Volkswagen high-performance ID.3 R is likely to come in 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: In the automotive world, electric mobility is gaining a lot of traction these days, thanks to all the carmakers in the race. Volkswagen is one such brand that trends on the internet for its development in the zero-emission sector. The recent one is the hot 'R' version of the brand's upcoming ID.3 electric hatch that could arrive as soon as 2024, according to British magazine Autocar.

The source mentions that the impulse for a high-performance pure-electric hatchback comes as VW bosses' wish to build a connection between the passenger hauling ID EV family and the ID.R prototype that broke the Nurburgring EV lap record in June last year.

The Autocar reports that the VW senior management is close to signing off on the hot ID.3 R project, which would have extra electric grunt as compared to the standard ID.3. It is likely to have an increased power of 303 PS, from the 203 PS of the standard one. In contrast, the 2020 Volkswagen Golf R has a maximum power of 290 PS with 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the bonnet.

Volkswagen Development Manager Frank Welch said the ID 3 R is "what we're looking at. I like the idea, but we must decide whether the market is ready to accept such a model." According to him, the R model would sit at the top of the ID 3 line-up and might be the only option with pure performance. 

Initially, it was rumoured that a hotter version of the ID.3 would be badged as GTX because the iconic GTI remains reserved for petrol-powered hatchbacks – but according to the report, it won't happen.

"ID 3 can accept all-wheel drive, although it is unlikely to get it during the first generation," Welch added. "There will be no GTX variant, but we still have to decide on the R variant with rear-wheel drive." Last year, he said that such a machine would "need a powerful engine and four-wheel drive."

However, the report does not confirm the arrival of ID.3 R strongly; still, it gives hints about the development of the high-performance electric car, which is under consideration since last year.

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