The 2011 Commercial Vehicle Show Birmingham, UK is far from boring because manufacturers are turning up with special models. We had the Ford Transit Supersport and now this, the Volkswagen Caddy Racer.

Unlike the Ford it is an actual race car and is prepared to compete in commercial vehicle championship. Didn’t know such a thing existed!

Based on the the normal 2010 VW Caddy, this race car is powered by a 270 PS 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox with quick shifter and it’s front wheel drive. It is also thoroughly upgraded for its racing career and features sports underpinnings. The multi-link suspension for example comes straight from the Golf hot hatch. It also features a white and orange racing livery.

The Volkswagen Racing Cup starts over the Easter weekend (25 April) at Oulton Park, and will visit some of the most famous circuits around the UK, including Snetterton, Brands Hatch, and Donington Park, plus it incorporates a trip to Zandvoort in the Netherlands, before the season finale at Silverstone in October.

Commenting on his new vehicle ahead of the season, Simon Elliott explained: ‘The new Caddy has started life strongly since its launch and has already started winning awards, so the Caddy Racer will hopefully add to the trophy cabinet!  We learnt a lot through the developments made with the original Caddy Racer, and initial tests with the new van have been extremely promising.  This really is a clear demonstration of Brilliant Made Better – I just can’t wait to get back out on track.’