Golf R is due some time second quarter of this year. Probably expect a waiting list when it first comes out and any additional stock they bring in will be snapped up quick. If you order one to your spec it'll be at least a 12 week wait, probably longer (at least thats how long it took for my MkV GTI).

It'll be an awesome car but if you want to track it regularly it would be better to stick with STI/EVO. As a road car they'll be no comparison, Golf will be way better. I never modified my GTI but plenty of tuning options, just no local support here in Perth like you get with Japanese cars. Check out the VW watercooled forum for more info (www.vwwatercooled.org.au).