Exclusive Golf R 400 concept accomplishes century sprint in 3.9 seconds

Volkswagen believes the new Golf R is the sharpest production Golf ever and one of the most agile sports cars in its class. Still, Volkswagen has demonstrated at Auto China 2014 the limits of the hot hatch can be stretched through the world premiere of the Golf R 400 concept car in Beijing, developed by Volkswagen R GmbH - the brand's sports car manufacturer.

The powerful engine can be linked to WRC racing and catapults the Golf R 400 to the century mark in 3.9 seconds before continuing to climb to a governed top speed of 280km/h.

Compared to the 300bhp Golf R, the Golf R 400 develops 100bhp more power while maximum torque was increased by 70Nm to 450Nm. The lump is linked to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox (DSG), which can also be shifted manually via the gear shift lever or steering wheel paddles.

The Golf R 400, including its all-wheel drive system, weighs just 1,420kg thanks to its compact 2.0-litre TSI high-performance engine, lightweight dual-clutch gearbox and low body weight.

The body is widened by 20mm on each side to accommodate the 19-inch wheels that are further outboard due to their larger wheel offset. In front, the designers developed an entirely new wing, which are significantly flared - as a modern interpretation of the legendary Rallye Golf G60 from 1988.

Integrated at the rear are the two central exhaust polished tailpipes with a diameter of 110mm, 200mm apart from one another and extend slightly upwards.

The interior has been extensively customised. The driver and front passenger have motorsport shell seats with integrated head restraints and belt openings. The cross-quilted middle seat panels are designed in Alcantara - in  'Anthracite' colour - while the head level and inner surfaces of the lateral supports are designed in exclusive 'carbon leather'.