Just last week, we learned that the new Volkswagen Golf GTI will make its world debut at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show in March. But it turns out we didn't need to wait that long for VW's highly anticipated hot hatch to break cover because a leaked photo shared by Instagram page wilcoblox appears to show the new Golf GTI's rear in all its glory. Most of the styling changes are predictable. Compared to the regular 2020 Volkswagen Golf, the new GTI features a dual exhaust system, a rear diffuser, and larger alloy wheels, giving the hatchback a sportier appearance than its standard sibling.

Also notice the Golf GTI's prominent rear spoiler, which isn't offered on the current model. This suggests we could be looking at a hardcore Clubsport or TCI version. These variants of the current model were sadly never sold in the US - let's hope the new Golf GTI changes that.

We don't have any photos of the front yet, but we're expecting it to sport a more aggressive front bumper with larger intakes and the GTI's signature red trim surrounding the grille.

The new GTI will be the first version of the new eighth-generation Golf offered in the US since the base model isn't very popular in America. Under the hood will be an updated version of VW's 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine paired with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. This setup will produce around 242 hp in the standard GTI and around 287 hp in the Clubsport version. Thanks to increased torque, 0-62 mph in the new Golf GTI Clubsport is expected to take less than six seconds before maxing out at 155 mph.

No photos of the cabin have leaked yet, but the standard Golf gives us an idea of what to expect. Compared to the current model, the new Golf GTI will be much more technologically advanced, thanks to a new digital cockpit, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and an 8.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

After the Golf GTI debuts at Geneva in March, the new hardcore Golf R will break cover at the 2020 Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, which is expected to have at least 300 hp on tap in the standard version and around 350 hp in the range-topping R Plus model.