Need to see one in person to see if I like it. I will say however the "R" front is pretty damn boring on the 7s. I'm not sure if it was just for a particular year but its lifeless. Sometimes I think the GTI front is too "ricey" but then I see an R and I'm glad it looks the way it does. It has a lil more character.
The new fronts on the 8s though have a A LOT of plastic to their look. It's like all grille. I'm not sure if that is a good thing or bad.
One last thing on the clutch. Adding a ss Clutch line will delete the snail valve also. I did all 3 ( cdv, clutch spring, and ss line) on my gti and it felt great. Boomba Short shifter adapter On the trans and a heavy knob is the ticket. Loved every minute Of it. But ultimately I went with an R in dsg. It's a different kind of fun!