With the eighth generation of Volkswagen's Golf just around the corner, rumours of the 400HP Golf R Plus have started to swirl again.
While it has been reported that this model is yet to be given the green light for production, the German manufacturer has been thinking about producing the R400 for a few years now.
We saw Volkswagen announce the R400 Concept back in 2015, but unfortunately, the vehicle remained a concept. The R400's engine produced 294kW and 450Nm, and was set to become a crowd favourite until Volkswagen put the project on hold after the dieselgate scandal.
While no official announcements have been made, reports of prototype 400hp Golf models being tested have been confirmed by Volkswagen's head office.
Currently, the Golf R is the highest spec car in the Golf line-up, featuring a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 238kW, it is a very hot hatch. But with Mercedes-AMG announcing the new 400hp A45, it looks like Volkswagen might have to step their game up.
Just like the Golf R, the Plus is expected to get its power to the ground through an all-wheel-drive system that is paired with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission.
Considering the similarities between this powertrain and the A45's, one would hope that the R Plus would receive the same power delivery options of the AMG, including the hair-raising drift mode.
Despite confirming that 400hp Golf R prototypes were being tested, Volkswagen's R division chief, recently said that a 400hp model wasn't on the way.
While we can hope that something changes in that head office, it looks like the legendary 400hp Golf won't be hitting showroom floors anytime soon.