Spied: 2013 Volkswagen Golf R Cabriolet

These are the first spy shots of the new VW Golf R Cabriolet – the fastest Golf drop-top in history.

VW previewed the hot convertible with a concept car at the 2011 Worthersee GTI tuning event in Austria, and judging by these photographs of an almost showroom-ready car caught testing in Germany it's now heading into production.

Like the Golf R hatchback, the Cabriolet will get the same 266bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which will drive all four wheels through either a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG twin-clutch gearbox.

With only a slight increase in kerbweight due to strengthening of the car's chassis to cope with the loss of the roof, the Golf R Cabriolet should still do 0-60mph in under six seconds, with a top speed of 155mph.

As you can see it gets the same racy bodykit, with 19-inch alloy wheels and, although not shown on this prototype, finished cars will get a centre-exit twin exhaust. Inside, there will be Nappa leather and sports seats.

Expect a launch later this summer. VW is preparing to reveal the new MK7 Golf at the Paris Motor Show in September, so the Golf R Cabriolet will act as a fitting send-off for the MK6 range. Expect a price tag of around £35,000. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express