The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R Variant has traded Europe’s frozen north for the Nurburgring circuit, where a pair of prototypes were caught on film running several hot laps.
Normally, we would have tried to guess what is found beneath the camouflage, but that’s not the case here, because… well, it does not have any. The design has been out in the open for everyone to see, with the ‘R’ model separating itself from the regular Golf 8 Variant though a mild spoiler kit that includes modified bumpers and side sills, along with bespoke rims wrapped in beefy and sticky rubber.
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Save for the bigger boot behind the rear seats, the interior will mirror the new Golf R. Just like its hot hatch sibling, it will have front sports seats with integrated headrests, extra side bolstering and stitched ‘R’ logos, exclusive upholstery and trim, and more standard kit. A large infotainment screen, digital instrument cluster, special gear selector, a three-spoke steering wheel with ‘R’ branding and ambient lighting will be included as well.
Powering the 2022 Golf R Variant will be the 2.0-liter four-pot of its short-roof sibling. The engine produces 320 PS (315 HP / 235 kW) and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) of torque, and is mated exclusively in this body style to a seven-speed automatic transmission with launch control and all-wheel drive. In hatch form, the new Golf R hot hatch needs 4.7 seconds to accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph), but since the Variant will carries extra weight above the rear axle, it will probably be a hair slower. Top speed should be identical at 270 km/h (168 mph) with the optional R-Performance Pack.
Needless to say, we won’t be seeing the new Golf R variant in North America.