Volkswagen today confirmed the launch of the most powerful version of the Golf in the American market. The new Golf R will make its debut at the upcoming Detroit Motor Show, but don’t hold your breath to see it out in the market anytime soon.

VW Golf R will go on sale in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2015. That begs the question why Volkswagen decided to introduce the car to the Americand at the beginning of 2014. The R is a car worth waiting for though. It belongs to the hot hatch royalty, what with a 2.0 liter engine (the EA888 four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection TSI) which develops 290 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque.

The power is harnessed by a 4MOTON permanent four-wheel-drive system and a six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. They turn this little golf into a giant slayer by giving it a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds (5.3 seconds with the six-speed manual transmission).

VW Golf R also benefits from a new sport suspension, the “progressive” variable-ratio steering system, and a stability control system (“ESC Sport”) which can now be deactivated for track driving. Other highlights include the optional DCC dynamic chassis control system. These systems ensure a fun and engaging drive while keeping you out of the ditch.

Traditionally, high-performance Golfs have always been discreet and understated. But a there are a few telltale signs that let a keen onlooker know this one is something a bit more special. They include specially designed bumpers, side skirts, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights with newly designed LED daytime running lights (in a dual-U design) and a two-branch exhaust system.

Stepping inside, you notice the Golf R comes with sport seats with leather seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped three-spoke sport steering wheel, ambient lighting, and R-specific instrumentation.