A prototype of what may or may not be the
Mk8 VW Golf R has been photographed in the midst of testing before the car’s
unveiling later this year. This alleged prototype, shared by cochespias on
Instagram, was said to have been snapped at the Applus IDIADA proving ground
near Barcelona, Spain and from the rear, and appears completely free of
camouflage. Consequently, we’re offered an unimpeded look at the car that
sports a very similar rear bumper to a recent Golf GTI also spied. The main
point of difference between this prototype is that it features quad exhausts,
just like the Mk7 Golf R.
No images showing the front of the hot
hatch have been provided but the car’s front fascia will inevitably be tweaked
with enlarged air intakes and a new bumper. A recent leak confirmed that the
new VW Golf R will pump out no less than 329 hp when it lands in the hands of
customers. That figure represents a 41 hp increase over the old U.S.-spec model
and should result in ferocious acceleration thanks to the quick-shifting
dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive. A manual may also be offered.
A number of other VW Golf models have been
confirmed for 2020, including the GTI, GTI TCR, and GTD. The first of these is
expected to be the Golf GTI coming to March’s Geneva Motor Show. This variant
will continue to use the company’s EA888 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged
engine delivering 242 hp in base form and 287 hp in Clubsport spec. Customers
will be able to select between a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed
dual-clutch automatic.
