Volkswagen has taken the wraps off a new design study based on the Scirocco coupe at the Bologna Motor Show, which kicks off in Italy today. Aptly named the Scirocco Study R, the new show car is a preview of a high-performance version of the Scirocco coupe, which is set to arrive late next year as the replacement to the outgoing Golf R32.

Drawing inspiration from the previous Scirocco GT24 race concept, the new Study R features a similarly aggressive front bumper and oversized rear wing. The bonnet also features a pair of cooling vents, while the rear bumper picks up an integrated diffuser.

Power comes from a 270hp (201kW) version of the Scirocco’s 2.0L TFSI engine, and is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. Other features include stiffened suspension, four-piston brake calipers, and a high-flow sports exhaust.

The production version of the Study R is rumored to be called the Scirocco R20T, and it may even be sold in the United States as a special edition model. Back in October, comments from VW America spokesman Steve Keyes revealed that a high-performance version of the Scirocco could be launched in the States as a replacement for the R32, which is bowing out of the market next year.

Volkswagen Scirocco GT24 concept
2008 Volkswagen Scirocco R design study