No sooner does VW reveal the Mk7 Golf that news of slicker variants of the benchmark hatchback gathers apace.The next-gen Golf R has already been spotted testing, and now news has emerged that a limited-run performance variant of the GTI is being planned. Autocar reports that VW is working on a lightweight version of the GTI made of aluminum and carbon fiber with a curb weight of just 1,125 kg, showcasing the German automaker's competence with high-tech materials and celebrating the original's 40th anniversary in 2014.

The advanced hot hatch would get a front bulkhead, windscreen surround and floor panels made of lightweight aluminum, with a roof and hood from carbon fiber to shave 200 kg off the stock GTI's curb weight, bringing it closer to the original GTI's 810kg curb weight. The same 222 horsepower 2.0-liter turbo engine expected to power the seventh-gen Golf GTI would carry over, but with less weight to schlepp around, could propel the lightweight model to 60 in less than six seconds. Pictured are the the outgoing GTI, the new upcoming GTI prototype lapping the Ring and the new Mk7 Golf.