VOLKSWAGEN'S ARTEON R 2021 MODEL SPOTTED AT THE NüRBURGRING – PICS LEAKED
These are leaked images of the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon R that was spotted testing at the Nürburgring, and it will expand their performance range.
Recently, the new 2021 VW Arteon R was spotted testing at the Nurburgring in Germany, but the car fanatics of the internet have noticed some interesting features that are unique to the VW R range. These include items such as blue brake calipers, R wheel design as well as quad exhaust pipes, which can only mean one thing: The VW Arteon R is on its way and is looking incredible!
The VW R badge was first used on the Golf V R32 which had a naturally aspirated 3.2L V6 that, at the time, was labelled as a bit excessive in comparison to its smaller brother, the Golf V GTi. Thereafter, the successor to the VW R32 was the Golf 6R, which had a smaller 2L engine, but turbocharged, which produced a lot more power. From the success of the Golf 6R, the performance R label was available for every Golf generation thereafter. VW even branched off to one limited-edition generation of the Polo range, titled the Polo R WRC, in which only 2,500 were made.
Much like other divisions of the VW brand, the racing versions were so desirable that VW introduced race trimming options for most of their cars as an optional extra, think the VW R-Line range as well as Audi's S-Line range. These are nothing more than some fancy bumpers, exhaust tips and wheels, should not be confused with the performance R range for VW and the S range for Audi.
The VW Arteon was first introduced in 2018, with actual availability in early 2019, and featured a four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo, tuned to produce 268hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with the option of a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG, which was more than sufficient for a luxury sedan.
VW has aggressively marketed the VW Arteon as a performance sedan, much like Audi has done with the Audi S4 range. Although, and don't get us wrong, 268hp is not exactly a two-horse carriage, but it's not quite a super high-performance vehicle either... until we first laid eyes on the leaked Nurburgring images of the VW Arteon R, which changed the entire game.
The VW Arteon R is reportedly going to feature a monster engine, yup, the legendary 3.0 VR6, but this time it's turbocharged! Bet you didn't see that one coming? The VW Arteon R is expected to produce at least 404hp (301kW) and, like the Golf R, the VW Arteon will be fitted with Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The type of transmission available is still unknown at this point but, judging by Volkswagen's trend, it will probably be only available with their DSG, or Dual-Clutch transmission, which is not necessarily a problem, it's great in fact!
As far as the aesthetics go, the VW Arteon R, which is expected to be launched in 2021, will need to have a few cosmetic upgrades. What we know so far is that the VW Arteon R will receive a freshly designed new front grille, updated front and rear light design, VW performance blue R brake calipers, quad exhaust pipes, new wheels, rear boot spoiler and a new interior, with possibly some carbon fibre trimmings.
So, as Volkswagen expands its R brand to other cars in its lineup like the VW Arteon R, we have some really exciting times ahead in the performance category. The Volkswagen Golf R was a complete game-changer for the hot hatch performance world, now with the sightings of the VW Arteon R, it will open up a whole new world for VW sedan performance cars. It is only a matter of time after the release of the VW Arteon R, that race teams will add this to their racecar collection. Inevitably, like what has happened for years with the Golf R and GTi, VW enthusiasts will appreciate the VW Arteon R and unleash their modifying culture creativity on the new performance sedan from Volkswagen.
Take a look at the video below to see the first photos taken of the new 2021 VW Arteon R testing at the Nurburgring.
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