Last week, we got the first tangible proof
that the VW Arteon R is happening in the form of a test prototype that carried
all the identification marks of a performance model. While that’s good news for
fans of fast Volkswagens, it looks like they will have not one but two Arteon R
variants to choose from. Yes, VW is reportedly planning to give the R treatment
to the upcoming Arteon Shooting Brake as well.
According to a report from Autocar, VW’s R
division plans to launch the 328 HP Arteon R saloon in the final
quarter of 2020 as part of the Arteon family’s mid-life facelift. Following the
launch of the Arteon R, Volkswagen R plans to release the Arteon R Shooting Brake
in the first half of 2021.
Both will feature the same powertrain, a
2.0-liter TSI turbocharged four-cylinder petrol unit sourced from the upcoming
VW Golf R. The turbo-four is expected to deliver 328 HP and 450 Nm of torque to all four wheels via a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch
automatic transmission and a 4Motion AWD system with a more pronounced rear
bias.
According to the same report, the VW
Arteon Shooting Brake (including its R variant) will be among the last all-new
combustion-engined models developed by Volkswagen. Launching in standard form
at the start of 2021, the Arteon Shooting Brake will add more practicality and
load space thanks to a longer roof and sloping tailgate. Compared to the
regular Arteon Shooting Brake, the R model will add not only a more powerful
engine but also typical R design cues including a sharper body kit, quad
tailpipes, blue brake calipers and more.
