Can I ask a question purely out of curiosity?
Is the R's higher power over the GTI just a case of a higher state of tune, or is the R engine entirely different?
If the former, then would an aftermarket remap to a GTI give you the R power but with the GTI styling?
Obviously you wouldn't get the 4 wheel drive, but how easy is it to get R power with GTI looks? Or isn't it that simple (yes I know you'd risk your warranty, I'm thinking of at the 3 year point)?
Bubba.