These spy photos show the hottest Mk6 VW Golf variant, the VW Golf R20, testing around the Nurburgring.
Despite the decoy 2.0-litre TDI badge on the rear of the car, it is in fact powered by a high-output 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which sources suggest is closely related to the Audi S3’s 261bhp unit. The Golf GTI has 207bhp.
Read our VW Golf GTI first drive here
That should equate to a 0-62mph time in the mid five second bracket, which compares to the Golf GTI’s 6.9sec.
Other distinctive features on the R20 include the twin exhausts and aggressive side skirts. Sources suggest it will also be kitted out with more aggressive bumpers before it goes on sale.
The R20 is tentatively tipped to be displayed for the first time at this year’s Nurburgring 24 Hours race in May, where a race-prepared version will also compete.
It is then likely to be displayed at this year’s Frankfurt motor show, before going on sale late this year or early in 2010.
It will be available with three and five doors, with the three-door version going on sale first.
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