A new Volkswagen Arteon R is on the way, aimed at giving the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 a run for its money.

Some brands seem to have sided with us, a side full of nostalgia and crying out for the return of sports cars as legendary as they were outlandish. Firms such as Toyota gave us hope with the arrival of the GR Yaris, a genuine pocket rocket that evokes those irrational hot hatchbacks of the 80s and 90s that we love so much. But it is not the only one to have joined this cause. Everything points to Volkswagen once again betting on sports saloons with the Arteon, a model that will receive an R variant.

Test mules spotted running in the snow have fuelled these rumours, and they have every chance of becoming reality. We must not forget that the ranks of the Wolfsburg company included iconic models such as the Passat W8, the Passat R36 and the Phaeton which, although it had no sporting pretensions, carried a W12 engine under its bonnet that made it a truly unique car.

After many years without a sports saloon in the Volkswagen line-up, it seems these dark times are coming to an end. The German firm is now seeking a balance built around electric vehicles and others with a far more rebellious character, yet just as committed to caring for the environment thanks to solutions such as hybridisation.

This supposed Arteon R could be a key link in this transition towards hybrid and mild-hybrid vehicles with concessions to sportiness. For now, besides a more exuberant styling in line with the R name, rumour has it that the coupé-style saloon will house the 2.9-litre V6 that once powered the Audi S5 and S4.

This same powerplant is still used across the Volkswagen Group, not only powering some members of Porsche but also today’s RS5 and RS4. If so, we could be talking about an Arteon fitted with this engine and with an important innovation: mild-hybrid technology. With this premise, we would be looking at a more efficient and effective evolution of that powerplant, traits that would be accentuated thanks to improved performance and reduced consumption and emissions.

We could be talking about a power output somewhat more restrained than that of the RS models from Audi; in other words, a figure capable of approaching 400 CV. Without a doubt, the return of a sports saloon powered by a V6 engine as in days gone by is an exciting and hopeful prospect, but for now we will have to wait for Volkswagen to make some statement on the matter.