The next-generation VW Golf is just around the corner and now we’re hearing some hints about what VW has planned for the 2020 VW Golf R. According to the latest report, the next Golf R will be the fastest Golf R ever created, thanks to its 400 horsepower engine.

VW Golf R

Auto Express is reporting that VW is cooking up the most extreme version of the Golf R yet, which will be powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder that generates 400 horsepower. The four-cylinder will send all that power to all four wheels via VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system and a seven-speed DSG transmission.

“The R brand is going extreme,” VW’s sales and marketing boss Jürgen Stackmann revealed to Auto Express. “The role of R is that it can go beyond the rational; nobody needs a compact car with 400bhp, but is there a place [for it?]. Certainly, and that’s the turf of R.”

The 2020 VW Golf R could also get a 48-volt mild hybrid system, since VW has already confirmed that the technology will be applied across the Golf lineup. On the outside the next Golf R will also look more extreme thanks to more aggressive front and rear bumpers, more carbon fiber and quad tailpipes.

“With a little more expressive design, R can go beyond the rational side of things,” Stackmann continued. “It [the R brand] can find its place in a different league of pure performance and there’s a space where customers are willing to pay a significant amount of money.”

Source: Auto Express