2014 Volkswagen Golf R prototype makes its first appearance

Here we have spy shots of the 2014 Mk7 Volkswagen Golf R, the high-flying variant of the hatchback mainstay that will change the way things are done in the Golf world. Built on Volkswagen's next-generation MQB chassis, officials say the 2014 Golf will be about 150 pounds (68 kg) lighter than the current model.

The present Golf R makes 256 horsepower from its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, but with 260 horsepower expected in the next GTI, the Golf R will certainly push the bar higher. The question is, how will the bar be pushed? Ulrich Riestenpatt gt. Richter, Executive Director of VW's R division, told us last year that "The future is diesel and all-wheel-drive," so if there's an oil-burner under the hood, don't be surprised. Either way, power will get to all four wheels via six-speed manual or a dual-clutch DSG gearbox.

Even the snakeskin camo on this Volkswagen prototype can't hide the dual character lines down the sides of the car, but otherwise, the design is still a surprise. An intercooler and radar for apaptive cruise control have been spotted, and remarkably low profile tires, larger brakes and quad pipes make no secret of what this car will be for.

Click here to get a closer look in our high-res gallery above.