Volkswagen's Arteon is approaching the midpoint in its lifecycle, and the automaker is planning an update for the sultry fastback sedan that will include a number of new variants.
One of the new variants will be a high-performance Arteon R, a prototype for which has been spotted. The prototype is completely devoid of camouflage gear meaning the debut must be coming up shortly.
The Arteon R features a more aggressive front fascia with enlarged intakes on either side and a new front splitter. The car also sports an upgraded brake package with blue calipers, as well as a set of quad-exhaust tips. Both are signature traits of the Volkswagen R performance skunkworks.
Power is expected to reach just over 400 horsepower, generated by a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6, and drive should be to all four wheels via a dual-clutch transmission. The combination should be good for a 0-60 mph time of around 4.0 seconds. The Arteon's performance currently tops out at 268 hp, generated by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4.
2021 Volkswagen Arteon R spy shots - Photo credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
As mentioned earlier, the Arteon R will arrive alongside an updated version of the complete Arteon range. Among the updates pegged for the car are revised styling, a new dash design with a larger infotainment screen and more connectivity options, and possibly a tweaked all-wheel-drive system. There will also be a new shooting brake body style.
VW's updated Arteon is expected to be introduced later this year as a 2021 model. Sadly, we've heard that the Arteon R and Arteon shooting brake won't make it to the United States. That doesn't necessarily mean we won't see any new variants here; an Arteon plug-in hybrid is also in the works and still a chance for local sale.
