Currently reading: New 'super GTI' Volkswagen Golf spotted
First pictures of a hot new Volkswagen Golf testing at the Nürburgring spark rumours that VW is trying to break sister brand Seat's lap record

This mystery high-performance Volkswagen Golf may be wearing the logos of an independent company that makes parts for track cars, but it is understood to be a factory project. 

Late last year, sources revealed that VW engineers were developing a front-drive ‘super-GTI’ with an engine delivering about 300bhp. It's also already known that VW is planning to show a concept car, dubbed Golf R Evo, at the Beijing motor show later this month.

The concept, a more extreme version of the Golf R, is expected to use a turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine with power boosted from 296bhp to close to 370bhp. Torque should also rise to around 332lb ft.

Reports also suggest the Evo could ditch the standard Golf R's rear seats in favour of a roll cage.

Seat, VW’s sister brand, has just broken the front-wheel-drive record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in a Leon Cupra hatch, lapping the 12 miles in 7min and 58.44sec. 

Autocar understands that this Golf, with more power and a Haldex clutch acting across the front wheels, aims to break the Leon’s record within the next couple of months.

Read more Beijing motor show news.

Additional reporting by Darren Moss

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superstevie 11 April 2014

It just smacks of them being

It just smacks of them being upset that SEAT have upstaged them at something, when in fact, it is something they should be encouraging. Make sportier SEAT's for the masses, let them sell more cars, and everyone is happy. Except VW, who want all the accolades for themselves.
3mocion 11 April 2014

Hope they fail

Superstevie wrote - 'It just smacks of them being upset that SEAT have upstaged them at something, when in fact, it is something they should be encouraging. Make sportier SEAT's for the masses, let them sell more cars, and everyone is happy. Except VW, who want all the accolades for themselves. '

Couldn't agree more. VW is acting like like an arrogant child that gets into a tantrum for losing a sports day race or a child that throws their toys out of the pram because their parents are giving someone elses baby some attention. I hope they fail, but when there's a will, there's money.

Peter Cavellini 11 April 2014

Yep!!!!

I agree, about time,maybe to late though.
bomb 11 April 2014

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Will this 'Super GTI' be the GT3 RS to the Golf R's 911 Turbo?