Next-generation Volkswagen T-Roc R confirmed
A new hot Volkswagen T-Roc R is in the works, with the German marque releasing its first set of teaser images for the high-riding Golf R sibling.
Volkswagen’s latest generation T-Roc – the brand’s taller compatriot to the Golf hatchback – is going to be getting a performance R variant, continuing on the success of the first-gen SUV.
Based on the same platform not only as the Golf but also the Cupra Terramar, Audi Q3 and Skoda Octavia among many others, the new T-Roc launched in Europe last year, but it has yet to see the R treatment like its predecessor.
In a post on social media, Volkswagen shared photos of the T-Roc R wrapped in camouflage, hiding what’s expected to be a more aggressive body kit, as is commonplace on the hotter R models.
Though its finer details are hidden, we can see the T-Roc R rides on large wheels which sit closer to the edges of its guards, while also being wider than standard to provide as much grip as possible.
From adopting Volkswagen’s latest design language at the front, the T-Roc R continues back to a largely unchanged rear, save for the revised lower bumper which now incorporates two sets of dual exhaust outlets.
As with the first-generation T-Roc R, it’s expected the second-gen offering will continue to share the Golf R’s powertrain.
This means a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine will be mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, as well as an all-wheel drive system.
In the current Golf R, this engine produces 245kW and 420Nm, improvements on the last T-Roc R’s 221kW and 400Nm outputs.
It’s possible the new T-Roc R will also borrow the mild-hybrid 48-volt technology from lesser variants in the range, as ever tightening emissions regulations in overseas markets will make such technology crucial for new models.
The upcoming T-Roc R could be the last new Volkswagen R model to be petrol powered, as the Golf R flagship is reportedly set to move to Volkswagen’s SSP EV architecture underpinning the upcoming ninth-generation Golf, while the GTI will remain with an engine.
Jordan Mulach
