Published: Sep 11, 2012

Volkswagen Golf R Spied Camo-Free

New R model undergoing testing could be the most powerful Golf yet.

With the unveiling of the seventh-generation Golf taken care of, Volkswagen can now concentrate on readying the hardcore R model, which we recently spied in camouflaged prototype form testing somewhere in Europe. Here we get to see the model without any camo, sporting its signature wheels and low-profile tires as well as a new front bumper with bigger air intakes and bigger and lower-sitting grille that appears to be housing an intercooler and a radar sensor for adaptive cruise control.

more at CarBuzz:
Levante to Give Jeep Italian Flavor Raptor Flies 180 Feet Over Sand Dune Chargers Stars in "Defiance"

Take note of the quad pipes exiting the rear, replacing the dual exhaust on the outgoing Golf R. The new VW hot hatch is expected to retain the same 2.0-liter turbo four as the present model, but upgraded to produce significantly more than the current model's 256 horsepower in order to make way for a more powerful GTI to slot in beneath. Aside from the more potent powerplant, the Golf R is further distinguished from the GTI by its all-wheel drive system, paired with either a six-speed manual or DSG.