This is the Volkswagen Scirocco racer set to compete in the Nürburgring 24 Hours in a couple of weeks' time.

We brought you news of the Scirocco's assault on the 'Ring last month, but these are the first photos of the race-prepped coupe out on the track.

The Volkswagen engineers seem excited, anyhow. "The new Scirocco was in its element from its very first lap around the Nordschleife. The car also ran perfectly on this unique and difficult track," said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen.

"Now it's just a question of preparing the three Sciroccos perfectly for the race. The 24 Hours is a merciless test for man and machine."

Putting out around 300bhp from an uprated version of VW's two-litre TFSI engine, the Scirocco should put on a strong show at the 'Ring - especially in the hands of Hans-Joachim Stuck and Carlos Sainz.

But how much cooler would it have looked in Viper Green?