Volkswagen's virtual 'Gran Turismo' vision revealed

Volkswagen has revealed the first sketches of its Gran Turismo video game car, the GTI Roadster ahead of its official reveal at the Worthersee Festival on May 28.

A virtual supercar that started out as a real-life Golf GTI, the car may have been conceived to perform within a video game, but, as with all of the special concept cars that have been created for the latest installment of the 'Gran Turismo' video game series, whether by Mercedes, BMW, Alfa Romeo or Aston Martin, the car is grounded in reality.

Although its exterior styling may seem wild at first glance, the GTI Roadster will give VW fans a clear idea of the future design direction of the VW Golf and the engine that powers this car; a 3-liter twin-turbo VR6 unit, capable of producing 503hp and 491lb ft of torque isn't a flight of fancy. In fact, the engine is currently in the R&D phase at Volkswagen.

As such, it could soon be powering real-life hot Golfs, Audis and Seats. What probably won't be carried over from the concept car are its huge rear wing, diffuser and front chin spoiler which, although great for downforce and handling on a track, would make any car impossible to drive though a city center.

The Wörthersee Treffen is an annual gathering of Volkswagen's biggest fans and their cars. Held in Austria, its popularity is growing every year, as is the effort that VW puts into thanking the attendees with special concept cars, competitions and surprises.

It is also the event where the company gives its design division across many of its brands, from Audi to Seat and Skoda, the freedom to create something for no reason other than exciting the fans.

As well as the official unveiling of the GTI Roadster, Vision Gran Turismo (which will also be appearing in the PlayStation3 game as a special download), special track-and-racing focused concepts from Skoda and Audi will be making their first ever appearances at the festival which runs May 28-31.