Here’s a best look at the next-generation Volkswagen Golf R spotted doing some test runs at the German Nürburgring race circuit. While this particular prototype appears to be free of camouflage, take a good look at the front bumper and the cut-out for exhaust pipes and diffusor at the rear one. There’s still a bit of plastic at the front and a clever paint job both ends. Even the door sills could be false—time will tell.
Nonetheless, specific details on this prototype present clear markings of the Golf R’s DNA: This prototype of the range-topping performance model of the ’20 VW Golf Mk8 sports all the exterior elements typical to the Golf R. Lowered suspension and oversized wheels with low-profile tires, sportier bumpers with big air intakes at the front and a massive diffuser at the rear flanked by quad round exhausts, bigger roof spoiler, side skirts and blue-painted brake callipers on massive brake discs (perforated at the front).
Mated to a DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard 4Motion AWD system, the VW Golf R should be even quicker than its predecessor. Kitted with the Performance Pack, the current Golf R does 0–60 in 4.6 seconds and maxes out at 167 mph. The all-new VW Golf R is expected to debut in mid-2020, possibly at July’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, that’s if it’s not cancelled.
Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde