We’ve bagged the first spy photos of the new VW Golf R20 T Mk6 – the harder, faster Golf GTI that will replace today’s R32. And instead of the outgoing 3.2-litre V6, VW’s hottest hatch will adopt a high-output 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Our man at the Nurburgring smelled a rat when he spied the 2.0 TDI badging on the rump of this prototype. Something to do with the high-revving petrol engine note and the distinctly non-diesel speed at which it pounded the Nordschleife.
Hang on a minute. Last month you talked about the VW Golf GTI-R…
Ah yes. Our scoop information was correct, the badge might have been a tad off-beam. Seems that the hottest Golf will stick with the group’s R branding. We hear it will carry a Golf R20 badge, reflecting its 2.0-litre engine.
The engine in question is the lighter four-cylinder turbo related to the Audi S3’s engine and punting out around 266bhp. The engine – and badging – are also bound for the forthcoming Scirocco R20T.
The new Golf R20 is clearly distinguished by the twin central exhausts (à la R32) and new side skirts that are different to the items on the Mk5 and Mk6 hot Golfs. It will again be offered in three- and five-door bodystyles.
So it’s a new family of fast VWs?
Yep. Volkswagen’s Individual department is responsible for the go-faster models; it was launched in 2003 and has produced niche models such as the outgoing Golf R32, performance bodykits and, ironically, the eco-tech Bluemotion models.
Individual is working on the Golf R20, which is expected to be shown at the Frankfurt motor show 2009, before showroom sales commence next winter. The Scirocco R20 T arrives first, expected on sale in summer 2009.
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