The 2020 VW Golf Mk8 is still very fresh in our
minds but the German car manufacturer isn’t wasting any time developing
performance-focused variants. An undisguised Golf R mule was recently spied
testing on the Nurburgring and, much like the previous-iteration, the new one
appears to adopt a rather subtle exterior design. This will help it fit in with
traffic and not stand out in an overt way like the Ford Focus RS and Honda
Civic Type R.
With that being said, visual changes will be
made, including the fitment of distinct front and rear bumpers. The all-white
prototype in question can also be seen rocking black side skirts and unique
sport wheels that cover up a set of beefed-up brakes with blue calipers. At the
rear, there is a large spoiler stretching out from the roof as well as quad
tailpipes and a diffuser.
For quite some time it was speculated that the
new VW Golf R would use the same turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine as
the Audi RS3, RS Q3, and TT RS. However, it has since been confirmed that won’t
be the case as such a model could cannibalize RS3 sales.
Instead, the new Golf R will continue to use a
2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder like the outgoing model, albeit modified
to produce approximately 328 HP. This engine will be coupled
exclusively to a dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive. While we don’t
have any spy shots showcasing the interior of the new Golf R, it can be
expected to look quite similar to the cabin of the new Golf GTI with a number
of sporty accents and ‘R’ branding.
