VW unveils hyper Golf GTI

Volkswagen has unveiled the world’s whackiest Golf GTI -- well, at least since the last time it let its hair down with a W12 mid engine Golf GTI concept at the Worthersee festival, in 2007.

The Design Vision Concept Golf GTI shown at the 32nd annual Worthersee event, which opened overnight, is powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-litre direct injection V6 with a claimed output of 370kW and 560Nm.

Thanks to an all-wheel-drive system and Volkswagen’s DSG gearbox the company claims the Design Vision Concept Golf GTI can reach the speed limit in 3.9 seconds on the way to a top speed of more than 300km/h. Carbon-ceramic brakes sourced from sister company Lamborghini and 20-inch wheels help it stick the road.

The designers also used the clean slate as an opportunity to experiment with new interior materials and a new instrument display. It also replaced the regular interior door handles with red fabric, to save weight Porsche 911-style.

However, as with the wild W12 mid-engined concept VW Golf GTI shown at Worthersee in 2007, the Design Vision Concept is another flight of fancy that is unlikely to make it to showrooms in any form. It is also not a hint that the V6 engine may make a return to the Golf after the V6-powered R32 was axed in 2008.

Volkswagen is readying a follow-up to the 2.0-litre turbocharged Golf R introduced in 2009, the fastest and most powerful Golf of all time. It is due to arrive in European and Australian showrooms next year.

Meanwhile the seventh generation Golf GTI is due in Australian showrooms in October, with an expected starting price less than $40,000.

Fast facts: Design Vision Concept Golf GTI

Price: N/A
Engine: Twin turbo 3.0-litre V6
Power: 370kW and 560Nm
Drivetrain: AWD with DSG
0 to 100km/h: 3.9 seconds (claimed)
Top speed: In excess of 300km/h
Other highlights: Carbon ceramic brakes, 20-inch alloy wheels

This reporter is on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling