Exhibited at SEMA under...

Exhibited at SEMA under the R-GT banner, the Passat, Jetta and Touraeg all boasted a storming 550bhp twin-turbocharged 3.2-litre V6. The engines have been modified by approved tuner HPA Motorsports of Canada.

Star attraction was the Passat R-GT. As with all the models, its bodywork was penned at VW"s Design Centre in California - and with its pearlescent white paint, extended nose, flared arches, bold rear spoiler plus 19-inch alloys, it"s one aggressive machine. Backing up those looks is a 190mph top speed and ample performance to humble BMW"s mighty V10-engined M5.

The 4MOTION four-wheel-drive system gives maximum traction, while a DSG twin-clutch box makes for quick changes which should ensure a 0-60mph time of around five seconds. Roadholding will be first class, too, thanks to racing suspension.

Meanwhile, the Jetta R-GT shares its Passat brother"s engine, gearbox and suspension, but promises to be even more performance biased. Using the same platform as the Golf R32, engineers have widened the track to improve grip and steering. Its imposing metallic grey bodywork hides a full roll cage, Recaro racing seats and ground-effect aerodynamics.

Sitting on 22-inch alloys, the Touraeg R-GT is certainly not meant for off-roading. As well as its V6, stiffened suspension and uprated brakes, it gets a luxury cabin with aluminium trim.

Although none of the R-GT models shown at SEMA will go directly into production, a VW spokesman said they pointed the way for future high-performance models. In the short-term, we"ll see a range-topping Passat powered by the R32"s 247bhp 3.2-litre V6 next year.