VW Group geared up for 2012 Worthersee Tour

Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and Seat are each fronting up to Austrian jamboree with something special

The Wörthersee Tour is on again. A celebration of all things Volkswagen, (but particularly Golf GTi), the event, which runs from May 16 to 19, is based in the Austrian town of Reifnitz on the shores of Lake Wörthersee — hence the name.

As in previous years, the 2012 event (the 31st) is expected to showcase the weird and wonderful from around the Volkswagen world. To ensure that's the case, Volkswagen itself and three of its subsidiaries will be attending the event, packing plenty to see.

Skoda is bringing two concept cars games  to Austria. One is the Skoda Citigo Rally and the other is the Citigo DJ Car. Both cars are developed from the Citigo, which itself is based on the Volkswagen up! In the case of the Citigo DJ Car, Skoda has created a one-off mobile mixing desk for a DJ to play music at the venue — through sound equipment rated at almost 100,000 Watts. Running on forged 18-inch wheels, the Citigo Rally pays homage to Skoda rally cars of the past and present.

Spanish brand SEAT has racing car concepts based on the Ibiza and Leon models to wow the bystanders at Reifnitz. But the company is also unveiling its new Mii, which is based on the VW up!, like the Skoda Citigo. The Ibiza and Leon models at Reifnitz include the Ibiza Cupra concept (yellow), powered by a 1.4-litre TSI engine and riding on 17-inch wheels; the Ibiza/Leon Cupra R in white; Ibiza SC Trophy — also with 1.4-litre TSI, but with seven-speed DSG and 18-inch wheels; and the WTCC-based Leon Super Copa — with a 2.0-litre TSI engine driving through a six-speed DSG. For Wörthersee SEAT will display the Mii in red, with black 16-inch alloys.

Audi will use the event to promote its latest SUV on the scene, the Q3. Three themed Q3 models will be on display in Reifnitz, as will Audi's e-bike, which explores the company's commitment to 'design', 'ultra', 'connect' and 'e-tron'. Audi has shipped across the RS Q3 concept that made its debut at the Beijing motor show. The other two Q3 models are the Q3 Jinlong Yufeng ('Golden Dragon in the Wind' — also first revealed in Beijing) and the Q3 Red Track, which appears to be the same vehicle as the Q3 Vail debuted in Detroit earlier this year. All three Q3 models at Reifnitz are powered by five-cylinder TFSI engines rated at outputs between 228kW and 265kW.

Parent company Volkswagen is adopting an understated approach this year. In 2011 the company introduced the GTi and R variants of the Golf cabrio at Wörthersee, but the company is only admitting that it will enter a special Golf GTi for this year. The vehicle in question is being customised by nine young women and men apprenticed to Volkswagen.

Volkswagen set the four women and five men to work on the GTi back in October last year, so it promises to be one out of the box when it's unveiled.

"This project illustrates how the thorough knowledge, commitment and creativity of our apprentices culminates in a fascinating show car that combines technical extravagance and everyday utility", Dr Ulrich Hackenberg was quoted as saying. Dr Hackenberg is the Member of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars Board of Management responsible for Development.

Volkswagen is revealing nothing about its unique Golf GTi, but when the apprentices are reportedly polishing screw heads, it says volumes for the care and attention being lavished on it.

Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...