VW is set to unveil a lighter, more powerful version of the Golf R at the Beijing Motor Show in April. That's according to Auto Express, who said a concept would likely be followed by a production model badged the Volkswagen Golf R Evo. A modest power boost over the Golf R's 296 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque is expected, but the serious performance gains will be a result of weight reduction.

A roll cage will replace the rear seats, carbon-fiber will be used on the bodywork and roof panel, which combined with lighter alloys and thinner bucket seats will help to significantly reduce the R's 1,476 kg curb weight. Audi applied the same techniques with its TT Ultra Quattro unveiled at the 2013 Worthersee tuning show. It also used carbon-ceramic brakes, a titanium exhaust, revised suspension components, features that VW could apply to the Golf R.