The next-generation Volkswagen Golf R has been teased encased in an online ice cube ahead of its unveiling on February 11.
Volkswagen’s flagship high-performance hot-hatch will be ‘thawed’ in 11 days’ time on the brand’s German website, giving us our first look at the all-new model before it makes its international debut at the 2013 Geneva motor show on March 5.
It’s unclear at this stage whether Volkswagen plans to reveal the Golf R production car at Geneva or if it will show a near-showroom-ready concept car as it did with the Golf GTI at last September’s Paris motor show.
The teaser image conceals most of the meatier details of the Mk7 Volkswagen Golf R, although it’s clear the signature Rising Blue paint and black alloy wheels of the current model will carry over into the new car.
The next-gen Golf R is expected to feature a slightly detuned version of the new 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder from the upcoming Audi S3. Its output should fall somewhere between the 221kW/380Nm Audi and the 199kW/350Nm of the current Golf R (188kW/330Nm for Australia’s hot-weather climate) – giving it a decent advantage over the 169kW and 350Nm of the new Golf GTI Performance Pack variant.
Like the current model, six-speed manual and six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions will be employed to send drive to all four wheels.
The new Volkswagen Golf R is expected to go on sale in Australia in 2014 following the arrival of the standard Golf Mk7 range in the coming months and the Golf GTI later this year.
Expect more details of the new Golf R to be revealed following its digital defrosting next month.
