Volkswagen Tiguan R, the powered-up SUV could arrive in September

The Volkswagen Tiguan R could be ready to join the R family, thus becoming the second high-performance SUV from the brand. This future powered-up SUV would hit the market alongside the recently unveiled Volkswagen T-Roc R and the Volkswagen Golf R Plus, which could reach 400 CV.

This is not the first time the Volkswagen Tiguan R has been spotted running without any type of camouflage. It is worth remembering that testing of this model began in 2016 at the Nürburgring circuit. Will 2019 be the year chosen for the launch of this SUV from the R family of Volkswagen?

As can be seen in the spy photos, the Volkswagen Tiguan R shares the same bodywork and alloy wheels as the Volkswagen Tiguan models in the R-Line trim. If fans of the brand expected to see big differences, they will have to wait for the official presentation. The only detail that sets it apart, so far, is the four exhaust outlets.

The Volkswagen Tiguan R: which engine will it use?

Another of the big secrets surrounding the second powered-up SUV from Volkswagen is its drivetrain. At first, everything pointed to it using the 300 CV 2.0-litre turbo TFSI engine from the Volkswagen Golf R. But months later, another Volkswagen Tiguan test mule was spotted equipped with a five-cylinder turbo engine, which would probably be the 2.5-litre unit from Audi.

The four exhaust outlets suggest it could be powered by the Volkswagen Golf R’s engine, with 4Motion all-wheel drive and a DSG gearbox, so the idea that it will use a Audi engine may be unlikely. Even so, Volkswagen could decide to increase production of the 2.0-litre engine, tuned to offer more horsepower. In this way, the Volkswagen Tiguan R would have a major advantage over its smaller sibling, the Volkswagen T-Roc R.

It is quite possible that the Volkswagen Tiguan R and the Volkswagen T-Roc R will not be alone in the family, as an Volkswagen Arteon R could also arrive. For now the price is unknown, but it may be more expensive than the T-Roc R yet cheaper than the Audi Q3 RS.

Although there are no official dates yet, some sources claim the German brand could unveil the model later this year, with its official debut possibly taking place in September, at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Volkswagen T-Roc R, the little brother

The little brother of the Volkswagen Tiguan R is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo engine producing 300 CV and 400 Nm of peak torque. The unit is designated EA888 and is paired with a DSG automatic gearbox. This engine comes from the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S.

The Volkswagen T-Roc R features 4Motion all-wheel drive and a seven-speed DSG gearbox. These figures allow it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 km/h.

Just like the second powered-up SUV of the Volkswagen R family, it features four exhaust outlets. This suggests its sound will leave no one indifferent.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverVolkswagen Tiguan14 versions · from 36,150 €