Next-gen Volkswagen Golf R to miss out on hybrid power

An advanced electrified powertrain has been ruled out for the eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf R, carsales can reveal.

The flagship Golf, beloved of performance car enthusiasts, was rumoured to come with a new 48-volt mild-hybrid turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder powertrain, but that's no longer the case according to a senior Volkswagen insider at the Frankfurt motor show.

Instead, the Volkswagen Golf R Mk8 -- based on the eighth-generation VW Golf due on sale next year -- will come with a heavily revised version of the current model's EA888 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with either the 12-volt or 48-volt electric assistance to be in introduced throughout the rest of the non-performance Golf range.

It's not known how much power the new Golf R will come with, but it's safe to say the 2020 Golf R will offer at least 240kW to help it fight off its close rivals, although according the VW insider exact specifications are yet to be fixed for the next Golf R, which should again share its powertrain with the next Audi S3.

Like before, the flagship Golf will get all-wheel drive, matched to a development of the current car's seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

With a slight reduction in weight, a more advanced launch control system and AWD traction, the new Golf R should hit 100km/h in around four seconds and top 260km/h.

For the first time an even more hard-core 300kW Golf R Plus will also join the line-up that will offer even more impressive performance and a 0-100km/h time that could dip below 4.0sec and top 280km/h, making it a strong rival for the new Mercedes-AMG A 45.

That car is set to arrive later in 2021, following the launch of the Mk8 VW Golf GTI and R.