Ahead of the UK launch of the new Golf GTI on May 22, Volkswagen has constructed a Scalextric track on an epic scale inside a hangar to lend armchair (or office chair) enthusiasts the chance to race the new hot hatch online and against the clock.

The track is the work of a team of 60 modellers and features over 200 scale buildings in a space occuping 25ft by 30ft. It forms the basis for the GTI Project, a new online game through which you can control the 1:43 scale Golf GTI as it negotiates the hairpins, straights and narrow bridges that make up the track. Theres no need to spend hours setting it up on the living room floor, no potential damage to furniture (and family pets) should you crash at high speed. Simply log onto www.gtiproject.com and youll be guided to the virtual workshops of the GTI Project and the track itself.

As with the real thing, too much enthusiasm leads to crashes and lost time. A delicate approach and a little perseverance lead to quick times and your chance to appear on the online global leader board, possibly resulting in universal acclaim from friends and colleagues.

Along the way you can learn more about the new Golf GTI, from its new 2.0-litre TSI engine to the advanced six-speed DSG gearbox, colours, trims and performance information. In addition you can order a brochure or even book a test drive.

Set a particularly quick time and youll be entered into the prize draw to stand the chance of winning the opportunity to drive a new Golf GTI for three months.

The order books are now open for the full-scale Golf GTI. Prices for the three-door model start at £22,410 and rise to £22,995 for the five-door model. More information on the new Golf GTI can be found at www.volkswagen.co.uk or at any Volkswagen Retailer.

Members of uk-mkivs have been busy setting times on the track and to check out their results see this forum topic for details.