Ten days ago we saw the sketches of the redesigned VW Golf Mk8 and now we have the first official photos of the new generation of the most powerful version of this model, the VW Golf R. Of course, something remained hidden under the blue foil, to save it for the premiere that will happen in the summer .

For now, there are not many details about the car, but some information suggests that the difference in power between the GTI and R models has been reduced. The new generation Golf GTI now has 265 hp, which is 20 hp more than its predecessor, while the new Golf R will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with 315 hp (235 kW) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque. It will accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.7 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. Power is sent to all wheels via a DSG automatic gearbox.

When it comes to the design, what can be noticed at first glance is that there have been subtle changes, but it is still the recognizable Golf R. The design of the front bumper has been changed and now includes a centrally positioned radar, which is not the case with the current model. There are also lowered suspension, blue LED light strip between the headlights, LED tail lights, four exhaust pipes, a rear diffuser and 18-inch alloy wheels. The interior is minimalistic with lots of blue stitching, sports seats, few buttons and some fiddly details.

Europeans also have a more powerful Golf R 333 model, as well as a Golf R station wagon, unlike buyers in North America. R 333 is powered by a 2.0L gasoline engine with 333 hp (245 kW) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque. That’s enough power to push the car to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.6 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph).

Source: VW