Golf R

Make
Volkswagen
Segment
Hatchback

The fastest drop-top Golf to date has previously been spied in prototype guise and as a concept at Worthersee 2011, but with VW putting the Golf R Cabriolet into the last stages of development, the German carmaker has released a video giving us a first look at the finished production version of its new drop-top hot hatch. Based on the current Mk6 Cabriolet, like the concept the Golf R Cabrio will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbo inline-four good for 270 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

No official performance figures have been announced, but top speed is expected to be limited to 155 mph and 0-62 mph should be managed in around six seconds. A six-speed manual is tipped to be offered with an optional DSG transmission.

The same 19-inch Tallaedga alloys that featured on the Golf R Cabrio concept appear on the model in the video, while other features expected to be carried over to the production model include a sports suspension that keeps the Golf R Cabrio 25 mm closer to the tarmac than the standard Cabriolet, along with ventilated brake discs with blue calipers, carbon-fiber trim, R badging, and sports seats. Whether the hot cabrio channels its power to all four wheels like the Golf R hatch or just to the front like the rest of the Golf Cabriolet range, however, remains to be seen.