The Mk7 Volkswagen Golf R has been spied undergoing testing at the famed Nürburgring, with hardly any camouflage.
It is set to receive an aggressive front fascia, including bigger air-intakes. We suspect the car may have a slightly wider front track compared to the rest of the Golf range, as well as a slightly different bonnet design due to the cladding.
The next-generation R will also get a sportier body kit, including beefier side sills and potentially a different rear bumper, although the prototype seen here wears a mildly modified Golf GTI bumper.
As reported in previous posts, the Mk7 Golf R will be motivated by a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine driving all four wheels. While the Mk6 Golf R was 150kg porkier than the Mk6 Golf GTI, the next-generation R will only have a 100kg weight penalty compared to the just unveiled Mk7 Golf GTI, thanks to Volkswagen’s latest MQB platform.
There is also speculation that carbon fibre will be used for some components, such as the roof and possibly the bonnet.
A 6-speed manual transmission will likely remain standard, with a dual-clutch DSG available as an option. The Mk7 Volkswagen Golf R is expected to be unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show this September.