VW Arteon R spied during tests

The performance version of the Volkswagen Arteon fastback will celebrate its official premiere late this year, followed by the estate/wagon variant early next year. In the meantime, let us look at the spy shots.

The Arteon Shooting Brake (this is the terminology VW uses for the wagon) sports an elongated roof design with a slanted rear. The company claims these features lend it ‘utility and aggressive appearance.’

The car comes powered by the same 2.0-liter turbo-four engine as the Golf R. The numbers aren’t there yet, but rumors say it will produce 325 hp (242 kW) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. A seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission will send the momentum to all four wheels. An earlier rumor, which claimed that the Arteon R would feature a VR6 twin-turbo and 404 hp (300 kW), seems debunked at this time.

Watch the video if you need reminding what the non-R VW Arteon looks like.