AWE Exhausts for Volkswagen Golf R MK8 & GTI MK8

• Touring Edition Exhaust – retains the rear mufflers for a deeper, sportier note without highway drone. Available for Golf R MK8 and GTI MK8.
• Track Edition Exhaust – rear muffler delete for a louder, rawer note, with 180 Technology still controlling drone. Available for Golf R MK8 and GTI MK8.
• Touring-to-Track Conversion Kit – rear section that converts an installed Touring Edition to Track configuration. Golf R MK8 and GTI MK8 fitments.
• Track-to-Touring Conversion Kit – the reverse conversion, quietening a Track Edition back to Touring configuration. Golf R MK8 and GTI MK8 fitments.

Looking for another platform? Browse the full AWE Tuning range, or the platform pages for the Volkswagen Golf R MK7.5, Audi S3 8Y, Honda Civic Type R FL5, Toyota GR Supra, Subaru WRX & STI (VA, GV), Subaru BRZ, Toyota GR86 & 86, Nissan Z (RZ34) and Audi RS6 C8 & RS7 C8. You can also see every brand we stock on our brands page.

Confirm your model first

The MK8 Golf R and GTI (Type CD, 2021 onwards) share the MQB EVO platform, the 2.0-litre turbocharged EA888 engine and the DQ381 seven-speed DSG, but AWE produces separate exhaust fitments for each. The Golf R is 4MOTION all-wheel drive with a Haldex 5 coupling and uses a quad-tip rear layout; the GTI is front-wheel drive and uses dual tips. The different rear subframe geometry and exhaust routing mean a Golf R system will not fit a GTI, and vice versa. Australian-delivered Golf R MK8 is rated at 235kW and the GTI MK8 at 180kW.

Touring Edition or Track Edition

Touring Edition keeps the rear mufflers and is the quieter of the two, aimed at cars used for commuting and touring. Track Edition deletes the rear mufflers for a louder, more aggressive note and is the more aggressive choice for a weekend or track-day car. Both use the 180 Technology midpipe to control drone.

Conversion Kits

If your requirements change later, the Conversion Kits allow an installed AWE catback to be changed between Touring and Track configuration without buying a complete new system. Order the kit that matches both your vehicle (Golf R or GTI) and the direction of the conversion.

Valved systems

AWE does not currently list a SwitchPath valved system for the MK8 Golf R or GTI; the MK8 catalogue covers Touring Edition, Track Edition and Conversion Kits. If valve control is essential to your build, see the AWE Golf R MK7.5 collection.

Limited editions

The standard MK8 Golf R fitment is designed for the standard car. Limited-edition variants supplied with factory Akrapovič systems may differ in exhaust mounting, so contact us to confirm before ordering.

Installation by a qualified professional exhaust workshop is recommended. These are catback systems, fitting from the catalytic converter rearward, so a vehicle hoist or safe lifting equipment, metric hand tools and penetrating fluid are typical requirements, along with time for the exhaust to cool completely before any work begins.

Because the factory catalytic converter is retained, no ECU tune is required for the catback itself and the systems remain compatible with the standard engine calibration. Tip alignment should be checked and adjusted before final tightening so the tips sit evenly in the rear bumper cut-outs.

Track Edition is noticeably louder than the factory exhaust. Check the noise regulations that apply in your state or territory if you are unsure what is appropriate for your use.

Does the MK8 Golf R or GTI get an AWE SwitchPath exhaust?

No. AWE's MK8 range covers Touring Edition, Track Edition and Conversion Kits. SwitchPath is not currently offered for the MK8 Golf R or GTI.

Will a Golf R MK8 system fit a GTI MK8?

No. The two cars use different drivetrain layouts, exhaust routing and tip configurations, so separate fitments are produced for each.

Do I need a tune to run an AWE catback?

No. Both Touring and Track Editions are catback systems that retain the factory catalytic converter and work with the standard ECU calibration.

Can I change from Touring to Track later?

Yes. AWE offers Touring-to-Track and Track-to-Touring Conversion Kits for both the Golf R MK8 and GTI MK8, so an existing AWE catback can be reconfigured rather than replaced.