Surprise: the Volkswagen Arteon is renewed on the 24th with a Shooting Brake variant and R

It was not long ago that test mules and leaks gave us a preview of the next move by Volkswagen, which features the Arteon as its star. The Wolfsburg-based brand launched a few years ago a coupe-style saloon capable of exuding a very attractive sporty spirit, but it lacked something. That “something” will now be resolved with the arrival of an R variant and the new Shooting Brake body style, features that will make the Volkswagen Arteon a more appealing product.

For now, the German brand has maintained an overwhelming silence regarding these two new variants of its sleek saloon. Two sketches give us a preview of both designs, with exaggerated lines yet faithful to the model we will see within weeks, ready to enter production and make contact with the asphalt.

In the case of the Shooting Brake variant, we can expect a design identical to that of the current Arteon but with slight aesthetic changes that will act as a restyle. The same will apply to the cabin, where Volkswagen will take the opportunity to introduce its most advanced technology; but the main difference will lie at the rear, where a fifth door will be placed, arising from a much longer and more streamlined C-pillar.

Mechanically, we expect the Arteon Shooting Brake to share engines with the standard Arteon, so both petrol and diesel variants will be present in this more practical version. However, it has not yet been confirmed whether the R version will also be available in the Shooting Brake carrying on the legacy of the exhilarating Passat R36 that once reigned in its segment.

Whatever the case, Volkswagen guarantees the arrival of an Arteon R that will restore the glow to the almost forgotten sporty saloons. Rumours suggest that a 2.9-litre V6 engine supported by mild-hybrid technology will power this more performance-oriented variant with an output that could be around 400 CV, a figure that is more than achievable for this engine given that it is found under the bonnets of the RS4 and RS5.

But it will be on the 24th of June when the German firm reveals both versions of the Arteon in full. With this in mind, Volkswagen is preparing to take a very important step with one of its flagship saloons, which will also be slightly renewed to keep up its position within the segment.