The VW can sprint from...

The VW can sprint from 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds and hit a maximum speed of 184mph

It was unveiled at the GTI festival in Wörthersee, Austria, last week - and bosses took the wraps off a GTI Pirelli edition at the same event.

But it was the 12-cylinder model which stole the show. And if you thought the old 153mph Renault Clio V6 was impressive, the VW can sprint from 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds and hit a maximum speed of 184mph.

The outrageously styled W12 has the looks to match its pace, with a pair of giant scoops on either side of the widened body. These feed air to the mid-mounted engine. Aggressive new bumpers at the front and rear, as well as bold 19-inch alloy wheels, also help to set this Golf apart from ordinary production models.

Built on a bespoke rear-wheel-drive aluminium chassis, the W12 is unlikely to make it to showrooms. The GTI Pirelli, on the other hand, will. It"s based on the Edition 30 model, and revives the name of the 1983 limited-run MkI Pirelli. Power comes from a 227bhp 2.0-litre TFSI engine, giving 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds.

The Pirelli is offered in a choice of bright yellow, silver, black pearl or blue graphite colours, and is due to arrive in showrooms later this year. Prices have yet to be confirmed. Discuss here