For at least a decade now the “R” model identifier has referred to the most powerful Volkswagen cars in the compact class. So far, they have always been cars with solid steel roofs and some with sliding sunroofs. Now, Volkswagen is introducing an open-top R model for the first time: the new Golf R Cabriolet. This sports car will be delivered to customers by spring 2013; and these early purchasers will be driving the most powerful and fastest Golf Cabriolet cars ever. Tremendous propulsive power is generated by a 2.0-litre turbo engine with direct petrol injection (TSI) that develops 195 kW / 265 PS. Maximum torque is just as important to dynamic performance: from a low 2,500 rpm, the crankshaft of the TSI thrusts 350 Nm of torque to the standard 6-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG). This high torque level remains constant up to 5,000 rpm: an impressive torque characteristic and highly agile handling properties are key ingredients of the new Golf R Cabriolet.

6.4 seconds and 8.2 litre fuel consumption. Drivers who make use of the car’s full power potential can accelerate the open-top Golf to 100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds. The car’s top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. The 6-speed DSG is an ideal partner here, shifting quickly and without any interruptions in power transfer. Since the open-top sports car already has lots of power at the lowest revs, and the engine very seldom needs to rev fast, fuel consumption is lower than would be expected for such a high powered car: 8.2 l/100 km (equivalent to 190 g/km CO2).

Exclusive standard features. As the new range-topping Golf Cabriolet model, in additional to offering standard features such as rollover protection, this model will also feature bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED rear lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, sport seats (front), leather upholstery, automatic climate control, audio system with CD player, sport chassis and bumpers with a unique motorsport design. However, another key feature of this Golf Cabriolet is its soft top, which ensures a refined drive even when driving at the highest of speeds. It has a standard electro-hydraulic opening mechanism that opens the roof in 9.0 seconds. The exceptionally sporty and well-equipped Golf R Cabriolet will cost 43,325 euros in its domestic market of Germany.

Volkswagen has traveled to the annual Wörthersee show in Austria to unveil the Design Vision GTI, a concept car designed exclusively for track use.

The Design Vision packs 503 horsepower and 413 lb-ft. of torque - over twice the power of a regular-production GTI - thanks to a 3.0-liter TSI V6 that is twin-turbocharged and direct-injected. Linked to a DSG gearbox that sends power to all four wheels, the six-cylinder mill propels the GTI from zero to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 186 mph.

Although just a concept, the car shares its MQB platform with the seventh-generation Golf which made it possible for engineers to move the front axle forward in order to increase the wheelbase.

Shorter, lower and wider than a regular GTI, the Design Vision is fitted with aggressive fender flares, carbon fiber trim all around and a functional air diffuser integrated into the rear bumper. The only images currently available are computer-generated sketches, but Volkswagen claims the car is realistic and can start racing tomorrow if the opportunity presents itself.

The cockpit is simple and uncluttered, a reflection of the car's track-centered vocation. It features a carbon fiber dashboard, two bucket seats and a screen that replaces the instrument cluster.

Volkswagen has not revealed that the future holds for the concept, but it is likely little more than a one-off like the wild Golf W12 that was presented at the 2007 edition of the Wörthersee gathering.

Volkswagen has been making R-badged Golfs for longer than you might think. In fact, what you're looking at here is the fourth such model. But while previous generations have moved the power game incrementally forward, this latest version moves it on by leaps and bounds.

Set to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, now just weeks away, the new Golf R packs a prodigious 296 horsepower. That's not just more than the 286 hp we expected or more than a proportionate increase over its predecessors: Compare that figure to the 237 hp in the first Golf R32, the 247 hp in the one that followed and the 261 hp in the outgoing Golf R, and you'll realize that the new output doesn't just represent a bigger leap than Volkswagen R GmbH has ever taken before, it's bigger than the entire progress of the line until now.

The power (and its accompanying 280 pound-feet of torque) is once again channeled to all four wheels through a Haldex system and either a six-speed manual or dual-clutch transmission, although it remains to be seen which will make the transatlantic voyage Stateside and when. The suspension is dropped by 0.78 inches compared to the Mk7 Golf upon which it's based (0.2 inches lower than the GTI), the aero kit looks similar to the R-line package we've seen before, dual exhaust pipes protrude from the diffuser in the back and buyers can opt for 18- or 19-inch wheels.

Volkswagen hasn't let us inside just yet, having revealed just two exterior shots and a pair of design renderings. However, VW specifies textile seats with Alcantara bolsters and optional Nappa leather, replete with carbon trim and R logos abounding. Scope out the full press release below and watch this space for more as Frankfurt approaches as quickly as a 300-horsepower hot hatch in your rearview.

Volkswagen published the first official details about the next generation of its potent Golf R. The car is scheduled to make its public debut at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show.

Based on the seventh-generation Golf that debuted in Paris last year, the range-topping R model is equipped with a variation of the 2.0-liter TSI four-cylinder engine that is found under the hood of the Audi S3. Linked to either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional dual-clutch unit, the four-banger sends 300 horsepower to all four wheels via the latest generation of Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive system.

Equipped with the six-speed manual gearbox, the Golf R sprints from zero to 62 mph in 5.1 seconds. The dual-clutch transmission lowers the time to 4.9 seconds. Track-tuned brakes, a lowered and stiffened suspension and an optional active chassis help keep the cavalry in check.

The R returns 33 mpg in a mixed European cycle and emits 165 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

Visually, the next R gains bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lamps, LED tail lamps, bespoke bumpers and side skirts, large alloy wheels and four chromed exhaust tips.

Interior pictures are not available but Volkswagen promises the hot hatch features Alcantara upholstery, ambient lighting, a three-spoke sport steering wheel and a touch screen-based infotainment system.

Available as either a three-door or a five-door hatchback, the Golf R will land in German showrooms later this year with a base price of €38,325 (about $51,000). U.S. pricing will be available closer to the car's on-sale date.

It is the year of the Golf. The first six months of 2013 have already seen the debuts of the new Golf GTI, Golf GTD, Golf Estate and Golf TDI BlueMotion. Now, Volkswagen is continuing its Golf product offensive with the flagship of the model series – the new Golf R.

The sports car is powered by a newly designed 300 PS TSI (221 kW), which is 30 PS stronger but up to 18 per cent more fuel efficient than that in the previous model. Like all three previous Golf R models, the new model also transfers its turbocharged engine power to the road via a permanent all-wheel drive system; in this case, it is the latest version of the 4MOTION system with a fifth-generation Haldex coupling.

Delivering pure dynamic performance are a newly configured sport suspension system (body height lowered by 20 mm), the new progressive steering system and "ESC Sport" – which can now be fully deactivated for driving on a race track. Optional highlights include the further developed DCC dynamic chassis control system with the driving profile selector that features a new Race mode.

The Golf R with a manual gearbox reaches 100 km/h after just 5.1 seconds (previous model: 5.7 s); with an automatic dual clutch gearbox (DSG) the sports car completes the classic sprint in an even faster 4.9 seconds. The car's top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. Despite the car's exceptionally agile driving performance and 30 PS more power, fuel consumption of the Golf R was reduced from 8.5 to 7.1 l/100 km compared to that of the previous model.
CO2 emissions were also improved from 199 to 165 g/km. Even more fuel efficient is the Golf R that is equipped with a Stop-Start system and battery regeneration, together with the optional 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG). In this configuration, fuel consumption is 6.9 l/100 km (159 g/km CO2). Fuel savings compared to the previous model with DSG (8.4 l/100 km) are 1.5 l/100 km, which represents the mentioned 18 per cent improvement.

The new Golf R is equipped with an extensive package of customised and exclusive features. Along with specially designed bumpers, side sills and 18-inch alloy wheels, the Golf R can also be visually distinguished as an impressive sports car by details such as standard bi-xenon headlights with newly designed LED daytime running lights (in dual-U design), dark red LED rear lights and two-branch exhaust system with four chrome tailpipes. Inside, the Golf R underlines its position as the flagship of the model range with sport seats in a "fabric-Alcantara" material mix, leather-trimmed three-spoke sport steering wheel, ambience lighting, automatic climate control and a radio-CD system with touchscreen.

The market launch of the most powerful and fuel-efficient Golf R as a two and four-door car will take place in the fourth quarter of this year.