After building a 600-hp Jetta to set a new land speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats, Volkswagen has now turned the Arteon sedan into a powerful time attack racer. Dubbed the ART3on, the modified sedan was built by a team of apprentices at Volkswagen Australia in just one week to compete in Sydney's World Time Attack Challenge. Based on the range-topping R-Line model, the 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI engine received a significant upgrade.

While the standard car produces 268 horsepower in the US, the ART3on delivers 483 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a seven-speed DSG transmission the 4Motion AWD system, this setup enables the stylish sedan to sprint from 0-62 mph in just 3.9 seconds, making it by far the fastest and most powerful VW Arteon ever built. It's also worth noting that the acceleration was measured on the straight at Luddenham Raceway in Sydney, which is slightly uphill. On a flat stretch of road, the souped-up Arteon could be even quicker.

The list of modifications installed to achieve this performance includes a stage 3 turbocharger, custom intake, and an airbox from RacingLine. The intercooler has also been upgraded, as has the fuel pump and exhaust system. Apprentices also fitted the ART3on with Bilstein Clubsport suspension and beefier APR brakes, while Pirelli P-Zero Trofeo semi-slick tires provide the necessary grip to enable the Arteon to attack the track. Inside, the interior has been stripped out and fitted with racing seats and a roll cage.

As well as being built for time attacks, the ART3on also doubles as an art car, just as the name implies. The colorful wrap design was created by Sydney street artist Simon Murray, a.k.a. KADE. The ART3on will make its public debut at Australia's World Time Attack Challenge and will be driven at the Sydney Motorsport Park by Renato Loberto.

In the meantime, we're still waiting for VW to unleash the performance-focused Arteon road car that will reportedly get a turbocharged 3.0-liter VR6 engine with 404 hp.