The VW GTI Roadster Vision Is Like The Lovechild Of A Golf And A Gumpert Apollo

The Volkswagen Group seems to have a bit of a thing for open top concepts for the big VW meet at Worthersee, Austria this year. So far we've had the Seat Ibiza Cupster and the Skoda CitiJet. We don't really like either, but that's just fine, because VW is also bringing along this: the GTI Roadster Vision Gran Turismo.

Like the Vision Gran Turismo concepts from other carmakers such as Mercedes, the GTI Roadster will be recreated in virtual form in Gran Turismo 6.

Styling features from the Golf GTI are clearly evident, but the Vision is a very different beast. It sits incredibly low and is very wide. Each wheel arch is filled by a 20-inch rim, behind which lie huge brakes; 15-inch at the front, and 14-inch at the back. It's also smothered in aerodynamic appendages, notably that gigantic pram spoiler. We approve.

It's not just stunning to look at, though. It's powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-litre VR6 engine chucking out 500bhp and an incredible 665lb ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox.

VW took a similarly powered Design Vision concept to Worthersee last year. With quite a bit less torque, that car managed 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 186mph. The new Roadster Vision should be even faster.

Like the CitiJet and the Cupster, it's highly unlikely anything like this will ever be put into producution. That's a shame, because unlike those two cars, we'd love the Roadster to become a reality.

The car will be showcased in the metal at the Worthersee show next weekend, and is available to download in virtual form now.