KEY POINTS:
The new Volkswagen Scirocco will face its toughest shakedown in the 24-hour Nurburgring race starting on May 22 - and the street-legal version of the car hasn't even gone on sale in Europe yet.
Three racing versions of the new coupe, each powered by a 2-litre, turbocharged petrol engine developing 225kW (300bhp), will be in action on Germany's 25km Nordschleife (north circuit) on May 24-25.
The Scirocco, which is not due to go into production until October and not expected in New Zealand until next year, has already passed its first endurance test at another event in Germany, in which VW specifically trialled a car using a DSG double-clutch gearbox.
Double Le Mans winner Hans Stuck was at the Scirocco's wheel and is relishing his chance to tackle the Nurburgring.
"I felt immediately comfortable in the car," he said.
"The Scirocco is one of the most uncomplicated racing cars I have ever driven.
"It's really fun, and I am looking forward to the 24 Hours on the Nordschleife with even greater anticipation."
Also in the VW Scirocco team is double World Rally Champion Carlos Sainz.
The Scirocco has a tough act to follow - last year a Golf GTi clinched its class and finished eighth overall.
The racing version of the Scirocco was developed and prepared by VW technical staff in record time, said Volkswagen Motorsport director Kris Nissen.
"We are well on schedule now that we have successfully completed this first endurance test. The Nurburgring 24 Hours is the ideal platform to showcase the performance capabilities of this exciting coupe."
The Nurburgring 24 Hours has established itself as the world's toughest car race since its launch in 1970. A grid of 220 cars is allowed to take the start, with more than 700 drivers scheduled to compete in front of 200,000 or more trackside spectators.
German TV is planning 12 hours of live coverage of the event.
