The flagship Volkswagen Golf R400 that was expected to go into production this year has been scrapped, according to reports.

The all-wheel-drive Golf R400 was unveiled in concept form at the Beijing Motor Show in 2014, with then-Volkswagen Group powertrain chief Heinz-Jakob Neusser later confirming that it would indeed see the light of day.

In fact, an R400 test mule was last year spotted undergoing scrutiny at the Nürburgring.

But, with Neusser resigning in the wake of the emissions scandal still engulfing the Wolfsburg automaker, Automotive News reports that the high-performance hatchback – which was expected to boast in excess of 300 kW, and thus outmuscle the likes of the Audi RS 3 Sportback and Mercedes-AMG A45 – will no longer go into production.

The publication went on to suggest that any initial development of this 2,0-litre four-cylinder unit would not be in vain, as the high-output motor would likely be employed in future Audi products.

Original article from Car