The Next VW Golf R Could Go Where Few Have Gone Before

The future of the VW Golf seems to be taking a lot of notes from the second generation of the hot little hatchback, with a new rally-inspired model teased on the German Nürburgring that could be inspired by both the Mk2 generation’s Rallye and County model trims of the past. And the good news? It looks like whatever VW is cooking will be based on the Golf R, the hottest version.

With the German ‘Ring back open for automaker testing this season, the spy photographers have returned to its flanks to capture all the prototypes that test on the benchmark track. In the latest video from StatesideSupercars on YouTube, everything from the Ford Mustang GTD to Lamborghinis to the next-gen Neue Klasse BMW 3 Series were spotted this time. But even those six-figure supercars and high-profile models don’t hold a candle to what got us really excited on track that day, which was what appears to be a rally-ready VW Golf R.

VW Is Working On A Rally-Inspired Golf R… Or Something Else

The video reveals a white VW Golf R in its current Mk8 generation body style, with extended black fender flares to suggest a wider track than what comes standard on the performance hatchback. There does not appear to be a significant lift kit, but it’s likely the suspension has been tweaked slightly due to the wider setup, as well.

There may also be an extended rear spoiler above the back window, with a black lip extension over the otherwise white panel. The weird hump over the fuel port could suggest this is something else entirely, also, but we hope it’s a Safari-style Golf as it appears. Maybe it’s for the next generation of the Golf? We can’t wait to find out.

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We’ve actually also already seen a rally-fied Golf R before, with a private shop called Delta4x4 outfitting the eighth generation with some off-road bits, a widebody kit, and bigger tires. Those got a 3-inch lift, new fenders, and a roof rack with a spare wheel, jerry cans, a shovel, and sandboards. Maybe VW proper got jealous and did want some aftermarket shop taking all of the good ideas.

The current standard Golf R comes with 328 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque and was once offered with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DSG transmission and all-wheel drive on 19-inch wheels. We thought that the 2025 model year update, which boosted up 13 hp and added more features, would be the final say for the Mk8 Golf, but it looks like we could get even more hopefully in the near future with this Rally-inspired model. Another possibility is that this is a mule for the anniversary edition recently confirmed by Wolfsburg, but that appears to be a GTI.

History Of The VW Golf Rallye And Country

The Mk2 Golf Country was a lifted, more off-road-oriented trim of the regular Golf hatchback, very close to a modern crossover or small SUV. It got a raised suspension, rear-mounted spare wheel, all-wheel drive, and extra under-body protection. Notably, it was built at the same factory as the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen in Austria.

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The 1989 Rallye Golf was an actual homologation car for Group A rally racing that VW competed in. It featured boxed arches, all-wheel drive, and a supercharged engine. Neither the Country nor Rallye were sold in the U.S., but hopefully this new Golf R special will be.

You can spot the new Golf R testing on the ‘Ring at around 2 minutes in the video embedded below.

H/T: Motor1