Volkswagen Considering Jetta R

One of the development pathways that Volkswagen is following targets the performance segment of the automotive industry. Earlier this year, the company established a new division, which uses the R name, that has the aim to develop go-fast cars.

Now, it seems that the German automotive producer is planning to expand its R line-up with a sporty version of the Jetta, as autocar reports. We’ll remind you that until now, the R division has covered the Golf and the Scirocco models.

The European version of the Jetta was launched last week, with VW holding a special event in Munich, Germany. The company used the occasion to display a special incarnation of the saloon that was fitted with a 3.6 liter V6 petrol unit. However, the company did not release the output of the unit. The car also offered a DSG double-clutch transmission and a 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.

The German company’s Head of Research & Development, Ulrich Hackenberg, told the aforementioned source that VW is currently evaluating the possibility to bring the Jetta R into production. The automaker needs to make sure that there is a demand for such a model before giving the project the green light.

The presence of a V6 might indicate the fact that the vehicle is aimed at the U.S. market, the main one for the Jetta, as V6-powered saloons are a popular breed in America. An European version would be more likely to use the turbocharged 2.0 liter four-cylinder powerplant from the Golf R and Scirocco R.