VOLKSWAGEN has created a specialist division to produce high performance versions of its regular cars.

The Volkswagen R team will be responsible for the development and sales of cars such as the Scirocco R and Golf R as well as the R Line versions of the Passat and other models.

Volkswagen says it set up the R division in response to a worldwide demand for exclusive vehicles.

The company employs 350 people and is based in Warmenau close to VW's Wolfsburg headquarters.

The current Scirocco R is priced from £28,295 while the 267bhp Golf R - capable of outsprinting the legendary GTI at 5.7 seconds 0 to 60 - costs from £30,090.