For its big news in the City of Angels, Volkswagen has chosen to bring two concept cars to the stage: the clever Golf R 400 and the fantastical GTI Roadster. They're both studies in the flexibility of the modular architecture of the compact Golf hatchback, and they're equally stunning. As biased aficionados of the GTI, we're pleased to see VW having a little fun with the hot hatch.

What are they?

The Golf R 400 and GTI Roadster are two out-of-the-box concepts that use the clever architecture of the seventh-generation Golf. The Golf R 400 plays the part of an even quicker Golf R, with a top speed rumored to be close to 175 mph, while maintaining the GTI's relatively reserved styling. The GTI Roadster, on the other hand, is a 503-hp monster that has a rear wing taller than its windshield.

What's new or changed?

While the Golf R 400 and GTI Roadster look the part of far-out concepts, at least one of them looks familiar. The Golf R 400 uses the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder from the production GTI, but routes 394 horsepower through all four wheels. The GTI Roadster, on the other hand, is a video game styling fantasy come true. The GTI Roadster made its official debut at a festival in Worthersee earlier this year, and the Golf R 400 debuted at the Beijing auto show.

Can I buy them?

Both are concepts, and not necessarily bound for production.

Auto World News is in Los Angeles covering the auto show. Check back throughout the week for updates on the latest debuts and concept cars.

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