A rendering of the VW Roadster Vision Gran Turismo Concept that will be racing in the latest version of the popular PlayStation game.

There’s something to be said for living a fantasy life – especially if you’ve got the latest version of the videogame Gran Turismo 6.

Volkswagen is joining the growing list of manufacturers developing special models solely for the popular Sony PlayStation game. It will show off a real world concept version of the GTI Roadster, Vision Gran Turismo at the annual Woerthersee Festival in Austria next week.

A few makers, including Mercedes-Benz, have actually lifted a few lines and curves from their Gran Turismo concepts. So, while VW’s new extreme machine isn’t likely to roll into showrooms, it just might influence some of the maker’s future products – or so game fans can only hope.

The Roadster concept will debut at the annual Woerthersee Festival in Austria next week.

“The GTI Roadster, Vision Gran Turismo uses the Golf GTI Design DNA to create a strong sporting statement, with distinctive horizontal graphics,” the maker explains in a release accompanying these preliminary renderings.

Under its virtual hood, the GTI Roadster is powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 pumping out 503 horsepower and 491 pound-feet of torque, more than enough to char the digital pavement. The engine is mated to a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission intended to deliver F1-quick shifts. A modified version of the VW 4Motion all-wheel-drive system maximizes grip.

Describing the concept as “ferociously fast,” the Design Gran Turismo sits low and squat, with a low-cut, steeply raked windshield and a huge rear wing. Aerodynamics are further enhanced by a race-inspired front splitter and integrated rear diffuser.

Is that a joystick in your hands?

(Porsche is working up plans for a 7th product line. Click Here to find out what direction it might take.)

The concept rides on wide, 20-inch wheels, 235/35 up front, 275/30 in the rear. And it has plenty of stopping power with 15.0-inch vented disc brakes up front, 14.0-inch brakes in the rear.

If you wonder what the fantasy car has in common with the real VW GTI, the maker explains that, “The GTI Roadster, Vision Gran Turismo is presented in a bright, vivid metallic red, a modern interpretation of the classic GTI color.”

(Mercedes isn’t playing around with its AMG Vision Gran Turismo supercar. Click Here to check it out.)

Earlier this week, BMW introduced its own Vision for the PlayStation game, the BMW Vision Gran Turismo, a virtual race car making 549 horsepower out of its 3.0-liter inline 6.

BMW opted for a more traditional race car look.

“The development of the BMW Vision Gran Turismo combines our many years of motorsports experience with signature BMW Design,” explained BMW M Vice President of Brand Communication Andreas-Christoph Hofmann. “The race car anticipates future racing trends and allows gaming fans even more to experience BMW racing quality.”

Among other entrants into the Gran Turismo racing series are Mercedes-Benz, which opted for a gull-winged design done up in Liquid Silver paint, and a 585-horsepower V-8 mounted mid-ship; and Chevrolet, which opted for a version of the new Corvette Stingray.