Sometimes a limited edition car will leave a lot of questions unanswered with its name, or actually undersell its potency with the badge. Or they just get straight to the point – the incoming VW Golf R 333 Limited Edition looks like being among the latter.

Due at the end of May and previewed on VW’s YouTube channel, it would have to be assumed that the 333 will pick up where the R 20th Anniversary left off. Ordering for that car closes soon (as the 20th anniversary year will be up), and it boasted 333hp from the venerable 2.0-litre EA888 turbo. And 333 would be a very coincidental name for that new car if it didn’t have the same power. The video shows a Golf with an Akrapovic exhaust, too, an optional extra on all the Mk8 Rs so far.

The colour is what will really mark out the 333 Limited Edition, it seems, boasting vibrant yellow paint that looks a lot like that used for a Golf R show car way back in 2017. That car (actually based on the old Mk7.5) came with an Akrapovic exhaust as well, but also Pirelli Trofeo R tyres, damper tweaks and a brake upgrade. “Even rawer, even less compromising, even more strong-willed” was the promise for that car back then, only for nothing to come of it. This Mk8 333 could yet prove to be the realisation of that potential.

Perhaps that’s a stretch, though you’ll forgive us some excitement for the final throes of petrol-powered performance VWs as the electric offerings have proved so plain thus far. Volkswagen says the car seen here is a ‘near production study’, which obviously means we’re looking at the finished item. Well, most of it at least. Stay tuned for more come the 31st.