Here’s Why This Impressive Safari Golf R Test Mule Is Not What You Expect

      Statesidesupercars/YouTube

      Footage of a raised Volkswagen Golf R pushing its limits on the Nürburgring has sparked rumors that Wolfsburg may be preparing to introduce an off-road version of the hot hatch. While it would be an exciting way to conclude the R lineup, the chances of a lifted Golf appearing in a VW showroom are almost nonexistent. The test vehicle featured in the Statesidesupercars video is likely a preview of a different high-performance VW model.

      To start with the details, this is a current-generation Golf R that has been modified with wheel arch flares suggesting a wider track. It has greater ground clearance than the standard Golf R and exhibits more body roll as it navigates the challenging track at speed. The grille, bumpers, doors, and hatch appear to be standard components, but the fuel filler cap protrudes from the quarter panel.

      At first glance, it seems like VW might be on the verge of launching a lifted, rally-inspired Golf R. While this concept may sound unusual, the idea of a lifted Lamborghini Huracán was equally surprising, yet it came to fruition. Porsche has also done something similar with the 911 Dakar, so why shouldn’t VW? The company has a history of building Golf-based rally cars, including a notable prototype from the second generation powered by two GTI engines designed for Pikes Peak.

      Although we would love to see a safari-style Golf R, what we're actually observing might be something different.

      Volkswagen has not made any statements regarding the prototype, leading to speculation. One detail we can be fairly certain about is that the lifted Golf is owned by VW, as indicated by its registration number that begins with BS, which is associated with Brunswick, Germany. Many of the test mules spotted over the years were registered there as well. Interestingly, the first VW factory was located in Brunswick rather than Wolfsburg, and the company still operates a components factory there, including a research and development center.

      The Golf in question appears at 2:05:

      This suggests that it’s unlikely a random individual is creating a Golf R for fun. Nevertheless, I remain skeptical that this is a preview of a lifted, rally-spec Golf R. Although it’s easy to link off-road modifications on a hot hatch to rallying, one must remember that the broader track and elevated ride height also distinguish hatchbacks from crossovers. Additionally, there's no reason for a potential Golf R Rally to feature a modified fuel filler, which indicates that the production version would need a significantly wider body than the standard model, requiring extensive re-engineering. For what purpose? A limited-edition version of a car that is nearing the end of its lifecycle? Unlikely.

      Upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that the fuel filler extension aligns almost perfectly with the rear passenger-side wheel arch flare. Consequently, this is likely a test mule for a model that shares some components with the current Golf, and I suspect it could be a crossover. The modular MQB Evo architecture that underpins the eighth-generation Golf is also utilized in the Tiguan, Caddy, and Passat, among other models, and this list will expand with the upcoming second-generation T-Roc, which is set to debut before year’s end. While the name may not be familiar in the United States, in Europe, the T-Roc is positioned as a crossover alternative to the Golf, making it significant for VW.

      The dimensions of the new model haven't been revealed yet, but the current T-Roc rides on a wheelbase approximately 1.5 inches shorter than the seventh-generation Golf. It measures about an inch shorter from bumper to bumper and an inch wider. It stands to reason that the upcoming model will maintain similar proportions compared to the Golf on which it is based. If this is indeed a T-Roc mule, why use a Golf R body? The outgoing T-Roc R employs the same drivetrain as the Golf R, so it makes sense for the next iteration to do the same.

      Unfortunately, this probably isn’t a preview of a Golf R Rally, Safari, Wüste, or whatever term you may want to use. Instead, it likely indicates that a new T-Roc R is on the way.

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