My take on it is this ....
Why don't they show the performance models as well during the launch? Surely VW have built prototypes etc. at the very least. I realise they need to scale up production, and might not actually want to launch these models for sale yet, but i would guess that the vast majority of people who are interested in the launch are MOST interested in the performance models (including everyone on this forum !) I cannot see that average Joe Public who buys a 1.4 SE model is going to log in to see the webcast ! Everyone knows there will be a GTi and an R (hopefully GTD too...) so why not show them?
Keeps the interest going and keeps the model range in the news (mags, vlogs etc)
VW treat the Golf GTI and R as sub-marques so it makes sense to drip feed models into the market.
The GTE was in the launch video, that’s 99% GTI in looks with the chicken wire grille etc.
That’s a hint at the performance model styling.
Just been reading on here: https://www.carwow.co.uk/news/4350/2020-volkswagen-golf-mark-8-revealed
"Once you get your new Golf, you’ll be able to upgrade it remotely online for the first time. This means that you can pay to download certain fancy extras, such as adaptive cruise control, at any time, and won’t miss out if you initially didn’t buy the car with all the bells and whistles you wanted."
Now then... this means the MK8 Golf has all these extras built-in, but you have to pay extra to use them? Can see where this is heading in the future, rather like most software/TV/App packages, we will have to pay a monthly subscription to have 'extra' features on cars. Guess it's already happening with various Sat Nav/Connect packages, but this is going quite a bit further.
Imagine having a sunroof, but it won't open unless you pay a nominal fee every month!!!!!
Cheaper to produce cars with one generic control module and hardware.
Then lifetime subscription charges.
They’ll bring this in across all the ranges gradually.
Car manufacturers have learned lots from the smart phone revolution.