A fresh report out of the United Kingdom claims Volkswagen is developing an extreme new Golf R Plus model set to top the upcoming eighth-generation Golf range.
According to Autocar, the Wolfsburg-based firm’s high-performance R division is hard at work building a new flagship Golf R to rival the likes of the Mercedes-AMG A45. The British publication claims VW has indeed revived its Golf R400 project (pictured above), despite an earlier report suggesting it was off the table.
Autocar cited “VW insiders” as saying the new Plus-badged model will be the “most extreme and powerful Golf yet”, claiming a zero to 100 km/h time of just 3,9 seconds and a top speed of 280 km/h.
The new model is expected to employ a further-tuned version of the Volkswagen Group’s familiar turbocharged 2,0-litre, four-cylinder EA888 engine, developing somewhere between 280 kW and 300 kW. Drive will be sent to all four corners via the firm’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
“We’re looking at introducing a new ‘halo’ performance model that would offer a level of performance beyond that of the next Golf R,” an insider confirmed to the publication, adding the newcomer will boast far more aggressive styling than the standard Golf R.
Interestingly, the report said while the Golf R Plus derivative has yet to officially receive the green light for production, it enjoys the backing of Volkswagen chief Herbert Diess.
