First pics: new VW Golf R Cabriolet

This is the first picture of the brand new Volkswagen Golf R Cabriolet. It is, no less, the fastest Golf Cabriolet... in the world.

Volkswagen has deemed it prudent to tune the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine to 265bhp, fit a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG) and arm the Golf R Cabrio with 25mm lower sports suspension.

The result of all this wizardry is a 0-62mph time of 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 155mph. Keen helmsmiths will note this power output is the same as the last generation Golf R, but it takes a good seven tenths longer to do the 0-62mph sprint. This is largely because a) it's a cabrio and therefore heavier, and b) it's only front-wheel-drive.

Details are sketchy at present, but remember that it sits on the MK VI platform Golf (as all the current Golf Cabrios do). So no MQB-based awesomeness. Still, it remains the fastest Golf Cabrio you can currently buy, and as such, gets a smattering of ‘R' related paraphernalia to remind you of that fact. There are R-specific exhaust pipes, black mirror housings, black brake calipers with the ‘R' logo, a black grille with an ‘R' logo, sports seats, stainless steel pedals, aluminium sill plates and ‘R' logos strewn around the cabin. See? Lots of ‘Rrrr'.

We'll have more pricing details shortly, but it'll go on sale in Germany for €43,325 - around £37,500. It won't cost that much here, not when a Golf GTI Cab is £29,310. So, you lot tempted, or do your leather driving gloves demand a fixed roof Golf R?

Vijay Pattni