333 metric horsepower (328 hp in SAE standards), this model will be limited to just 333 units worldwide, and Volkswagen has confirmed to CarBuzz that none of them are coming stateside. That's a shame because this looks like the exact dose of excitement needed to keep up with newer hot hatchbacks like the Honda Civic Type R and Toyota GR Corolla.

Aside from the 13-hp bump, the Golf R 333 also stands out with Lime Yellow Metallic paint, which is unavailable on the standard model. VW previously offered a similar hue called Pomelo Yellow Metallic on the Golf GTI but never on the Golf R. That bright paintwork is offset by black 19-inch Estoril wheels with semi-slick tires from the factory, a black roof, and "333" badging on the fenders.

Pricing starts at 76,410 Euros ($81,400 at current exchange rates), with deliveries slated to begin in September 2023.

This is the most powerful Golf ever offered by VW, and with the Golf R's standard AWD system, it can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.6 seconds, matching the specs of the European Golf R 20 Years edition. The top speed is also increased to 168 mph. VW made sure the 2.0-liter turbocharged EA888 engine would be throatier on the 333 thanks to an R Performance exhaust system from Akrapovic. This system is sadly not available in the US market. Even if we aren't slated to get the Golf R 333, we hope VW will consider offering this exhaust as an option.

Of course, this special edition also benefits from the R-Performance Torque Vectoring with Vehicle Dynamics Manager, which can shift the torque between the left and right rear tires. It even comes with a drift mode. VW says the limited edition Golf R gets optimized engine tuning to create more spontaneous response, yielding quicker acceleration.

Inside, the cabin includes black Nappa leather sport seats. The interior looks mostly the same as other Golf R models, but these special edition models all receive a numbered plaque out of 333 on the dashboard. VW is known for doing this with special editions like the GTI and GLI Fahrenheit.

"The Golf R 333 Limited Edition is extremely important for our brand," says Peter Jost, head of marketing and sales of the Volkswagen R sub-brand. "It is precisely such limited and high-performance vehicles that turbocharge the Volkswagen R brand - a genuine eye-catcher and extremely attractive. Every customer can be sure that they have an extremely rare vehicle and a potential collector's item in their garage."

VW USA offered a Golf R 20th Anniversary Edition for the US market, which was woefully underwhelming compared to its European counterpart. We can only hope if VW USA does launch something similar to this stateside that it isn't as disappointing as that was.