Volkswagen has announced that they will be adding a sporty model division to their lineup. The Volkswagen R GmbH division was developed and is expected to turn out sportier versions of Volkswagen’s existing models using the R and R Line names. Examples of that are the already previewed Volkswagen Golf R and Volkswagen Scirocco R. Europe is also seeing the Passat CC R Line that was previewed at the Detroit Auto Show->ke222.

Volkswagen undoubtedly wants to take advantage of the popularity behind the BMW M series->ke546 and the Mercedes AMG division->ke187 by creating a separate division of their own. Their vision is to supply the market with an answer to its demand for “individualised vehicles with contemporary sportiness and exclusivity.” Volkswagen R GmbH will be responsible for developing, implementing, and selling the R and R Line cars. These cars will be “turbocharged” versions of their already existing models and will also come with unique R line packages as well as Volkswagen exclusive items.

We expect the Volkswagen Golf R to hit the US market in late 2011 and hope the next R Line model follows shortly thereafter.

Check out the press release after the jump.

Press Release

The Volkswagen R GmbH will be the specialist for sporty exclusive models from Volkswagen in the future. Volkswagen AG has bundled the responsibilities and competencies for development, implementations and sales of individualized vehicle offers into Volkswagen R GmbH. For example, its portfolio includes the two new top models, the Scirocco R and the Golf R as well as the dynamic R Line design packages and luxurious Volkswagen Exclusive items.

“Our vehicles contribute to the emotionalisation and growth of Volkswagen brand,” explained Ulrich Riestenpatt gt. Richter, General Manager of Volkswagen R GmbH.

The company's name, Volkswagen R GmbH, responds to the increased global demand for individualised vehicles with contemporary sportiness and exclusivity. The sporty positioning will be reflected more intensely in the programme of Volkswagen R in the mid and long term. The company has its headquarters in Warmenau near Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen R GmbH employs a staff of more than 350.