The last time Brenda Priddy sent us spy photos of the VW R20 development car, it was a regular-looking Golf with diesel badges. This time, Priddy says she’s caught Volkswagen testing a real Golf R20 prototype.
With the Golf R32 offering “only” 250 horsepower (this is a hatchback, after all), VW is feeling some heat from class competitors, a situation the R20 is meant to address. Unlike the R32, the new R20 will feature Volkswagen's 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with direct injection, which should be tuned to produce around 270 horsepower. This same motor is found in the Audi TT-S and S3.
Priddy says the R20's 0-60 times should be in the low- to mid-five-second range and will reach a top speed of 155 MPH.
Judging from the photos, the exterior will carry over many of the new GTI's styling traits. But the R20 will also include more aggressive front and rear ends, larger air intakes, center-mounted dual exhaust, and sportier wheels.
Initially the R20 will only be offered as a three-door hatchback, but a five-door model is a definite possibility, Priddy says. Watch for the R20’s debut later this year.
