Spy shot of the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon R

The Volkswagen Arteon is approaching the middle of its lifecycle, and the automaker plans to update the sultry fastback sedan with several new variants.

One of the new variants will be the high-performance Arteon R, a prototype of which has been spotted. This prototype has no camouflage at all.

The Arteon R features a more aggressive front end with larger air intakes on both sides and a new front splitter. It also has an upgraded brake package with blue calipers and four exhaust tips. Both are hallmarks of the Volkswagen R's "scanloid" design.

The car is expected to produce just over 400 horsepower from a new turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, with drive to all four wheels via a dual-clutch transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph will be around 4.0 seconds. The Arteon's maximum power output is currently 268 hp, generated by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine.

As mentioned, the Arteon R will appear alongside updated versions of the entire Arteon lineup. Among the updates to the Arteon R are design changes, a new dashboard with a larger infotainment system screen and additional connectivity options, and possibly an improved all-wheel drive system. There will also be a new body variant with a shooting brake.

The updated Arteon is expected to be unveiled later this year as a 2021 model. Unfortunately, we've heard that the Arteon R and Arteon Shooting Brake won't be introduced in the US. A plug-in hybrid Arteon is still in the planning stages and will probably be sold locally.