As an owner and fan of Volkswagen Golfs for years, I have to say I was utterly and completely disappointed in the 2013 Volkswagen Golf R. So much so, in fact, I ranked it as one of my Top 007 MOST Disappointing Cars in 2013.
It just sucked.
Frankly if VW is going to put out another half-hearted attempt at an "R" car they should just quit now. I mean, unless they do want to keep slinging all-wheel drive GTIs with bodykits to fools willing to pony up the dough. In that case, I guess it's good business.
Anyhow, recently spied getting a shakedown on the track was the upcoming MKVII Golf R. Said to be making upwards of 290 horsepower, it would be the MOST powerful production Golf ever made. Certainly noteworthy but it's taken quite a bit of time to catch up to the likes of Subaru and Mitsubishi, who have been winning the speed contest with their WRX STI and Lancer Evolution for years.
After my latest run-in with the R, I hope VW puts out something that actually is unique and actually is cool. Compared to the MKIV, the MKVI is dog food.
Volkswagen is stepping up development of its new range-topping 286bhp R version of Volkswagen Golf MkVII, a model that will be the most powerful regular production Golf in history. This prototype was spotted with minimal disguise at the Nürburgring.
The Golf R is expected to be last of the so-far confirmed new Golf models to appear in the showroom. An on-sale date of early 2014 has been mooted after a launch at the Frankfurt motor show in September...
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