Volkswagen Scirocco GTS (2012) first offical pictures

Volkswagen will unveil a special edition Scirocco GTS at the Leipzig motor show next week. The changes are all cosmetic, based on the 2.0-litre TSI model.

For starters, there's the obvious stripe down the Scirocco's middle and the GTS wears a slightly more aggressive body kit. There's a sharper front lip spoiler and sculpted side skirts, while the rear wing and diffuser have been lifted directly from the hot Scirocco R.

Other highlights include red mirrors and red brake callipers, which nestle behind bespoke 18-inch 'Thunder' alloy wheels. The interior has had a similar red-themed freshen-up, consisting of red-stitched black leather on the seats, and golf-ball style gear knob - the same item fitted to the Golf GTi Edition 35.

It's a tribute to a previous model - 30 years ago this year the very first Scirocco GTS rolled off the production line. Back in 1982, it was the Mk2 Scirocco which carried the name, although it was badged as a GTi in the UK.

Engine technology has certainly moved on in that time even if the names haven't - the Mk2 Scirocco GTS boasted 110bhp, whereas today's model has a decidedly more muscular 207bhp.

The only caveat is that the Scirocco GTS is likely to be a mainland Europe model only - a €1995 price hike has been announced for the car on the continent, but there's no word on the possiblity of seeing it in these shores, and the inevitable price premium should it make it across the Channel.

VW will also display a few other tweaked models at Leipzig: a Fender guitar-inspired Beetle, 'Urban White' edition CrossPolo, and an R-design CC 'coupaloon' will join the Scirocco GTS. The Fender Beetle will indeed reach Britain early in 2013 complete with upgraded audio system and limited-edition guitar picks.

By Ollie Kew