Volkswagen T-Roc R confirmed for 2027

Volkswagen unveiled the second-generation T-Roc last week, and the brand’s chief executive, Thomas Schäfer, has already confirmed that a T-Roc R will arrive in 2027.

“For all the petrolheads out there, we’re going to bring a really powerful T-Roc,” the executive announced. At present, the Golf R is the marque’s only model to wear the iconic R badge.

What do we know about the Volkswagen T-Roc R?

Volkswagen has not yet disclosed the engine details for the forthcoming T-Roc R, although there is one clear contender: the EA888 engine already used by the Golf GTI and Golf R, and previously fitted to the original T-Roc R.

This is a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder unit, producing up to 333 PS in the Golf R; in the T-Roc R, it delivered 300 PS. Whether it will match the Golf R’s output remains to be confirmed. One thing is certain, however: it will be the most powerful production car ever built in Portugal.

Drivetrain and mild-hybrid technology

As with the current T-Roc R, the new model will pair a dual-clutch automatic gearbox (DSG) with four-wheel drive (4MOTION).

The new development is that the R, like every new Volkswagen T-Roc, will also be electrified. It is expected to take the mildest form, with a 48 V mild-hybrid system. Whether this light electrification will allow the 2.0 TSI to be pushed further has yet to be confirmed.

What else can be expected?

It should also feature a more aggressive look, while being more clearly distinguished from T-Roc R-Line versions.

That is what Stefan Wallburg, head of exterior design, told Autocar: “Our task is to create a strategy to differentiate R and R-Line, because R customers expect a little bit more than R-Line.”