Undisguised 2021 VW Golf R Does Its Thing At The Nurburgring

The 2020 VW Golf Mk8 is still very fresh in our minds but the German car manufacturer isn’t wasting any time developing performance-focused variants.

An undisguised Golf R prototype was recently spied testing on the Nurburgring and, much like the previous-iteration, the new one appears to adopt a rather subtle exterior design. This will help it fit in with traffic and not stand out in an overt way like the Ford Focus RS and Honda Civic Type R.

With that being said, visual changes will be made, including the fitment of distinct front and rear bumpers. The all-white prototype in question can also be seen rocking black side skirts and unique sport wheels that cover up a set of beefed-up brakes with blue calipers. At the rear, there is a large spoiler stretching out from the roof as well as quad tailpipes and a diffuser.

For quite some time it was speculated that the new VW Golf R would use the same turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine as the Audi RS3, RS Q3, and TT RS. However, it has since been confirmed that won’t be the case as such a model could cannibalize RS3 sales.

Instead, the new Golf R will continue to use a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder like the outgoing model, albeit modified to produce approximately 328 HP (333 PS). This engine will be coupled exclusively to a dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive.

While we don’t have any spy shots showcasing the interior of the new Golf R, it can be expected to look quite similar to the cabin of the new Golf GTI with a number of sporty accents and ‘R’ branding.