Volkswagen has released design sketches of the Golf R 400 concept car, ahead of its official unveiling at the Auto China show in Beijing on 19 April.

As the name suggests, the Golf R 400 is an even more extreme concept version of the already powerful Golf R hatchback, with power increased from 300 to 400 PS.

As well as a series of engine modifications to increase power, the R 400 features body and bumper modifications, flared wheel-arches, uprated wheels and a reworked interior that includes motorsport shell seats with integral head restraints and belt openings.

The flared wheel-arches are deliberately reminiscent of those on the 1988 Rallye Golf G60, and most of the concept is painted in 'Silver Flake' metallic, in contrast to the gloss black roof and carbon door mirror caps.

'Lemon Yellow' highlights on the outside include the horizontal stripe across the grille (which, like the chrome strip on the Golf R, continues into the bi-xenon headlights), while the interior stitching is also 'Lemon Yellow'.

The four-wheel drive, DSG-equipped Golf R 400 promises a zero to 100 km/h time of just 3.9 seconds - a full second quicker than the standard Golf R - and a top speed of 280 km/h.

The Golf R 400 is only a concept at this stage, with no production plans.