Scirocco Studie R

There's been plenty of talk recently about a hot new VW Scirocco, dubbed the R20T, which some internet sources have touted to use the 2-litre 261bhp engine from the Audi S3.

In a reposte to the rumours, Volkswagen took the wraps off this at the Bologna motor show - the Scirocco Studie R. It does use a 2-litre engine, but with 266bhp on tap - a chunky 69bhp hike over the range-topping 2-litre turbo GT that we have at the moment.

Extra air intakes aid cooling of the new unit, while there's a front splitter to minimize frontal-lift and a lovely big wing, a rear diffuser and a new bumper with twin exhausts at the back. It all apes the GT24 racer (pictured in blue) that took class honours at the Nurburgring 24hr endurance race, and trumps the assortment of tweaked Sciroccos at the Essen motor show.

The suspension is stiffend-up, with racing-inspired tuning to deliver a sharper drive, while those new, five-spoke 19in wheels clothe four-piston brake calipers.

The design of the Studie R is clearly a homage to its Italian debut, making it a one-trick pony when it comes to doing the motor show rounds - hinting at a future concept or full-scale reveal of the hottest Scirocco at Geneva in Spring 2009. We've got our fingers crossed for the latter, while Ford and its Focus RS is probably a little less excited at that prospect...

For more from the Bologna motor show, click here.