Is the R5 Turbo soon to be a thing of the past? Volkswagen is preparing a supercharged and, above all, cheaper electric city car.

A new compact electric car could well redefine the sports city car segment. Volkswagen is working on a radical version of its future ID.2. Explosive performance, all-wheel drive, and unique technology are on the agenda. An ambitious project that could shake up the current hierarchy.

Small electric sports cars are experiencing a revival of interest. While thermal GTI city cars have gradually disappeared in recent years, several brands are seeking to transpose this format to the electric age. Among recent projects, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E has made a lasting impression with its 500 horsepower, its in-wheel motors, and a spectacular drift mode. But its exclusive positioning limits its distribution. For its part, Volkswagen is preparing a more accessible and equally promising alternative.

According to several leaks relayed by Autocar, the German manufacturer is working on a high-performance version of its future ID.2, called ID.2 R. It would go much further than the already confirmed ID.2 GTI, adopting a three-motor configuration. The front engine would be retained, while two electric motors would be integrated directly into the rear wheels, offering all-wheel drive without compromising on interior space. The goal: to achieve around 400 hp, with a lightened chassis and electronically optimized torque distribution.

The Volkswagen ID.2 R promises 400 hp for a price well below that of conventional sports cars

The MEB Plus platform, on which the city car is based, allows this evolution without a major overhaul. By placing the motors in the rear wheels, Volkswagen frees up trunk space and reduces the traditional technical constraints of dual-motor systems. The project is being carried out with the help of a specialized partner based in Eastern Europe, an expert in high-performance in-wheel motors. This would be complemented by advanced torque vectoring functions and dynamic stability control. Positioned above the ID.2 GTI and expected after 2027, this ID.2 R could become the brand's electric sports showcase. It would combine a specific design, an exclusive interior, and distinctive chassis settings. Unlike the more radical and collection-oriented Renault 5 Turbo 3E, the German model would target a wider audience at a lower price. A rare compromise between performance, accessibility, and technology.