We knew for a while that the mad, 400PS (395HP) Golf R 400 concept from last April’s Beijing Auto Show, would at some point spawn a production version.
How come? Because VW R&D boss Heinz-Jakob Neusser had said so, that’s why. It’s not unusual for car companies to change their minds, though, especially when it comes to wild concepts, and axe them due to one reason or another.
The Golf R 400, according to a CAR magazine report, has definitely been green-lighted by the powers-that-be in Wolfsburg and the production version will be unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, with sales beginning before the end of the year.
Unlike previous reports, though, the British publication claims its sources insist that the R 400 will be a regular variant in the Golf line-up and not a limited series model.
Thus, despite the fact that the 2.0-liter turbocharged EA888 four-cylinder is pumping out a mind-blowing, for a hot hatch, 400PS, the uber Golf will roll down the same production line as its lessen brethren. It goes without saying that major components such as the suspension or the brakes will be beefed up in order to handle the power.
VW hasn’t officially confirmed the launch of the R 400, much less its specifications. However, like the concept it will be transmitting its power to all four wheels through a six-speed dual clutch DSG gearbox for a supercar rivaling 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph).
By Andrew Tsaousis
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