Currently reading: Volkswagen Golf R Cabriolet for 2013 launch
Volkswagen is readying the Golf R Cabriolet, the fastest drop-top Volkswagen to date

A Volkswagen Golf R Cabriolet is entering the final stages of development, Autocar understands. The fastest drop-top Golf to date will use the current Mk6 Cabriolet as a basis and will go on sale in Spring 2013.

Unlike the Golf R hatchback, the Cabriolet will be front-wheel drive only. No official performance figures have been revealed, but it is likely to feature the 261bhp 2.0-litre TSI unit from the Scirocco R, endowing it with a 0-62mph time of around six seconds and a 155mph top speed.

A six-speed manual gearbox is tipped to be offered alongside a DSG option.

No pricing information has been announced, but the £6000 premium for the Golf R hatchback over the GTI is likely to be cut to around £4500, due to the Cabriolet's cheaper front-drive configuration. That would see the R Cabriolet priced around £34,000.

Volkswagen first teased a production Golf R Cabrio at the Worthersee tuning show in Austria in 2011. The concept featured sports suspension and the car sat 25mm lower than the standard Cabriolet. Modifications expected to appear on the production model include 18in Talladega alloy wheels and ventilated discs with blue callipers.

Familiar Golf R trinkets, including aluminium sill plates, carbonfibre trim, R badging and sports seats will also be fitted.

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The Volkswagen Golf R is based on the Audi S3, but is rated below it due to less standard equipment and extra cost

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Lanehogger 20 December 2012

In reality the Mk 6 was a

In reality the Mk 6 was a heavily facelifted Mk5 which itself was launched in 2003, so when the Golf R cabriolet is launched next year, punters will be buying what is essentially a 10 year old design.

Peter Cavellini 20 December 2012

Ho hum!

Nice interior, not so sure about the rest of it, performance car should have a Roof.

catnip 20 December 2012

Volkswagen, of course, have

Volkswagen, of course, have history of making the cabriolet last through two generations of the Golf model.

I much prefer the front end of this model to the new, droopy-shouldered model, with its cheapo plastic trim lines through the headlights.

Overdrive 20 December 2012

catnip wrote: Volkswagen, of

catnip wrote:

Volkswagen, of course, have history of making the cabriolet last through two generations of the Golf model...

Quite.

It's something that I've never able to fathom.