When it comes to Volkswagen’s impish, enthusiastic Golf R, there’s a lot to like.
The 290-horsepower hatchback is quick, nimble, efficient, and subtly handsome, and because it’s available with five doors, the German compact is aptly practical as well. If there’s a reason to love hot hatchbacks, it’s likely it exists somewhere on this car.
For those who like their hatches with a little extra spice, though, the brand announced the 395-hp Golf R400 concept at the Beijing Motor Show earlier this year.
This all-wheel drive ‘super Golf’ is capable of 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds, can reach a top speed of 174 mph, and looks the part of a stylish street cruiser, all while having ample room in the back for luggage, camping gear, or even the family dog.
A new report by Car Magazine all but confirms the mighty Golf for production in 2015, quoting industry insiders and mirroring rumors from earlier in the year.
In road-going guise, the R400 could produce over 400 hp from its 2.0-liter turbo engine, with a bulked-up braking system and a trick aero kit to match.
The car will reportedly debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show next September and go on sale soon thereafter.
If we’re lucky, the arrival of the hopped-up Golf is a sign of more ‘R’ things to come.
In October, we reported on statements from VW’s Head of Powertrain Development, Dr. Heinz-Jakob Neusser, who said, “We get a lot of positive resonance out of the market and, perhaps soon we will see other R models. But it’s always a question [as to] if the market is able to use the car, if they find them attractive.”
“In the future, you may also see a wagon,” he continued. “It’s possible. It’s also possible for Polo, Passat – it’s possible for everywhere. It’s only a question of power and price range.”
A turbocharged Jetta SportWagen or Tiguan R? We’ll keep our fingers crossed.
