New Products and Technology

Spy Shots—Early Look at VW Golf R

By SEMA Editors 

The next-generation Volkswagen Golf R was recently spotted doing some test runs in the snow. While some thought there was no camouflage in sight on this prototype, a good look at the front bumper and the cut-out for exhaust pipes and diffusor at the rear reveals a bit of plastic at the front and a clever paint job on both ends. Even the door sills could be false. Only time will tell.

VW Golf

Specific details in the prototype present clear markings of the Golf R’s DNA: This prototype of the range-topping performance model of the 2020 VW Golf Mk8 sports all the exterior elements typical to the Golf R. Lowered suspension and oversized wheels with low-profile tires, sportier bumpers with big air intakes at the front and a massive diffuser at the rear flanked by quad round exhausts, bigger roof spoiler, side skirts and blue-painted brake calipers on massive brake discs (perforated at the front).

Mated to a DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard 4Motion AWD system, the VW Golf R should be even quicker than its predecessor. Kitted with the Performance Pack, the current Golf R does 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds and maxes out at 167 mph.

The all-new VW Golf R is expected to debut in mid-2020, possibly at July’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.