We recently reported on the possible introduction of a "Carbon" version of the all-new Volkswagen Golf 7 GTI, using a 165 kW Audi-sourced 2,0-litre turbocharged engine, but with certain lightweight body panels to improve its performance. If such a car does appear, it will be quite a blistering performer (0-100 km/h in under six seconds), but the real daddy in the new Golf 7 line-up will be the upcoming Golf R, snapped here undergoing testing.
It will again feature all-wheel drive, but benefits from the same weight-saving measures that apply to all Golf 7 models, and will get an even more powerful version of the engine that will also be used in the GTI. In the case of the Golf R, the power will apparently be turned up to around 205 kW – to rival the new 200 kW+ Opel Astra OPC. It is still not sure whether the new model will be offered with a six-speed manual transmission option, or exclusively with the company's seven-speed dual-clutch DSG.
We expect to see this newcomer in South Africa in 2014.
