Volkswagen is looking to freshen up the Arteon - which it calls a Gran Turismo now - and with it, we'll be getting the so-called Arteon Shooting Brake.

What's more, in the carmaker's own words, the incoming Arteon update is "major", so let's see what that could mean, because there's not much given away in the press blurb.

Expect minor design tweaks and a tad more tech inside the cabin

It's hard, however, to put a dent in the Passat's reputation on European soil, so don't raise your eyebrow upon hearing that the Arteon isn't doing that well as far as sales are concerned.

Even so, Volkswagen will refresh the Arteon this year and on top of that, it also plans to launch a wagon version in the future. Back in March 2020, Car and Driver reported that VW is working on a performance-oriented Arteon R as well as a wagon version. But there's a catch, according to the same outlet: these two won't make it to the U.S. So while the Arteon sold in the US of A will get the facelift's upgrades, the real goodies are reserved to EU customers. Bummer.

What does VW mean by that? Its modular infotainment matrix system (aka MIB3) which promises a lag-free user experience similar to modern smartphones and better connectivity. In addition, the revamped Arteon will also get semi-autonomous technology that can take over steering, acceleration, and braking at speeds of up to 210 kph (130 mph).

Visually, expect minor retouches on the exterior for the regular Arteon and a more sculpted, muscular physique for the R-badged Arteon.

What about engines?

The novelty here is obviously the Europe-only Arteon R. Rumors say it will find motivation from a 2.0-liter, inline-four turbo mill with 330 horsepower on tap or a newly-developed 3.0-liter VR6 powerplant good for 400 horsepower.

As for regular models, the engine lineup is likely to remain unchanged. In the U.S., for example, the 2020 Arteon makes do with a 2.0-liter turbo four-pot tweaked to produce 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

2020 Volkswagen Arteon specifications

On the other side of the pond, the engine lineup includes a 2.0-liter TDI Evo diesel with 150 horsepower on tap and another 2.0-liter TDI mill with 190 or 240 horsepower on tap.

The only gasoline-powered model packs 190 horsepower from a 2.0-liter TSI powerplant. Also worth noting is that inside the Arteon R Line, the 2.0-liter TDI diesel we mentioned above is tuned to crank out 272 horsepower.

As for the Arteon Shooting Brake, it's safe to assume it will inherit the existing engine lineup and the solely significant differences to its sedan sibling will touch on cargo space and, of course, body shape.