URGENT UPDATE: Volkswagen has just announced the highly anticipated T-Roc R, a performance SUV set to dominate the market by 2027. This powerful model is based on the popular Golf, which has been a game-changer for the brand, achieving 170,931 units sold in Europe this year alone, making it the fourth best-selling model across the continent.
Deliveries of the new T-Roc are commencing this month, with VW already teasing the performance-focused R variant, which remains under wraps but promises thrilling enhancements. Up-close images reveal an aggressive design with upgraded features, including 20-inch forged wheels and an impressive Akrapovič quad-exhaust setup, signaling that this is no ordinary crossover.
Under the hood, the T-Roc R is set to share a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine with the latest Golf R, delivering a robust 328 hp and 295 lb-ft (420 Newton-meters) of torque. However, the new model will introduce a mild-hybrid setup featuring a 48-volt system, aimed at enhancing efficiency while adhering to upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations. It’s crucial to note that while power outputs remain consistent with the Golf R, efficiency is the priority moving forward.
As Volkswagen pivots towards electrification, there are hints that the traditional internal combustion engine might not return for future models, including the next-generation Golf R. The existing model could continue until 2035, potentially requiring some level of electrification to meet stricter emissions rules as the automotive landscape evolves.
The T-Roc R will exclusively feature a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, as the beloved six-speed manual gearbox will not be offered. This aligns with VW’s strategy to provide a seamless driving experience, similar to that of the Golf R, which will also be available with 4Motion all-wheel drive.
Unfortunately, the T-Roc R will not be available in the U.S. market, following the trend for VW’s high-performance models, including the Golf R wagon. Meanwhile, the brand is progressing towards the end of production for the Touareg R, with an expected cessation in 2026.
Looking ahead, the future appears electrifying for Volkswagen’s R division, with the potential introduction of a fully electric R model on the horizon. The company has already teased a combustion-free Polo GTI, paving the way for a performance line powered solely by electric motors.
With the launch of the T-Roc R, Volkswagen is poised to solidify its position in the performance SUV market, appealing to enthusiasts and eco-conscious drivers alike. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and get ready for a new chapter in VW’s illustrious history of high-performance vehicles.
