As Volkswagen was busy launching the new version of its Golf GTi, engineers were already busy testing an even sportier version of the fifth generation Golf.
Seen here for the first time in the open is the replacement of the former superhatch Golf R32 doing high-speed testing at Germany's Nürburgring racetrack. This time, however, it's going to be known as the R34.
The Golf R34 will be powered by a 3.4-litre V-6 engine with 270 horsepower. Top speed is estimated to rate around 152 mph (245 km/h). Again the new R34 will be equipped with 4Motion AWD and will be offered with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
From the outside, the new version can be distinguished from the GTi by its two big mid-mounted exhaust pipes.
The car's front and rear skirts have a different shape as well. The R34 is scheduled for launch at next year's Frankfurt Motor Show, and another even more powerful R36 version delivering 290 bhp is said to be in the works for 2007.
