If approved for production, this could be VW’s wildest hot hatch yet
- A VW spokesperson confirmed they are working on a Golf R Clubsport model
- The hot hatch could offer a sharper chassis setup, along with more power and lighter weight over the standard Golf R
- The project has yet to be approved for production and its fate will be decided by VW board members
Volkswagen is set to unveil the facelifted Golf R shortly after the launch of the track-focused GTI Clubsport, but fans of the range will be happy to hear that another hot hatch is in development. The company is working on an even more capable VW Golf R Clubsport, although the project has not yet been greenlit for production.
The Golf R has always been Volkswagen’s flagship hot hatch, adding extra power and AWD capabilities over the front-wheel-drive-only GTI models. On the other hand, the GTI Clubsport is the most powerful GTI, with an improved chassis and a slightly more aggressive body kit. Put these elements together and you have what could be described as Volkswagen’s wildest production hot hatch yet.
More: 166-mph VW Golf GTI Clubsport targets Civic Type R
Interestingly enough, the VW Golf R Clubsport is not just a rumor, as its existence – at least in an early development stage – has been officially confirmed. During an interview with Road & Track, global VW spokesperson Martin Hube said: “There is another interesting car we are currently working on. They are thinking about and working on a Clubsport version of the Golf R.”
Hube said that while the model won’t be a “track tool” due to the added weight of the AWD system, it could be a “weapon” on the road. Upgrades over the standard Golf R may include revised suspension, reduced weight and increased power. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine currently produces 316 PS (235 kW / 320 hp) in the Golf R.
2025 VW Golf R
Although an even hotter Golf undoubtedly sounds cool, the final decision lies in the hands of Volkswagen management. The company spokesperson said he really hopes they can convince board members to greenlight the project, without revealing a timeline.
We expect to learn more about the fate of the VW Golf R Clubsport in the coming months. Until then, check out the speculative renderings we’ve created, merging the bodywork of the current Golf R with the redesigned LED taillights of the facelifted GTI Clubsport.
Note: The views in this story are not associated with or endorsed by Volkswagen
