Do car brands really need intricate marketing plans if there are keenInstagrammerswho are all too happy to drip-feed fans tasty details of upcoming models? Following a spiedimageof a next-gen GTI, followed by the appearance of (what seemed to be) a screenshot of a Golf 8 product strategy document, cochespias has posted this…

As we reported last week, Volkswagen will roll out a quintet of performance derivatives of the Golf 8 around the globe over the next couple of years, including the GTI, GTI TCR, GTD and, of course, the flagship R. We’ll see the GTI, which will spearhead the Golf 8’s local introduction towards the end of 2020, in its full glory at the upcoming Geneva Show.

As for the Golf 8-version of the R, that probably won’t appear in South Africa before 2021, but what we DOknow, however, is that the upcoming AWD road rocket'sall-wheel drivetrain will be propelled by a 245 kW 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder mill. We wouldn’t be surprised if the 2021 Golf R could be quite capable of hurtlingfrom 0 to 100 kph in under 4.5 seconds…

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A post shared by CocheSpias (@cochespias) on Jan 24, 2020 at 2:02pm PST

Now Motor1.com reports that Instagrammer cochespias, who also posted the tantalising screenshot of the various upcoming performance Golfs’ peak outputs last week, has Instagrammed this image. It is said to have been taken in the vicinity of the Applus IDIADA proving ground near Barcelona, Spain.

It’s not a production version (it does not bear the redesigned R badge yet, for example) – and it would look suitably meaner if adorned with an eye-catching roof spoiler– but there is no mistaking the quartet of large-bore exhaust tips, however. Volkswagen is set to skip the Paris Show in October, but the Wolfsburg-based firm’s expected toreveal the upcoming R derivative fully around that time.

In case you’ve missed our earlier story, the 2020 Golf 8 GTI will have a peak output of 180 kW from its 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder motor. Power will be sent to the hot hatch’s front wheels via either the acclaimed DSG or a manual gearbox. Our love for the fast-shifting dual-clutch transmission means it's highly unlikely the manual version will be offered in SA.

Now here's where things get exciting… Last week’s document gave us the outputs of the Volkswagen Golf 8 TCR, which will come to market with a 221 kW 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The TCR’s peak power output compares favourably with the soon-to-be-launched Hyundai i30 N (202 kW) andvenerable Renault Megane RS280 (205 kW).

With 245 kW, the Golf R will be more than a match for the fresh duo of the Mercedes-AMG A35 and BMW M135i xDrive. But the rumour mill never stands still:Motor1.com also suggests that a “300-kW Golf 8 R Plus” might see the light of day at a later stage.Now THATshould be quite something– look out Mercedes-AMG A45 AMG!

Further reading:

2020 Volkswagen Golf R Outputs Confirmed

Volkswagen Golf 8 – 3 Things You Need to Know

Volkswagen Golf 8 (2020) International Launch Review

2020 Volkswagen Golf 8 Officially Revealed

Volkswagen Golf 8 (2020) SA Launch Details [w/Video]