27/08/2008 19:36. ITS the news Volkswagen Golf fans have been waiting for! These pictures confirm the German car maker is working on a high-performance replacement for its current hot hatch champion, the GTI.

Based on the same chassis as the current model, the next GTI will offer a revised cabin and exterior. Our spies caught a prototype in disguise being put through its paces before the car makes its public debut, tipped to be at the Paris Motor Show in October.

Sources say the hatch will be powered by an evolution of the current 2.0-litre turbocharged TFSI engine producing 211bhp. There will be a choice of gearbox: a six speed manual or a new seven-speed sequential. Three and five-door versions are in the pipeline, and these scoop shots show the latter, complete... // Next VW Golf GTI taking shape