Volkswagen Arteon R – to get 400 hp from a new VR6?

As a successor to the Volkswagen Passat CC, the Arteon is one variant shy to completing the model line-up – it’s missing the range-topping, V6-powered R.

Well, apparently not, at least not for long. Speaking to Car Throttle at the UK launch of the new Polo GTI, Volkswagen’s product line spokesperson, Martin Hube confirmed that there’s an ongoing development of a new 3.0-litre turbocharged VR6, an engine that will slot above the 2.5 litre turbo used in its Atlas SUV (known as the Teramont in China).

The VR6 is no stranger to the Volkswagen family, having been used in dozens of models (including some of the W12-powered Bentleys, which simply is a 12-cylinder engine formed by combining two VR6s) since the 1980s. The new narrow-angled V6 produces 404 hp, and there’s already a prototype Arteon fitted with it.

“I’m totally convinced that this combination is extremely nice. We’ve combined it with the last version of the Haldex [four-wheel drive system], where you can provoke a bit of oversteer. This is a real agile, powerful car,” says Hube. With over 400 hp at its disposal, highway jaunts will surely be fun, no? “You can beat all the Porsche Panameras out of your way,” Hube adds.

Currently, the Arteon can be had in three engine options, starting with the 1.5 litre TSI Evo (used in the new Golf) to the 2.0 litre TSI and a 2.0 TDI. The last two engines come in several states of tune, and customers get a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG, depending on the model.

However, due to a variety of reasons, the Arteon R – which is currently being “considered” by Wolfsburg – will probably not hit the UK market. The good news is, the Arteon will be “launched in practically every country in the world that is relevant to this vehicle class,” according to Volkswagen. The bigger question now is, when will it come to Malaysia?

GALLERY: 2018 Volkswagen Arteon

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