While the Volkswagen Golf R has yet to go on sale in the United States, although it already made its debut at the Detroit Auto Show->ke222 in January, the Wolfsburg crew has unveiled an even more powerful version of the hot hatch->ke304. Dubbed the Golf R 400, the new machine made its official debut at the Beijing Auto Show->ke2062 as a concept car->ke169 that takes the familiar Golf design and wraps it into a more assertive package with significantly more power under the hood.

Although Volkswagen->ke94 isn't the type of automaker that looks back on past models when designing new vehicles, the R 400 Concept showed up in China with exterior cues taken from two of its most important hatches -- the Rallye Golf G60 built in the late 1980s and the VR6-powered R32 model based on the fourth-generation Golf->ke164.

Apparently Volkswagen doesn't plan to put the Golf R 400 into production anytime soon, but the concept car is worth looking into as some of its design features and technologies are likely to go mainstream.

Click past the jump to read more about the Volkswagen Golf R 400 Concept.

2014 Volkswagen Golf R 400 Concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Volkswagen Golf R 400 Concept
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 395
  • Torque: 332
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Based on the standard Golf R, the R 400 Concept takes the production model's looks to a new level, hinting that the front hood hides more than the 298 horses available on the already beefed-up model.

For starters, the concept vehicle is 20 mm (0.8 inches) wider on each side, thanks to the flared wheel arches that are reminiscent of the limited production Rallye Golf G60 that was sold in 1988. Adding to the car's mean and sleek stance are the redesigned two-tone front bumper, the carbon-fiber splitter, the gloss black grille and the horizontal yellow stripe that goes from one headlamp to the other.

Around back, a reshaped rear bumper comes with new vents and dark grey accents and a diffuser. The aerodynamic unit includes center-mounted twin exhaust pipes, a different layout than the regular four-tailpipe setup seen on the production Golf R. The exterior is rounded off by unique 19-inch alloy wheels with gloss black inserts and a Silver Flake metallic paint job complemented by a gloss black roof and carbon mirror caps.

2014 Volkswagen Golf R

Interior

The Golf R 400's interior is not overly different when compared to the regular Golf R's cabin, but it does sport a number of additional features that enable it to stand out. The most noticeable additions are the motorsport shell seats that come with integrated head restraints and belt openings. Wrapped in cross-quilted Alcantara panels and "carbon leather", the seats wear an embroidered R logo and contrast yellow stitching.

Nothing else has been changed save for more yellow stitching on the steering wheel, the shifter and the floor mats and similar inserts on the doors. The instrument cluster was also gifted with Lemon Yellow surrounds and details.

Drivetrain

The most important change lies under the hood, where Volkswagen's high-performance R division managed to squeeze 395 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque out of the turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. These figures were achieved with help from a brand-new turbocharger featuring a higher maximum charge pressure and a reinforced crankcase.

Volkswagen decline to offer any actual details, but did say that the mill, which is also fitted with a water-cooled exhaust gas feed and variable valve control with dual camshaft adjustment, not only offers better performance, but provides improved fuel economy as well. Whether this new turbocharger will be seen in future production vehicles or not is unknown at the time of this writing, but we have a feeling it will be offered to the masses pretty soon.

Mated to the familiar six-speed DSG transmission available in so many VWs and Audis, the unit reportedly enables the Golf R 400 Concept to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds -- a full second faster than the production Golf R -- on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 174 miles per hour.

Unfortunately, Volkswagen didn't say anything about the vehicle's chassis updates. With more power under the hood, an upgraded suspension system and improved brakes are mandatory for all that horsepower to provide the expected results.

2014 Volkswagen Golf R 400 Concept - Drivetrain Specifications

Engine Type

EA888 2.0L 4-Cyl Turbo

Horsepower (HP @ RPM)

395 @ TBA (400 PS @ TBA)

Torque (LB-FT @ RPM)

332 (450 Nm) @ 2,400 - 6,000

Acceleration (0-62 MPH)

3.9 Sec

Top Speed (Electronically Limited)

174 MPH


Just a Concept or a Glimpse into the Future?

Quoting Volkswagen, the Golf R 400 Concept is only a concept car that won't see an assembly line too soon. However, putting it into production wouldn't be too much of a hassle, as the vehicle is pretty much ready for assembly, with very few prototype parts. The question is whether Volkswagen really needs an even more hotter hatch above the Golf R with a price tag north of $35,000. On the other hand, a slightly detuned version of the concept could give the 360-horsepower Audi RS3 a run for its money. And we all know that VW has no issue pitting its many brands against one another.

Conclusion

Given the Volkswagen Golf's success worldwide, it's not surprising that the German automaker is pondering a more powerful version of the its iconic hatch. The R 400 has what it takes to become a show stopper in its segment, but we all know that the road from concept to production car is long and bumpy, even when the former is far from being extreme.