Soon after the facelifted Mk8.5 Golf made its grand entrance in both standard and GTI versions, Volkswagen has treated the world to a sneak peek at the upcoming refresh of the high-performance Golf R flagship by sending it for a chilly spin at the Ice Race in Zell am See event in Austria.
The prototypes showcased at the race donned eye-catching bright blue camouflage, making them stand out in a sea of VW models. The automotive ensemble featured classics such as the 2002 Golf R32, the original Golf GTI, and not one but two rally-ready renditions of the second-generation Golf.
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Behind the wheel, the action was led by none other than racing legend Hans-Joachim Stuck and the six-time World Rallycross champion, Johan Kristoffersson, adding an extra dash of excitement to the spectacle.
As expected, the new Golf R benefits from the same subtle styling updates seen in lesser variants. For example, changes have been implemented in the headlights, and the front grille and air intakes boast slightly more angular designs compared to the outgoing Mk8 Golf R. While the camouflage of this model conceals the new taillights, they are set to be updated as well. Additionally, a discernible difference can be seen in the rear diffuser.
VW has not released any specific information regarding mechanical changes made to the 2025 Golf R, but it’s likely that there have been some updates. In the new Golf GTI, power has been bumped up from the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, increasing it from 241 hp to 261 hp. It’s possible that the Golf R may also receive a slight power increase from its current 315 hp. The automaker may also implement some software alterations to components like the dual-clutch transmission and the trick all-wheel drive system in a bid to make the hot hatch even more dynamic than it already is.
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“I love driving a powerful all-wheel drive car on ice and snow – especially if it’s an R model,” Kristoffersson said at the ice racing event. “It was great fun to sit in the brand-new Golf for the first time. I can only say that even though the Golf R has not yet been revealed, there is a true sports car under the camouflage that fans of the R brand can already look forward to.”