Your Next Family Hauler? Ultra Hot Audi Powered 5 Cylinder Tiguan R Caught Testing At Nürburgring

The Volkswagen Tiguan will gain an R-badged hot model, which has been spotted testing at the Nürburgring with a five-cylinder engine. 

Although VW remains tight-lipped on the details, VW boss Herbert Diess previously revealed to Autocar that there is room in the R brand for expansion, with the first model most likely to be an SUV. Diess said that the Tiguan and other SUVs would not get GTI-badged cars, as the GTI brand will only be expanded as far as the new Up GTI.

The GTE brand is also has room for growth, said Diess, so a Tiguan GTE, as well as a T-Roc GTE are on the horizon.

MDarringer - 8/22/2017 8:14:32 AM

-3 Boost

This is another example of how VW just doesn't get it. A Tiguan that would likely cost at least $45K is a product that VW thinks is brilliant, but no one asked for.

hangtime010 - 8/22/2017 9:44:10 AM

+1 Boost

You mean like the RAV4 v6?
That lasted only a few years on the market and now it's gone. I think that model was even outsold by the Acura RL.
Not sure how well this performance Tiguan will do, but I believe it'll bring people to the showroom.

atc98092 - 8/22/2017 11:03:53 AM

+7 Boost

Considering the complaints about the power of the new Tiguan, an R model might sell. But yeah, the price has to be controlled.

malba2367 - 8/22/2017 1:00:11 PM

+4 Boost

Even if they only sell a few thousand of these it'll make money. There is not much investment in putting an existing engine into he Tiguan. Also, showing the tricked out model on commercials might drive some customers into the dealership to take a look.

TomM - 8/22/2017 4:18:35 PM

+1 Boost

Actually -there is cost to this - since it will have to be emission checked as well as crash tested. While once upon a time - adding a larger engine was just that - today - there are not only certification costs - but also marketing costs. ANd if they DON"T market it - it won't sell either.

atc98092 - 8/23/2017 7:14:02 AM

+2 Boost

Tom, not 100% certain that a new crash test would be required. I tried searching for what changes trigger new testing, but was unable to find anything. I can certainly see a significant change requiring a new test, such as moving from an in-line 4 to a V6, but from a four to five cylinder there's very little overall size and weight change.

MDarringer - 8/23/2017 8:20:07 AM

+4 Boost

It isn't.

atc98092 - 8/23/2017 4:02:03 PM

+2 Boost

Only in their tune. The Audi 5 cylinder is much more powerful than what VW offers.