It’s been a while since Volkswagen->ke94 last took the new-generation Golf R out for a test session. With spring officially hitting Europe, VW took it for a cruise around the Nürburgring and our spy photographers caught it. Of course, Volkswagen tried to hide it with fake red GTI badges on the front fender, but that didn't fool us.

The only changes visible in these latest spy shots are those big air intakes and the quad exhaust pipes, but expect the new Golf R to also receive sharper brakes and an updated chassis. Rumors suggest that the new-generation Golf R will also be the most powerful Golf->ke164 ever. It will be powered by a revised version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder found in the current model, with output taken up to an impressive 300 horsepower. It is also believed that the next Golf R will be about 150 pounds lighter than the current model.

Expect the new generation Volkswagen Golf R to be unveiled sometime in 2013.

Click past the jump to see what vehicles the new GolfR will have to fend off in the future.

Competition

Ford Focus ST

The latest addition to the Focus lineup - the new ST version - made its world debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The model is powered by an updated version of the company’s 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine with 250 horsepower. So if the new Golf R really does develop 300 horsepower, the new Focus ST will be in some trouble.

Prices for the Focus ST start at $23,700.

Mazdaspeed 3

It’s been a while since the Mazdaspeed 3 received any updates, but a new-generation Mazda 3 is just around the corner and we anticipate a power hike that’ll rival the Golf R.

The current model is powered by a 2.3-liter four-cylinder MZR DISI Turbo engine that produces a total output of 263 horsepower. In the U.S. market, the Mazdaspeed3 is priced from $24,200.