The Volkswagen T-Roc exists less than a year, but this hasn’t prevented the car manufacturer to make the small crossover even better. Well, to be more precise, the job is not done yet, but it will be when the German carmaker introduces the high-performance 2019 Volkswagen T-Roc R.
The prototype of the hotter T-Roc has been spotted testing near the Nürburgring race track in Germany. The crossover is likely using the Golf R’s engine, which means that the potential buyers can expect 292 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, or even 305 hp and 295 lb-ft from the amazing 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 mill. Either way, the hot engine will be mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The powertrain should enable a pretty fast 0 to 60 mph sprint. We expect to be under 5 seconds, but let’s wait for official results.
Aside it is going to use the amazing powertrain the 2019 Volkswagen T-Roc R will also host some other performance goodies. Up front, the SUV sports a different grille treatment, as well as enlarged air intakes. The rear fascia is also a bit redesigned. There’s a small diffuser insert between the separate pairs of exhaust tips. The bigger wheels will most likely be paired with larger brakes when the production model arrives. Plus, VW won’t miss the chance to add some hot details across the cabin.
Since the 2019 VW T-Roc R has been spotted without any camouflage the official debut can’t be too far. Even though the crossover appears to be a worthy rival of the best compact SUVs in North America it will not be available here. Instead, the German car manufacturer has a different plan for the U.S. which involves an Atlas-based small SUV.