This has got to be the fastest delivery van in the UK, though fortunately the Volkswagen Caddy Racer will be restricted to race circuits rather than filling your rear view mirror on the motorway.

Unveiled at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham, the Caddy Racer is the latest in a line of race-bound VW vans. It comes with a 266bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine driving through a six-speed gearbox. There's also a custom-made racing exhaust.

The suspension has more in common with a Golf GTI than anything that usually drops off parcels. It uses multi-link rear suspension for track use, adjustable shock absorbers, ventilated brake discs and 18-inch lightweight alloy wheels.

To prove the new Caddy Racer's worth, Volkswagen UK's Commercial Vehicles Director, Simon Elliott, is taking the wheel to race against Sciroccos, Golfs, Jettas and Polos in the Volkswagen Racing Cup. The season-opener is at Oulton Park on 25 April.

Alisdair Suttie - 18 Apr 2011