No disguises needed for these two test mules, the most interesting of which is probably the blue one. That's the much-desired Golf R 400, boasting - you guessed it! - 400hp according to
Autocar
. While the noise issuing from those four exhausts could hardly be called smooth, the warbling is not strong enough to suggest that VW has pried the 2.5 five-cylinder from under Audi's lock and key.
Half cage and Recaros for Clubsport
Under the skin it's more than likely a version of the EA888 four-cylinder, though one with a bigger oil cooler, revised turbo and plenty more poke. The most obvious external difference is the WRC-inspired fixed rear wing. Other changes include ever-so-slightly flared arches, wider wheels and bigger brakes with 'wavy' discs.
The red car is badged as a GTI, but also sports the same rear wing as the R 400, not to mention a half roll cage, with matching Recaro buckets and harnesses too. But the Pistenklause rumours are that the red car's safety additions are actually official options for the recently announced Clubsport Edition. And, best of all, that there's a mechanical limited-slip diff being talked about for the 265hp FWD hatchback. It's only a rumour, but it would make sense when this Golf is being pitched directly against the similarly track-spec'd Megane.