Volkswagen caught testing hotter Golf R 400

Volkswagen caught testing hotter Golf R 400Image Credit: CarPixImage Credit: CarPixImage Credit: CarPixImage Credit: CarPixImage Credit: CarPixImage Credit: CarPixImage Credit: CarPixImage Credit: CarPixImage Credit: CarPixImage Credit: CarPix2015 Golf RMSRP$36,595ShopReviewsMore PhotosVolkswagen Golf R Touch Concept2015 Volkswagen Golf R: Second DriveVolkswagen Golf R400 Concept: LA 20142015 Volkswagen Golf R Variant: LA 2014Volkswagen Golf R VariantVolkswagen Golf R Wagon: Spy ShotsSteven J. Ewing

We're getting closer, folks. Last we heard, Volkswagen gave its super-hot Golf R 400 the green light for production. And before that, we were told that if the car got the go-ahead, it would be offered in the United States. So here we are, with a fresh set of spy shots showing what we believe to be the R 400 out testing. Here's one dream that might just be coming true.

The prototype seen here sports bigger brakes, different wheels, very low-profile tires, a front lip spoiler, and a wing around back – that last bit looks to be borrowed from the GTI Clubsport. It's not nearly as outrageous-looking as the original R 400 concept, but that's okay with us. Volkswagen's production hot hatches have always been pretty subtle. We love a good sleeper.

Under the hood, expect a turbocharged powertrain tuned up to over 400 horsepower. It'll be mated to a dual-clutch transmission and 4Motion all-wheel drive – two parts of the current Golf R package that work very, very well.

There's no telling exactly when we'll see the production Golf R 400, assuming it's actually, really, finally happening. All we can do now is wait. And salivate.Featured GalleryVolkswagen Golf R 400: Spy Shots

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Ford Focus RS Prototype Caught Testing in the Mile-High City

We still have until spring 2016 before the Ford Focus RS lands in U.S. dealerships, but eagle-eyed reader Travis Hinde has spotted an RS prototype testing in Denver, Colo. Seeing the car under the bright lights of an auto show is one thing, but it's quite another to see it out in the daylight on American roads. More on Motortrend.com:2015 Ford Focus ST First Test The details that give this tester away as an RS model are the large, roof-mounted wing, multi-spoke alloy wheels, and unique rear bumper. Look closely at the wing and wheels and you can even see the RS logo stamped on them. Some kind of instrumentation can be seen on the roof, along with two probes protruding from beneath the passenger rocker panel. It's likely the mule was conducting high-altitude testing. Though we know a lot about the all-wheel-drive Focus RS, we still don't know its exact power output. Ford has so far only said the RS will make "well in excess of 315 hp." The hot hatch will be powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 derived from the unit found in the Ford Mustang, and will drive all four wheels using a multi-clutch all-wheel drive system that can vary torque from front to back and side to side. The RS will also benefit from brake-based torque vectoring. More on Automobilemag.com:2015 Ford Focus Titanium Hatchback Review Since we're still several months out from driving Ford's hottest hot hatch, seeing this uncamouflaged prototype driving on U.S. soil makes the RS seem so close and yet so far. Photo Credit: Travis Hinde More on Automotive.com:2015 Ford Focus Debut

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