You remember the commercials Volkswagen aired when the Rabbit first launched, showing them breeding like rabbits? They weren't kidding — within a few months of bringing our Candy White '07 Rabbit home from the dealership, the cars were everywhere. Which is why we had to differentiate Project Turbunnium from the thousands of other white Rabbits prowling the streets. Thanks to Volkswagen's Thunder Bunny™ body kit, we're satisfied that we don't see ourselves coming and going. But it's a familiar story for any of us who mod our cars: Now that the body kit is on, other parts of our Rabbit are starting to look shabby.Smoked R32 TaillightsNothing looked shabbier, in our case, than the stock red taillights. We're sure that their bright red housings were what the people wanted, but we couldn't get past the fact that they made the rear of the Rabbit look like any other economous anonybox on the road. There were several choices that could be had for upgrades — everything from complete LED replacements to Euro-spec amber units are on the market — but we chose to go with a factory upgrade in the form of the smoked lights from the US-spec MKV R32.Why did we go with those? First, they're OE replacements, so we were sure that they'd bolt in and seal up without problems. Second, we've had nitpicky cops look for the "DOT" certification stamp on the lamp lenses when they were trying to find a reason to write a ticket — and since these lamps were designed for North America, they're stamped with the government's seal of approval.
Installation can be completed in ten minutes with a flatblade screwdriver and a 10mm wrench:Hatch lights:• Open the tailgate and remove the trim panels on each side that cover the nuts holding the backup lights into the hatch.• Depress the locktab holding the wiring plug into the taillights and disconnect it. You can let the plug hang.• Remove the two 10mm nuts that hold the light to the tailgate and gently press it outward to remove it.• Installing the new lights is a simple matter of reversing the process. Be sure not to overtighten the nuts holding the lights on, as they're simply threaded into plastic.Tail lights:• Pull back the carpet in the corner of the cargo hold to reveal the two nuts holding the taillight to the body. If you've never poked around back there before, there will be some small perforations on the carpeting that you'll need to tear to gain access.• Using a small flatblade screwdriver, release the tabs that hold the wiring harness to the taillights by turning the blade until the catch releases.• Remove the two 10mm nuts that are holding the taillights against the body and gently remove them. It's very easy to accidentally scratch the paint when pushing the threaded studs out, so be careful.• Installing the new lights follows exactly the same process as the removal. When reinstalling the electrical connector, you'll need to push on the plug with a good amount of force until it's fully seated, at which point the plastic catch will snap shut. We thought that we'd break the plug off before it finally snapped closed, so a good bit of muscle is required.
MORE INFORMATION:
VW R32 Smoked Taillights1K0 052 200 N - Rückleuchten / rear lamp set, Golf V SAELinks:Volkswagen Accessories Catalog (PDF)Volkswagen DriverGearMore Pictures:VWvortex Galleries: Project Turbunnium Part III - R32 TaillightsJCaps Billet Aluminum CapsA frequent comment we heard from people looking under the hood of Project Turbunnium at Waterfest was, "What the hell?" After all, in its current state, our engine bay still houses a bone-stock 2.5-liter I-5, down to the factory engine cover. Then peoples' eyes would drift down to the black anodized caps on the coolant reservoir, oil filler, and washer bottle, and they'd understand why we were showcasing the engine bay.Jay Ayers made a set of custom strut tower caps to replace the cracked plastic pieces on his MKIV R32, and the forum response was so positive that he turned his hobby into a business. A mechanical engineer by trade, Jay's "JCaps" are available for a variety of VW and Audi models, and can be had in multiple finishes. After seeing the black anodized caps that he has available, we decided they were the perfect way to eliminate the ugly plastic coolant, washer, and oil caps on our Rabbit.Installing the caps was a simple matter of popping the hood and unscrewing the old pieces — it was, literally, less than a minute to install all three. The only special tool needed is an allen wrench to turn in the set screw on the coolant bottle cap cover, and even that's supplied with it.
Aside from the JCaps' good looks, we're most impressed by the quality paid to details. Jay talks about the thought that went into our Rabbit's caps with all the gratification of a proud papa. The cover for the coolant bottle, which presses on top of the factory blue cap, is machined within a few thousandths of an inch of the factory part. If the original cap is too hot, Jay tells us, it would expand to the point that his aluminum trim cap wouldn't fit over it. The washer bottle cap takes more than eight different tools for the CNC mill to create a shape that "snaps" over the original plastic bottle's neck, and its nylon lanyard has factory-style indexing tabs to keep it from turning in place. Volkswagen kept switching vendors for OEM oil filler caps, so Jay sources a replacement piece from German vendor Febi that replaces them all, and then fits that with one of his custom-machined aluminum caps.
MORE INFORMATION:
JCaps Billet Aluminum CapsCoolant Cap, Type B — Black Anodized — $60.99Oil Cap, Type A — Black Anodized — $64.99Washer Bottle Cap — Black Anodized — $69.99Links:JCaps OnlineForum Thread: Jcaps NEW BLKANO LineMore Pictures:VWvortex Galleries: JCaps Billet Aluminum CapsSoftwareSince our Rabbit is a 2007, we're saddled with the 150-horsepower engine and its diesel–like 5800 rpm redline. While we have bigger upgrades in the future for the car, for the time being we got in touch with Chris Collier and Jeff Atwood, co-owners of C2 Motorsports, to see what kind of life their 2.5-liter software could be breathe into the otherwise-stock drivetrain.
There are three different flavors of the C2 software available, so you can choose the minimum fuel you'd like to feed your tank: 87-, 91-, or 93-octane. The 87-octane software produces the lion's share of gains with a claimed bump of 8 peak horsepower and 10 lb-ft of torque, while the higher-octane calibrations are there for those who want to wring every percent of potential without cracking into the engine. We opted for C2's 91-octane program, so both the timing and fuel maps have been rearranged slightly to take advantage of the high-octane fuel's ability to run more aggressive curves without detonating.C2's Jeff Atwood talked us through the changes that we'd notice with their software, all of which fix annoyances we've had with the Rabbit since day one. The redline has been raised to 6800 rpm, which the 2.5 will rev to without hesitation — or danger, since the 2.5 uses valvetrain parts from the higher-revving 1.8 Turbo. "I looked the valve springs up in ETKA," says Atwood, "and they're from the 20-valve." The drive-by-wire lag has been removed, and the decel "hang", which kept the throttle open for several seconds while coasting, has also been eliminated. The top speed limiter has been removed, but unless our Rabbit gets hooked to the tow loop of a Veyron, we're never going to have a chance to explore that. We're also promised that the software doesn't trigger any stray check-engine lights, and that it can be recalibrated for cold air intakes so that those notorious code-throwers don't make the CEL wink on, either.Installing the software at C2's Waterfest booth was a fifteen-minute job, after which the Rabbit, with its temperature display showing a sizzling 103 degrees, settled into a quiet idle. It was past five o'clock on Sunday, so we were ready to head out onto the turnpike and find our way back to the hotel, giving us lots of opportunities to try honking on our freshly flashloaded VW.The first thing noticeable about the C2 software is that the throttle tip-in remains natural and progressive, instead of yanking the throttle wide open to simulate big horsepower gains. Puttering through the parking lot on our way back to the highway, the engine behaves exactly the same as it did when it was stock. Bringing the clutch up to its friction point didn't make any unexpected stumbles or chuggles, and rolling the car out didn't require ditching the past 15,000 miles of learning.The first surprise came when shifting from first to second — engine RPMs drop like a brick when the throttle is released, without any of the hang between shifts that the original programming exhibited. We've never been jazzed about the Rabbit's artificially padded throttle behavior, and C2's software makes the Rabbit respond as if there were a cable between the pedal and the throttle body. Quick jabs of the gas pedal, which the original software would grind down into small hiccups at the throttle body, actually translate into small revs — we have a feeling that the limiting factor in the Rabbit's throttle response is now the heavy stock flywheel.On the nearest freeway on-ramp, the Rabbit pulls smoothly (if not eagerly) to 6800 rpm — yes, it is strange to see the tach needle buried deep past redline without hitting the limiter — and the newfound RPMs mean that 60 mph can now be reached without having to grab third gear. Fuel economy seems mostly unchanged, with the Rabbit returning the same 26 mpg during the drive home from Waterfest that it averaged on the drive out.The big question, then, is if we're making the advertised 8 horsepower and 10 lb-ft of torque, and that's one we can't answer just yet — in the week since our car was flashed, we haven't had the chance to get the car back on the same Dynapack that was used to make our baseline passes of 146 whp. But we do plan on hooking the Rabbit up soon, and when we do, the results will be posted here.
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Friday, August 1, 2008
Event Coverage: Waterfest 14
Englishtown, NJ, July 19 and 20 — We’re back from Waterfest 14 and gradually recovering from some nasty dehydration. Not a drop of rain was shed, which is quite unlike any Waterfest in memory, but show-goers suffered temperatures that topped out at 97 degrees on Saturday and 93 on Sunday. Despite the sweltering heat, the show area was still packed. According to Waterfest organizers, total attendance for the weekend was about 21,000, about even with last year’s tally. Waterfest is one of few shows that hosts a variety of activities, including an autocross course and a burnout competition. Saturday’s schedule offers a popular exhibition area with a get-together-like atmosphere for those who want to show off their cars without the stress of trophy-hunting. Of course, the biggest draw is Sunday’s show car event, and the predominantly East Coast crowd is notoriously competitive.
As always, the recent models in the VW family will take the spotlight; the show area was dominated by MKIVs and MKVs showcasing well-executed variations on similar themes. We noticed quite a few trends amongst this crowd and were pleased to see that simple aesthetic changes are still the most effective.
Refinished headliners are one of the simplest ways to change the look of the interior; when the pillars are wrapped to match, it helps draw attention even from outside the car. We noticed the abundance of plaid pillars while walking the show lot and spotted examples on nearly every model. If plaid’s popularity is inspired by cross-generational Interlagos envy, well, we completely understand.
Audi wheels have been a popular upgrade for VWs since the heyday of the MKIs and MKIIs, when the few Audi 4000s cursed with FWD could serve some purpose by donating their stock Ronal R8s. It's always been a relatively simple change that provides an elite yet OEM look. We can’t remember, though, the last time an Audi roller reached the ubiquity of A8 Turbines and A8L Monoblocks. These are two classy, timeless designs that, fortunately, suit Volkswagens particularly well. Original and polished faces are the most common ways to wear these wheels, but we spotted a Deep Blue Pearl MKIV R32 boasting Turbines with glossy black spokes and color-matched inserts.Candy and neon wheels are another popular way to draw attention to an otherwise understated car. Solid gloss finishes appeared on a number of participants, with orange and lime green competing for top billing. We especially liked a black MKV Jetta sporting avocado wheels and a front grille badge, complemented by a pink intercooler. Purple BBS meshies and a matching grille stripe added an interesting twist to a white MKV GTI.
Although flat black paint has enjoyed a revival in popularity, we were pleased to see that amongst the VW crowd, this trend manifests itself in a more colorful interpretation. There were several examples of velvety matte finish cars in attendance, including a dark blue MKIV, a wintergreen MKIV Golf with color-coded wheels, and an aqua-gray widebody Audi A4. A particularly cohesive example of this trend was Jason and Kate Kress’ military-themed MKIII VR6 turbo Golf, which we found on display in the Kinetic booth. Keep an eye out for a full feature, coming this fall.We were rather surprised by the extent to which the older classes have dwindled; most notably, there was little evidence of the MKI renaissance that took place over the last few years. Conversation with show-goers seemed to indicate that although there was a strong population of vintage watercooled owners in attendance, they enjoy the event more as spectators rather than competitors. We hope this decline is temporary, but the upside is that the older cars that showed were well-sorted examples. We particularly liked a light blue Caddy on ATS cups and a brown Jetta coupe with a 1.8T conversion. Early Passats made a small but strong showing, including a B3 syncro wagon on Omni GLH wheels and a gray B3 GLX sedan with a polished wood steering wheel and a bit of machine work on the engine. We also liked a sleeper-style B4 GLX with a nitrous system.
As usual, Volkswagen’s Garage drew quite a crowd, aided immensely by a few world-class show cars. As we promised a couple of weeks ago, the famed GTI W12 made an appearance in all its Pearl White glory. The car was built for Worthersee and has become a favorite of magazines and television shows worldwide due to its sheer power and completely unique body. It was quite a treat to experience its Stateside debut at Waterfest, and the crowd was appreciative of its presence. On several occasions throughout the weekend, the W12 was fired up to thrill the crowd with its exhaust note; quite the auditory experience considering the 650 hp crammed into the hatch.A few other stars kept the GTI W12 in good company. Max, the beautifully-restored black ’64 Beetle that is the centerpiece of VW’s current ad campaign, was there with all his charming wit and wisdom. The black R GTI show car, built for SEMA, was on display alongside a turbo MKV R32 and a Jetta TDI Cup car. VW showed that they know what the people want; they hosted the kickoff of Kreuzerfest at VWGoA's new headquarters in Herndon, VA, and VW staffers participated in the cruise with a few of their display cars.
By the end of the weekend, we were scorched and found ourselves wishing it had rained; overall, though, we deemed the show a success. We’d like to thank all who came out to support Waterfest 14, especially our readers who stopped by the VWvortex/Fourtitude booth to check out our display cars and say hello. We're already counting down to next year.
www.BestPriceCarParts.com - Your best stop for auto parts
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As always, the recent models in the VW family will take the spotlight; the show area was dominated by MKIVs and MKVs showcasing well-executed variations on similar themes. We noticed quite a few trends amongst this crowd and were pleased to see that simple aesthetic changes are still the most effective.
Refinished headliners are one of the simplest ways to change the look of the interior; when the pillars are wrapped to match, it helps draw attention even from outside the car. We noticed the abundance of plaid pillars while walking the show lot and spotted examples on nearly every model. If plaid’s popularity is inspired by cross-generational Interlagos envy, well, we completely understand.
Audi wheels have been a popular upgrade for VWs since the heyday of the MKIs and MKIIs, when the few Audi 4000s cursed with FWD could serve some purpose by donating their stock Ronal R8s. It's always been a relatively simple change that provides an elite yet OEM look. We can’t remember, though, the last time an Audi roller reached the ubiquity of A8 Turbines and A8L Monoblocks. These are two classy, timeless designs that, fortunately, suit Volkswagens particularly well. Original and polished faces are the most common ways to wear these wheels, but we spotted a Deep Blue Pearl MKIV R32 boasting Turbines with glossy black spokes and color-matched inserts.Candy and neon wheels are another popular way to draw attention to an otherwise understated car. Solid gloss finishes appeared on a number of participants, with orange and lime green competing for top billing. We especially liked a black MKV Jetta sporting avocado wheels and a front grille badge, complemented by a pink intercooler. Purple BBS meshies and a matching grille stripe added an interesting twist to a white MKV GTI.
Although flat black paint has enjoyed a revival in popularity, we were pleased to see that amongst the VW crowd, this trend manifests itself in a more colorful interpretation. There were several examples of velvety matte finish cars in attendance, including a dark blue MKIV, a wintergreen MKIV Golf with color-coded wheels, and an aqua-gray widebody Audi A4. A particularly cohesive example of this trend was Jason and Kate Kress’ military-themed MKIII VR6 turbo Golf, which we found on display in the Kinetic booth. Keep an eye out for a full feature, coming this fall.We were rather surprised by the extent to which the older classes have dwindled; most notably, there was little evidence of the MKI renaissance that took place over the last few years. Conversation with show-goers seemed to indicate that although there was a strong population of vintage watercooled owners in attendance, they enjoy the event more as spectators rather than competitors. We hope this decline is temporary, but the upside is that the older cars that showed were well-sorted examples. We particularly liked a light blue Caddy on ATS cups and a brown Jetta coupe with a 1.8T conversion. Early Passats made a small but strong showing, including a B3 syncro wagon on Omni GLH wheels and a gray B3 GLX sedan with a polished wood steering wheel and a bit of machine work on the engine. We also liked a sleeper-style B4 GLX with a nitrous system.
As usual, Volkswagen’s Garage drew quite a crowd, aided immensely by a few world-class show cars. As we promised a couple of weeks ago, the famed GTI W12 made an appearance in all its Pearl White glory. The car was built for Worthersee and has become a favorite of magazines and television shows worldwide due to its sheer power and completely unique body. It was quite a treat to experience its Stateside debut at Waterfest, and the crowd was appreciative of its presence. On several occasions throughout the weekend, the W12 was fired up to thrill the crowd with its exhaust note; quite the auditory experience considering the 650 hp crammed into the hatch.A few other stars kept the GTI W12 in good company. Max, the beautifully-restored black ’64 Beetle that is the centerpiece of VW’s current ad campaign, was there with all his charming wit and wisdom. The black R GTI show car, built for SEMA, was on display alongside a turbo MKV R32 and a Jetta TDI Cup car. VW showed that they know what the people want; they hosted the kickoff of Kreuzerfest at VWGoA's new headquarters in Herndon, VA, and VW staffers participated in the cruise with a few of their display cars.
By the end of the weekend, we were scorched and found ourselves wishing it had rained; overall, though, we deemed the show a success. We’d like to thank all who came out to support Waterfest 14, especially our readers who stopped by the VWvortex/Fourtitude booth to check out our display cars and say hello. We're already counting down to next year.
www.BestPriceCarParts.com - Your best stop for auto parts
www.MarksBugBarn.com - For all your vintage VW needs
AUTObiography: Iwantmyvdub's 1995 VW Corrado
Want your car featured in a VWvortex AUTObiography? Tell us what it means to be a Volkswagen enthusiast, and show us how you and your car demonstrate those ideals! Send the completed form with pictures to cherise@vwvortex.com. Next up is VWvortex reader: IwantmyvdubHow long have you owned this car? Since May 2006.Is there anything unique about the history of this car? There are only about 80 total ‘95 Corrados in North America, and the only reason the previous owner sold it to me is because his son smoked in the car, so he decided not to give it to him.What was your objective with this car? To never dread a long drive somewhere.What tuning style best describes this car? OEM-/sort of Euro.
Who helped you build this car? Richard@dubsport and my buddy Tim and my gramps.What makes your car special? You rarely see these, especially in decent shape. So many people are interested in the car. I've had everyone from 60-year-old Porsche owners to 20-year-old girls in Cavaliers ask me questions about it.What is your favorite part/feature/function? Motorized spoiler, obviously, and I love how low it sits (sometimes, anyways... I can’t stop messing with my coils).Who or what inspired the direction of modifications on this car? My old E30, lots of ideas from tons of people on the ‘rado forum.What don't you like about this car? I can’t stop spending money on it.What would you change if you could? I would get a second car so I had more time to work on this.On a scale of 1 to 10, how satisfied are you with the outcome of this project? 7, it’s far from perfect.
What would you do to the car if money were no object? 3-piece wheels, lots more power, AWD, Bugatti W16 quad turbo swap.Who has been your biggest critic of this project? Gramps.What do your family and friends say about this car? It’s a waste of money, but if they had it they would probably do the same.What is your favorite place to drive this car? Anywhere with smooth, twisty roads.What is your ideal day with this car? Sunroof and windows open, partly cloudy so I don’t have to wear sunglasses, and plenty of other VWs with me. And my girlfriend in the passenger seat.Who gets to drive this car? Me and anyone who asks nicely.
If your car had a motto, what would it be? I'm not happy until you're not happy.If you had to name your car, what would you name it? Corrado fits the bill, I can’t mess with that.What was your previous project? A poo brown ‘87 325is, rubbing all over the place.What is your next project? Hopefully an E30 M3, but I doubt I'd get rid of this.What one word best describes your car? Confusing.
Owner Information:Name: Christopher West (Iwantmyvdub on the Vortex)Occupation: Chef/snowboard coachClub affiliations: Airriders and Eurodrivers of AlbertaVehicle Information:Year: 1995Make: VWModel: CorradoMileage: About 170 kmsOriginal color: Moonlight Blue PearlCurrent color: StockEngine: VR6, soon to be VR6TEngine modifications: Stock with a Kinetic kit waiting to go inExhaust modifications: Least of my worries at the momentTransmission modifications: StockSuspension modifications: FK coilovers, new mounts all aroundBrake modifications: MKIV rear calipers, all OEM replacement stuffWheels and tires: 16x7.5 Azev Type A, et15 front et12 rear after spacersExterior/body modifications: Badgeless grille, smoked Euro headlightsInterior modifications: As if I'd mess with the power Recaro interiorAudio/Video/I.C.E.: See aboveThanks/props: Grandpa and Grandma, Jamie, Tim, Richard and anyone who’s ever helped me with problems on the ‘tex
www.BestPriceCarParts.com - Your best stop for auto parts
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Who helped you build this car? Richard@dubsport and my buddy Tim and my gramps.What makes your car special? You rarely see these, especially in decent shape. So many people are interested in the car. I've had everyone from 60-year-old Porsche owners to 20-year-old girls in Cavaliers ask me questions about it.What is your favorite part/feature/function? Motorized spoiler, obviously, and I love how low it sits (sometimes, anyways... I can’t stop messing with my coils).Who or what inspired the direction of modifications on this car? My old E30, lots of ideas from tons of people on the ‘rado forum.What don't you like about this car? I can’t stop spending money on it.What would you change if you could? I would get a second car so I had more time to work on this.On a scale of 1 to 10, how satisfied are you with the outcome of this project? 7, it’s far from perfect.
What would you do to the car if money were no object? 3-piece wheels, lots more power, AWD, Bugatti W16 quad turbo swap.Who has been your biggest critic of this project? Gramps.What do your family and friends say about this car? It’s a waste of money, but if they had it they would probably do the same.What is your favorite place to drive this car? Anywhere with smooth, twisty roads.What is your ideal day with this car? Sunroof and windows open, partly cloudy so I don’t have to wear sunglasses, and plenty of other VWs with me. And my girlfriend in the passenger seat.Who gets to drive this car? Me and anyone who asks nicely.
If your car had a motto, what would it be? I'm not happy until you're not happy.If you had to name your car, what would you name it? Corrado fits the bill, I can’t mess with that.What was your previous project? A poo brown ‘87 325is, rubbing all over the place.What is your next project? Hopefully an E30 M3, but I doubt I'd get rid of this.What one word best describes your car? Confusing.
Owner Information:Name: Christopher West (Iwantmyvdub on the Vortex)Occupation: Chef/snowboard coachClub affiliations: Airriders and Eurodrivers of AlbertaVehicle Information:Year: 1995Make: VWModel: CorradoMileage: About 170 kmsOriginal color: Moonlight Blue PearlCurrent color: StockEngine: VR6, soon to be VR6TEngine modifications: Stock with a Kinetic kit waiting to go inExhaust modifications: Least of my worries at the momentTransmission modifications: StockSuspension modifications: FK coilovers, new mounts all aroundBrake modifications: MKIV rear calipers, all OEM replacement stuffWheels and tires: 16x7.5 Azev Type A, et15 front et12 rear after spacersExterior/body modifications: Badgeless grille, smoked Euro headlightsInterior modifications: As if I'd mess with the power Recaro interiorAudio/Video/I.C.E.: See aboveThanks/props: Grandpa and Grandma, Jamie, Tim, Richard and anyone who’s ever helped me with problems on the ‘tex
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Lamborghini Makes Another Iconic Appearance in the Latest Batman Movie "The Dark Knight"
SANT’AGATA BOLOGNESE BOLOGNESE, Italy , – When he isn’t protecting Gotham City from various villains, as his alter ego Batman in his Batmobile, billionaire Bruce Wayne’s vehicle of choice is one of Lamborghini’s most extreme super sports car ever built, the Lamborghini Murciélago LP640.The Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Coupe is not Bruce Wayne’s first Lamborghini. The association with the marque began in 2005 when Propaganda Global Entertainment Marketing, Lamborghini’s worldwide entertainment marketing firm, brokered the deal for the Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster to make its on screen debut in "Batman Begins."The Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Coupe appearing in “The Dark Knight” is powered by a 640 horsepower 12 cylinder engine and is capable of more than 211 mph.“The Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 is the natural choice for Bruce Wayne’s other car,” stated Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “Lamborghini is proud to be associated with one of the greatest movie franchises in history, especially co starring with the Batmobile.”About The Dark KnightThe follow up to the action hit “Batman Begins,” “The Dark Knight” reunites director Christopher Nolan and star Christian Bale, who reprises the role of Batman/Bruce Wayne in his continuing war on crime. With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to destroy organized crime in Gotham for good. The triumvirate proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a rising criminal mastermind known as the Joker, who thrusts Gotham into anarchy and forces the Dark Knight ever closer to crossing the fine line between hero and vigilante. Academy Award nominee Heath Ledger (“Brokeback Mountain”) stars as arch villain The Joker, and Aaron Eckhart plays District Attorney Harvey Dent. Maggie Gyllenhaal joins the cast in the role of Rachel Dawes. Returning from “Batman Begins” are Gary Oldman as Lieutenant Jim Gordon; Oscar winner Michael Caine (“The Cider House Rules”) as Alfred; and Oscar winner Morgan Freeman (“Million Dollar Baby”) as Lucius Fox.Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Legendary Pictures, a Syncopy Production, a Christopher Nolan film, “The Dark Knight.” Nolan directed the film from a screenplay written by Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan, story by Christopher Nolan & David S. Goyer. Charles Roven, Emma Thomas and Christopher Nolan are the producers, with Benjamin Melniker, Michael E.Uslan, Kevin De La Noy and Thomas Tull serving as executive producers. “The Dark Knight” is based upon characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by Bob Kane. www.thedarkknight.com In Theat Theatres res and IMAX“The Dark Knight” has been rated PG 13 for “intense sequences of violence and some menace.”
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www.BestPriceCarParts.com - Your best stop for auto parts
www.MarksBugBarn.com - For all your vintage VW needs
Lamborghini Extends UK Network with Fifth Dealership Appointment
Automobili Lamborghini SpA will expand its UK dealer network with a fifth dealership to open in Reading, Berkshire. Jardine Motors Group has been appointed to operate the new Lamborghini Reading dealership, to be located at Bennet Road, just off junction 11 of the M4. Lamborghini Reading will commence operations in July 2008 from temporary facilities, with a brand new showroom and service centre created to Lamborghini’s exacting requirements opening on site in 2009. The new Reading dealership joins Lamborghini’s existing outlets in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh. “We appointed Jardine Motors Group as a UK operations partner in recognition of the group’s expertise and professionalism in performance and luxury retailing,” commented Automobili Lamborghini’s President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann. “The opening of the Reading location strategically serves the Thames Valley corridor and the south west, ensuring we care for both our existing clients in the area as well as address our growing aspirational market in the region,” continued Winkelmann. “The UK is extremely important to Lamborghini as one of our five most significant world wide markets; it is essential we meet clients’ expectations through our geographical representation, as well as by appointing partners such as Jardine that are committed to investing in, and upholding, the principles of Lamborghini’s brand and retailing strategy. Choosing to drive a Lamborghini is not just about our exceptional super sports car product, but a lifestyle decision which starts with the dealership experience.” Lamborghini has increased its worldwide dealer network from 65 outlets at the beginning of 2005 to 117 with the appointment of Lamborghini Reading. “We are extremely pleased to have been awarded the Lamborghini franchise,” said Alun Jones, Chief Executive of Jardine Motors Group, which operates under trading names Lancaster and Scotthall amongst others. “Lamborghini joins Jardine’s substantial worldwide portfolio of prestige and performance marques, and we look forward to an exciting future in terms of both the Lamborghini product and the contribution we can make to customers’ experience of the Lamborghini brand.”Automobili Lamborghini recorded another record year in 2007, with a 15.3% increase in deliveries to 2406 cars worldwide. Lamborghini launched its Gallardo LP560 4 in Spring this year, which replaces the original Gallardo launched in 2003. Including a new engine, transmission and suspension, the significantly enhanced car provides 40 hp more power than the previous coupé, faster acceleration from 0 62 mph of 3.7 seconds, and a top speed in excess of 200 mph. The new Gallardo LP560 4 will be available to order from Lamborghini Reading and the UK dealer network: with a significant number of cars sold since the car’s launch, orders are now being taken for 2009 delivery dates. Lamborghini Reading is located at Bennet Road, Reading, RG 2 0QX, telephone 0118 965 8678. www.lamborghini reading.co.uk
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www.MarksBugBarn.com - For all your vintage VW needs
www.BestPriceCarParts.com - Your best stop for auto parts
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Volkswagen Receives Approvals to Acquire Majority Voting Stake in Scania
Wolfsburg, GERMANY – The Volkswagen Group has received the antitrust approvals necessary to acquire a majority voting stake in Swedish truck manufacturer Scania AB. The majority voting stake is expected to be acquired on July 22, 2008. In addition to the approval by the European Commission, a large number of antitrust proceedings were required in other countries worldwide.In March this year, Volkswagen reached an agreement with Investor AB and the Wallenberg foundations regarding the acquisition of their entire shareholdings in Scania. Volkswagen will therefore increase its share of voting rights in Scania from 37.98 percent to 68.60 percent. Its equity interest will rise to 37.73 percent (from 20.89 percent). The purchase price amounts to approximately EUR 2.8 billion. The Volkswagen Group will fully consolidate Scania in the second half of the year."We are delighted that Scania will now become the Group's ninth strong brand under the roof of Europe's largest automobile manufacturer," said Prof. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG. Scania now has a clear shareholder structure, he added. "As with all of our Group brands, Scania will retain its own corporate headquarters, its own culture and its own profile," said Winterkorn.
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Lamborghini Delivers the Nation's First Gallardo LP560-4 to Celebrated Italian Car Collector
NEW YORK, NY -- Automobili Lamborghini America, LLC delivered the first Gallardo LP560-4 to Benny Caiola, Jr., noted Italian car enthusiast and collector, this week at his home outside of New York City. The all-new 560 horsepower LP560-4, which replaces the previous Gallardo model, features a powerful new engine, permanent four-wheel drive system and an 18 percent reduction in fuel consumption and C02 emissions.Mr. Caiola secured the right to the first LP560-4 through a generous bid at the East Side House Settlement charity auction during the 2008 New York International Auto Show. Caiola's impressive garage, boasting dozens of exotic and collector cars, has housed many of Lamborghini's iconic and timeless models including the Countach, Diablo, Espada, Jalpa and the legendary Miura."Lamborghini was the first to garner my passion for automobiles," Caiola explained. "I've loved Lamborghinis my entire life and have owned nearly every model."The Gallardo LP560-4 arrives at all 31 United States showrooms in late summer of 2008. The Gallardo, with more than 7,100 units sold worldwide, is Lamborghini's most successful model of all time. As of today, there is a six month waiting list for the new Gallardo LP560-4 signaling that the success of the Gallardo model will continue for years to come.About LamborghiniFounded in 1963, Automobili Lamborghini is headquartered in Sant'Agata Bolognese, in Northeastern Italy and manufactures some of the world's most sought after super sports cars. With 34 dealerships in North America and 114 worldwide, Automobili Lamborghini has created a succession of dynamic and elegant super sports cars including the Miura, Islero, Urraco, 350GT, Espada, Countach, Diablo, Murcielago LP640, Murcielago LP640 Roadster, Gallardo Coupe, Gallardo Spyder, Gallardo SE, Gallardo Superleggera, Reventon and the recently launched 2009 Gallardo LP560-4. For more information on Automobili Lamborghini, please visit the website at http://www.lamborghini.com/.
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Thursday, July 17, 2008
Volkswagen Announces New U.S. Factory
After well over a year of speculation, Volkswagen has finally announced that it will build a new production facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The location of the new facility is northwest of the Chattanooga city center on a 1350-acre site called Enterprise South Industrial Park. The new facility will directly create more than 1,200 new jobs and additional suppliers that move into the area to support the factory will increase that number substantially. Volkswagen expects the facility to invest more than $1 billion into the local economy.Volkswagen plans to produce a new mid-sized platform at this factory. Essentially this will be a U.S. market-specific Passat model, although it may not be called "Passat" when it arrives in 2011. The current Passat is the number one selling mid-size sedan in Germany and is therefore important to Volkswagen AG. This means the development of the Passat primarily focuses on the needs of the German market first and all other markets second. The current model is also produced in Emden, Germany and is expensive to export to the U.S. market due to the poor value of the dollar. As a result the U.S. Passat costs more than similar competitors, isn't competitive in dimensions and size and struggles to find its market niche. Volkswagen of America will now be able to specifically build a car better suited to this market, realize significant cost savings (since it won't have to be imported from Germany) and, most importantly, have a new mid-size car platform strategy that *could* result in a minivan and other mid-size vehicle entries that share components similar to the Toyota Camry/Sienna/Highlander.One other interesting note in the press release below is Dr. Winterkorn's prediction that Volkswagen will be selling 800,000 plus vehicles in the U.S. market by 2018. If this were true (despite our enthusiasm for the company we're very skeptical VW can pull it off) the company and brand would no doubt change significantly with that number of products on the road. VW would go from a unique quirky European brand with a young following to another mass-market brand likely to lose some of its youthfulness, particularly if we start seeing VWs on every street corner. VW *has* to be profitable in this country and we can't blame any manufacturer for wanting to increase sales. However if VW spends too much time chasing the 500 pound gorilla that is Toyota they may lose focus on what makes their vehicles unique and ultimately end up with compromised products, too many models and a customer base that starts climbing in age. The average age of a Camry owner is 54 now. Is that the demographic VW wants in their Passat? So long as VW continues to a build a product that is uniquely VW, european in character and isn't watered down chasing U.S. consumer tastes and Toyota blandness, we'll remain excited about the future. Anyway, we'll get off our soapbox and wish VW luck with their new facility. We're excited to see what products they produce and look forward to some new products we can sink our teeth into.VW's press release follows below:VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA ANNOUNCES IT WILL PRODUCE CARS IN CHATTANOOGA; DECISION MARKS COMPANY’S ONGOING COMMITMENT TO NORTH AMERICAN MARKETHERNDON, Va. (July 15, 2008) — Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. announced today that it will build a U.S. automotive production facility in Chattanooga, Tenn., where it will produce a car designed specifically for the North American consumer and invest $1 billion in the economy. The announcement is an important element of the company’s overall U.S. strategy of connecting with its customers, increasing its competitiveness and tripling its U.S. customer base in the next decade.“The U.S. market is an important part of our volume strategy and we are now very resolutely accessing that market,” said Prof. Martin Winterkorn, CEO of Volkswagen AG. “Volkswagen will be extremely active there. This plant represents a milestone in Volkswagen’s growth strategy. We will be selling 800,000 Volkswagens in the U.S. by 2018, and this new site will play a key role. This, along with our growth strategy, is a prerequisite for the economic success of the company in the dollar region. We look forward to establishing an important mainstay for ourselves when we become the biggest European carmaker there.”“This is a significant step forward in achieving our goals in the U.S. market and a clear sign of the Volkswagen Group’s commitment to the North American consumer. Today’s decision is a fundamental part of our new strategic direction in the U.S. and our five-pillar strategy,” said Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America. “Chattanooga is an excellent fit for the Volkswagen culture, having an exceptional quality of life and a long manufacturing tradition.”The company will build the facility in the Enterprise South Industrial Park, located 12 miles northeast of downtown Chattanooga. The 1,350-acre site is 100 percent owned by the city of Chattanooga and Hamilton County and is certified as an industrial megasite by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Enterprise South is adjacent to Interstate 75. Initial production capacity for the facility is anticipated to be 150,000 vehicles, including a new midsize sedan designed specifically for the North American market. Production is scheduled to begin in early 2011.“I’m enormously pleased by the announcement from Volkswagen Group of America and grateful for the company’s investment in Chattanooga and in the people of Tennessee,” said Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen. “I believe Volkswagen chose Tennessee because of our shared values, our commitment to innovation and our strong respect for the environment. This project will have a significant impact on the economy of Tennessee and the region for decades to come.”“I couldn’t be more pleased that the spirit of partnership between the state of Tennessee, Volkswagen and the government and business leadership of Chattanooga and Hamilton County has resulted in this significant investment in Enterprise South,” said Matt Kisber, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. “Volkswagen’s investment in this community means the hard work and dedication demonstrated by people at the state and local level to create one of the best business climates in the country is paying off.”“We started with a vision of transforming an idle Army facility into the source of thousands of family-wage jobs,” said Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey. “Over the last 14 years, I’ve worked with four different city mayors as well as county commissioners, city councilmen and countless others in overcoming barriers and objections to that plan. Today, we stand with our new friends from Volkswagen to make a historic announcement that will create new opportunities for our community for years to come.”“Volkswagen and Chattanooga have a lot in common,” said Chattanooga City Mayor Ron Littlefield. “Both are serious about environmental sustainability and 21st Century manufacturing.” Environmental responsibility is a core value of the Volkswagen Group. The company’s focus on sustainable mobility and environmentally responsible manufacturing are right in line with Chattanooga’s strong environmental commitment. As an expression of this shared commitment, the state of Tennessee, Volkswagen and Chattanooga-area organizations are partnering to distribute two saplings for every tree displaced by the project. The new trees will be planted by local school children.According to United States Sen. Bob Corker, who was mayor of Chattanooga when the city and Hamilton County acquired the land and established Enterprise South as an industrial park, the Volkswagen announcement represents a new chapter in Chattanooga’s success story. “Through twists and turns, our community has maintained focus, invested wisely and exercised tremendous effort and energy in recruiting a major employer to Enterprise South. The breaking of this final barrier and the realization of the vision to which we have held true will take us to levels we can only begin to imagine,” said Corker.He continued, “Volkswagen is the very best manufacturer and partner we could possibly have in terms of our shared values, and as a result of their enormous investment, not only will Chattanooga be forever changed, but our entire state will reap great benefits from the new suppliers that this facility will attract to the region. I am proud to have been part of a dedicated team that has worked seamlessly on this effort and celebrate this outstanding achievement for our city and our state.”United States Sen. Lamar Alexander praised Volkswagen’s decision to locate at Enterprise South, saying, “Volkswagen and Chattanooga, the ideal marriage: one of the world's most admired companies and one of America’s most livable cities. This decision keeps Tennessee on the road to becoming the No. 1 state in auto jobs. Congratulations especially to Gov. Bredesen, Sen. Corker and Mayors Ramsey and Littlefield for their leadership,” Alexander concluded.“Over the past seven months, more than 100 Tennesseans at the local, state and federal level have worked odd hours on short deadlines to help us reach this day,” said Trevor Hamilton, vice president of economic development for the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce. “From this day forward, we dedicate ourselves to partnering with Volkswagen to move from construction to production as quickly as possible. We will unify our team with Volkwagen’s to ensure long-term success for the company, our community and the state of Tennessee.”With the new plant, Volkswagen will bring about 2,000 direct jobs to the area, and will add a significant number of jobs in related sectors. It is expected that these jobs will come from the tri-state area, pulling from the labor force of Tennessee as well as Georgia and Alabama. Volkswagen of America received an attractive, comprehensive package of incentives for the new facility from Gov. Bredesen’s office and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. The statutory incentives are tied to job creation and capital investment. Additional support includes assistance for public infrastructure and job training, each designed to ensure the local economy best leverages Volkswagen’s investment to benefit the local work force and ensure the facility’s success.“This area has a deep base of well-trained labor, with excellent engineering and manufacturing programs at the universities and technical colleges,” added Jacoby. “Thanks to the visionary leaders and people of Chattanooga, we’re confident that the values of this area are compatible with our own, and we envision a long and productive partnership.”Last year, Volkswagen outlined a new strategic direction in the U.S. based on five pillars: product, brand positioning, dealer network, organization and local production. As it moved forward to assess the potential for local production, the company considered many other site options and earlier this year had narrowed its search to Alabama, Michigan and Tennessee.“We reviewed three excellent sites, all of which had the specific qualities necessary to build a plant in the United States,” said Jacoby. “Both Gov. Granholm and Gov. Riley were strong advocates on behalf of their states and the citizens they represent. This was a difficult decision, but we look forward to continuing our relationships with both states. I thank both governors and their staffs.”
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Project Turbunnium Part II: Body Modifications
I first met the Thunder BunnyTM in a dimly lit corner of a display hall at Chicago's McCormick Place in 2007. Designed and built at Volkswagen's Design Center California in Santa Monica, the Thunder Bunny paid homage to the Neuspeed-modified 1981 Rabbit of the same name that foreshadowed the arrival of the 1983 GTI. The Thunder Bunny, with its Candy White paint and pearlescent-swirl accents, was also the driving force behind purchasing our Candy White 2007 Rabbit. When we bought the car, rumors had come to us via Auburn Hills that the Thunder Bunny's body kit was going to see production, and the thought of building a car patterned after VW's show beauty was irresistible. Two months ago, the first prototype body kits began filtering out of VW, and we were able to snap one up.The Con-Way delivery truck hadn't even pulled away from the Vortex offices before we were elbows-deep in three large cardboard boxes. The body kit features three components — a front bumper, a rear bumper, and side skirts — which are available pre-installed on new GTIs and Rabbits, or a la carte in either primered or prepainted form for non-foglight (Rabbit and Jetta) or foglight (GTI and GLI) applications. We opted to have the bumpers and skirts prepainted in Candy White for our Rabbit to make installation easier. Like the Thunder Bunny, we chose to go with a black grille, although Rabbit owners can retain their original body-colored piece if the monochromatic look is preferred.Installing the pieces doesn't take more than a day's worth of work, a few friends, and some hand tools. We've worked up a broad overview of the process to give you an idea what you're in for if you want to try your hand at upgrading your VW by yourself.Front bumper:
• Remove the two screws holding the grille to the body. Release the two locktabs holding the grille in place and it will tilt forward and pull off in your hands.• With the grille removed, take out the screws holding the bumper to the radiator support, the screws holding the bumper to the fender and the wheel well liner, and the screws holding the bumper to the underside of the body. You may want to turn the wheels hard to each side to give yourself extra access to them.
• Enlist the help of a friend to pull the bumper straight forward and off of the car. There are two locking tabs that need to be released on the inside of the lower grille before the bumper can be removed. There will be wiring looms for the front marker lights that you'll want to remove, so unplug the connectors from the side marker lamps and gently tug on the plastic Christmas-tree clips attaching the wiring harness to the front bumper. Set these aside, as you'll need to reuse them. Remove the side markers by pressing down on their locking tabs and pressing them through the sides of the bumper.
• With the bumper removed and set aside, you'll need to remove the old reinforcing foam pad from the steel bumper bar. There is a new pad included with the Thunder Bunny bumper.• The shape of the Thunder Bunny bumper necessitates removing some of the support bracket under the headlights. We used an angle grinder to make short work of it, but you can easily use a pliers to snap off the pieces that need to go — here's a "before and after" to give you an idea of what needs to be lopped off.
• Now you'll need to assemble the Thunder Bunny front bumper. There are three lower grilles that need to be installed, two blackout covers that go behind them, a mounting bracket that the grille attaches to, two guides that direct air through the radiator that need to be attached on either side of the lower valence, and two filler plates that extend out to attach the sides of the bumper to the wheel well liners, because the Thunder Bunny bumper is almost 2" wider at its base than the stocker. Installing the center grille is a simple matter of lining up the mounting tabs, making sure the piece is seated fully, and pressing down supplied one-time use clips over the tabs to lock it in place. The side grilles require inserting gray plastic expansion plugs into holes in the bumper. Be sure to insert them so the slot in the plug is parallel to the slot in the bumper as pictured. With the plugs in place, install the mesh grilles and fasten them down using the supplied Phillips screws. After the grilles are in, you can install the rear covers by locating them over the mounting tabs on the rear of the bumper and securing them in place with one-time use clips. The upper bracket and lower air guides are held in place by four Torx scews and four pop rivets, which are supplied, and are tightened down by using a pop-rivet gun, which isn't. New ones are under $12 at Autozone, however. The filler plates for the bumper sides are held in place by Torx screws, which are also included in the bag of hardware.
• The bumper is almost ready to install at this point — there's just one more step to assemble the front bumper before putting it on the Rabbit. The lower spoiler is made out of an extremely firm rubber and snaps into slots alongside the bottom of the front bumper. Start at one end of the bumper and you'll be able to easily snap the strip into place.• Remove the backing from the tape strips on the new bumper foam and install it.• You'll need to snap in your old turn signals or (as you should!) new smoked turn signals. Carefully route the wiring loom from the front of the car so that it won't get pinched or hung up on any of the brackets.• With someone on each side of the car, carefully guide the mounting tabs into the slots on each side of the fender. Make sure that the wiring for the turn signals doesn't got caught on the bumper bar as you slide the bumper into place. Install the screws into the grille bracket and wheel well liners.
• The Thunder Bunny bumper sits nearly an inch lower than the stock bumper, so there are spacers and longer screws supplied to hold the new bumper to the original mounting locations. Make sure that you use the correct spacers and screws in the correct locations — the included instructions show exactly where they should go.• Snap in the towing eyelet cover and install the new grille. The VW emblem snaps into place with a clockwise turn.
Rear bumper:• Open the hatch and, using your fingers, locate the two slits in the trunk carpet that allow access to the nuts holding in the taillights. If you haven't yet removed your taillights, there will be small perforations holding the carpet together that you'll need to tear.
• Using a small flatblade screwdriver, release the tabs that hold the wiring harness to the taillights by turning the blade until the catch releases.• Remove the two 10mm nuts that are holding the taillights against the body and gently remove them. It's very easy to accidentally scratch the paint when pushing the threaded studs out, so be careful.
• With the taillights removed, you'll have access to the four screws holding the bumper to the car's body. Those need to be removed, as well as the screws holding the bumper to the wheel well liner (there is one vertical screw on each side that is difficult to get to — removing the wheel allows much better access to them) and the screws on the underside of the bumper that hold it to the underbody.
• With the screws removed, the bumper simply slides off the car. Be sure to unplug the two license plate lights and carefully remove the clips that hold their wiring loom to the bumper.• Unlike the front bumper, there isn't much assembly work that needs to be done before installing the rear bumper. There are spacers on each side that need to be attached using Torx screws, but other than that the bumper is ready to install as it's shipped.• If you ordered the bumper prepainted, the lower valence will be body color. We decided that we wanted ours to be semi-flat black to match the rub strips on the Rabbit, so we scuffed it down with 3M pads, washed the area with Eastwood pre-paint prep solvent to remove any oils and dust, primed the area, and sprayed it with flexible bumper-and-trim paint. If you're doing this yourself, it's vitally important to make sure that the paint you use is designed for use on bumpers and plastic parts. Most paint does not have a flex agent mixed in with it and will chip, crack, craze, and flake off after a short while. Even if nobody bumps your car, the expansion and contraction of plastic bumpers sitting in the sun can cause the wrong paint to crack!• While the paint is drying, take this opportunity to remove the old reinforcing foam bar and install the new one that came with the Thunder Bunny rear bumper. The different shape of the bumper cover necessitates the new foam bar to keep it from being loose.• Remove the license plate lights from the old rear bumper, noting the direction that they were mounted. The lights have reflectors in them to shine light on the rear plate, and if they're installed backwards they won't light up much of anything. The two lights pop out easily by pressing in their locktab and pushing them out, much like the front sidemarkers.• Install the lights into the new rear bumper in the reverse of how you removed them from the old bumper.• Installing the new bumper is a simple matter of sliding the side mounting tabs into place and reinstalling the screws that were originally removed. Before sliding the bumper fully into place, reconnect the rear license plate lamps and clip the wiring loom to the new bumper using the original push-on mounting clips.
• The lower valence of the Thunder Bunny bumper is slightly longer than that of the stock bumper, which gives the stock exhaust tips a slight (half-inch) recess. We plan on upgrading the exhaust system of our Rabbit in a future installment, but if you're staying stock, you may want to invest in a set of longer tips.• There are no holes drilled for the license plate frame, so — heartbreak! — you'll need to take a drill to the freshly-painted surface of your new rear bumper. We held the plate up to the surface, made sure it was centered, traced the holes with a pencil, and drilled four 1/8" pilot holes. The screws for the license plate are self-tapping, and we let them cut threads into the cover.
Side skirts:Note: Installing the side skirts requires permanently bonding them to the sides of your car using windshield adhesive. Following the procedure to the letter is required, so if you're not confident in your ability to run an even bead of urethane along the sides of the skirts or don't feel comfortable with irreversibly modifying your car, you may want to have a body shop install them for you.• On the underside of your Rabbit's rocker panels, there will be several rubber body plugs. These will be removed and the holes in the body will be used to attach the side skirts' mounting brackets. Hold the skirt up to the car to determine which plugs need to be removed and yank them out with a gentle tug.
• Insert the mounting brackets for the side skirts by pushing them into the holes — there will a soft "snap" as they go into place — and then push the plastic box in the middle of the mounting bracket flush with the body of the bracket. This is a locking tab that prevents the bracket from ever falling off of the car.
• Remove the Torx screws at the bottom of the front and rear wheel well liner, and the lone screws at the rear side that holds the liner to the bottom of the rocker panel. You'll need to reuse these later on to attach the side skirts.
• Using sandpaper or a 3M scuff pad, rough up the flat area of the side skirt where you'll run the bead of urethane adhesive. Use a good prep solvent, like the Eastwood pre-paint prep we used on the rear bumper, to make sure that the area is free from dust, dirt, and skin oils.• Wipe down the lower half of the car's body and rocker panel using prep solvent to remove any wax or contaminants. We went over the body with a clay bar beforehand to remove any impurities in the paint, then wiped it down with prep solvent for good measure. The urethane will be bonding directly to the paint itself, so this step is critical.• Attach the side skirts to the car using the two mounting blocks you inserted into the rocker panels earlier. The skirts have some lateral adjustment built into these holes, so you can slide them forward and back to line them up on the body.• To help make cleanup easier, we first held the skirt to the body and laid down blue masking tape along the side of the body. We then traced the outline of the skirt on the tape with a pencil, and carefully scored the surface of the tape with a razor blade, removing any tape that would land under the area of the side skirt. This way, if any urethane were to ooze out during installation, it would stick to the tape and could be easily removed later, instead of having to deal with the urethane smeared on the body.• Securing the proper urethane in important! The included instructions call for Dow BETASEAL urethane, which is used to adhere glass directly to the body, such as the rear hatch window and side windows of the MKV. The only places that carried Dow BETASEAL were glass-repair shops, which sold it in 50-gallon drums. An equivalent product is 3M 08693, which is available at most NAPA auto parts stores. A note of caution — the windshield urethane that's sold at most chain parts stores is 3M 08609, which is a different adhesive and doesn't meet the standards laid down for the skirt adhesion.• Using a household caulk gun, apply a ¼ to 3/8" bead of urethane along the flat surface on the edge of the side skirt, making sure not to squeeze excess onto the surface of the side skirts.• Take a deep breath and position the skirt on the side of the car, taking care not to move it up or down too much so that the urethane doesn't poke out above the surface of the skirt. We installed the front screw to retain the skirt while leaving the bottom two screws loose and the rear screws uninstalled so that they weren't trying to pull the skirt away from the body.
• Using gaffer tape (duct tape will work here as well, but will leave more adhesive behind), run long stretches of tape to affix the skirt to the car body while the urethane cures. Use three stretches along the door sills and one long stretch to hold the skirt below the front fender. We used masking tape instead of gaffer tape (available from your local A/V store or Guitar Center) and encountered problems with the pieces sagging during the curing process, necessitating ripping them off the body, scraping the old urethane with razor blades, and trying again. To keep the long, upright section in front of the wheel attached, we used two ratcheting tie-down straps looped together to encircle the car, with rolled-up bunches of cardboard underneath the strap to keep the skirt pressed firmly against the Rabbit's body surface. Small C-clamps, designed for woodworking, held the skirt against the wheel well firmly.• After waiting the longest 24 hours of our lives, we removed the tape, cleaned up any adhesive residue, and tightened the two screws on the mounting blocks and the front screws holding the skirt to the fender well. The remaining screws on the rear of the skirt were then installed and snugged down. In our case, the skirt required a bit of coaxing to make it fit properly, as the stone-chip coating that's sprayed inside the rocker panel prevented the skirt from sitting tight against the body.All told, we were able to do the entire job without the need for power tools or even much in the way of hand tools. The kit from Volkswagen comes with everything you'll need to do the installation — every screw, bracket, zip tie, and piece of tape has been included — so there were none of those awful job-stopper moments that required waiting a week for the dealer to order a part of overnighting some obscure fastener bit from Germany.The fit and finish of the Thunder Bunny bumper is just as good as original equipment, which is exactly what we'd wanted — when removing factory parts, we wanted to replace them with things that would also look and feel like something that could have come down the assembly line. It's worth noting that the Thunder Bunny parts are durable enough to see use on every one of the TDI Cup racers that Volkswagen is currently campaigning.We love the look of the Thunder Bunny kit — the prominent black grilles complement the black rub strips along the car's flanks and the blacked-out rear diffuser adds some much-needed aggression to the Rabbit's formerly homey heinie. There's a problem, though: With the body kit in place, we need to do something to cure our Rabbit's family-friendly ride height and thick sidewalls. Stay tuned for the next installment of Project Turbunnium, where we'll give our VW's suspension and rolling stock some much needed love. Until then, be sure to drop by the VWvortex booth at Waterfest this coming weekend and see Project Turbunnium, sporting its full body kit, for yourself.
MORE INFORMATION:
Thunder Bunny Body Kit - Primered:JNV807101D Front bumper, Rabbit 2.5 without fog lightsJNV807301D Rear bumper, Rabbit 2.5JNV807101E Front bumper, GTI/GLI 2.0T with fog lights (includes prepainted in black magic grille and VW emblem)JNV807301E Rear bumper, GTIJNV853751 Side skirt set, 2 doorJNV853751A Side skirt set, 4 doorLinks:Volkswagen DriverGear
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• Remove the two screws holding the grille to the body. Release the two locktabs holding the grille in place and it will tilt forward and pull off in your hands.• With the grille removed, take out the screws holding the bumper to the radiator support, the screws holding the bumper to the fender and the wheel well liner, and the screws holding the bumper to the underside of the body. You may want to turn the wheels hard to each side to give yourself extra access to them.
• Enlist the help of a friend to pull the bumper straight forward and off of the car. There are two locking tabs that need to be released on the inside of the lower grille before the bumper can be removed. There will be wiring looms for the front marker lights that you'll want to remove, so unplug the connectors from the side marker lamps and gently tug on the plastic Christmas-tree clips attaching the wiring harness to the front bumper. Set these aside, as you'll need to reuse them. Remove the side markers by pressing down on their locking tabs and pressing them through the sides of the bumper.
• With the bumper removed and set aside, you'll need to remove the old reinforcing foam pad from the steel bumper bar. There is a new pad included with the Thunder Bunny bumper.• The shape of the Thunder Bunny bumper necessitates removing some of the support bracket under the headlights. We used an angle grinder to make short work of it, but you can easily use a pliers to snap off the pieces that need to go — here's a "before and after" to give you an idea of what needs to be lopped off.
• Now you'll need to assemble the Thunder Bunny front bumper. There are three lower grilles that need to be installed, two blackout covers that go behind them, a mounting bracket that the grille attaches to, two guides that direct air through the radiator that need to be attached on either side of the lower valence, and two filler plates that extend out to attach the sides of the bumper to the wheel well liners, because the Thunder Bunny bumper is almost 2" wider at its base than the stocker. Installing the center grille is a simple matter of lining up the mounting tabs, making sure the piece is seated fully, and pressing down supplied one-time use clips over the tabs to lock it in place. The side grilles require inserting gray plastic expansion plugs into holes in the bumper. Be sure to insert them so the slot in the plug is parallel to the slot in the bumper as pictured. With the plugs in place, install the mesh grilles and fasten them down using the supplied Phillips screws. After the grilles are in, you can install the rear covers by locating them over the mounting tabs on the rear of the bumper and securing them in place with one-time use clips. The upper bracket and lower air guides are held in place by four Torx scews and four pop rivets, which are supplied, and are tightened down by using a pop-rivet gun, which isn't. New ones are under $12 at Autozone, however. The filler plates for the bumper sides are held in place by Torx screws, which are also included in the bag of hardware.
• The bumper is almost ready to install at this point — there's just one more step to assemble the front bumper before putting it on the Rabbit. The lower spoiler is made out of an extremely firm rubber and snaps into slots alongside the bottom of the front bumper. Start at one end of the bumper and you'll be able to easily snap the strip into place.• Remove the backing from the tape strips on the new bumper foam and install it.• You'll need to snap in your old turn signals or (as you should!) new smoked turn signals. Carefully route the wiring loom from the front of the car so that it won't get pinched or hung up on any of the brackets.• With someone on each side of the car, carefully guide the mounting tabs into the slots on each side of the fender. Make sure that the wiring for the turn signals doesn't got caught on the bumper bar as you slide the bumper into place. Install the screws into the grille bracket and wheel well liners.
• The Thunder Bunny bumper sits nearly an inch lower than the stock bumper, so there are spacers and longer screws supplied to hold the new bumper to the original mounting locations. Make sure that you use the correct spacers and screws in the correct locations — the included instructions show exactly where they should go.• Snap in the towing eyelet cover and install the new grille. The VW emblem snaps into place with a clockwise turn.
Rear bumper:• Open the hatch and, using your fingers, locate the two slits in the trunk carpet that allow access to the nuts holding in the taillights. If you haven't yet removed your taillights, there will be small perforations holding the carpet together that you'll need to tear.
• Using a small flatblade screwdriver, release the tabs that hold the wiring harness to the taillights by turning the blade until the catch releases.• Remove the two 10mm nuts that are holding the taillights against the body and gently remove them. It's very easy to accidentally scratch the paint when pushing the threaded studs out, so be careful.
• With the taillights removed, you'll have access to the four screws holding the bumper to the car's body. Those need to be removed, as well as the screws holding the bumper to the wheel well liner (there is one vertical screw on each side that is difficult to get to — removing the wheel allows much better access to them) and the screws on the underside of the bumper that hold it to the underbody.
• With the screws removed, the bumper simply slides off the car. Be sure to unplug the two license plate lights and carefully remove the clips that hold their wiring loom to the bumper.• Unlike the front bumper, there isn't much assembly work that needs to be done before installing the rear bumper. There are spacers on each side that need to be attached using Torx screws, but other than that the bumper is ready to install as it's shipped.• If you ordered the bumper prepainted, the lower valence will be body color. We decided that we wanted ours to be semi-flat black to match the rub strips on the Rabbit, so we scuffed it down with 3M pads, washed the area with Eastwood pre-paint prep solvent to remove any oils and dust, primed the area, and sprayed it with flexible bumper-and-trim paint. If you're doing this yourself, it's vitally important to make sure that the paint you use is designed for use on bumpers and plastic parts. Most paint does not have a flex agent mixed in with it and will chip, crack, craze, and flake off after a short while. Even if nobody bumps your car, the expansion and contraction of plastic bumpers sitting in the sun can cause the wrong paint to crack!• While the paint is drying, take this opportunity to remove the old reinforcing foam bar and install the new one that came with the Thunder Bunny rear bumper. The different shape of the bumper cover necessitates the new foam bar to keep it from being loose.• Remove the license plate lights from the old rear bumper, noting the direction that they were mounted. The lights have reflectors in them to shine light on the rear plate, and if they're installed backwards they won't light up much of anything. The two lights pop out easily by pressing in their locktab and pushing them out, much like the front sidemarkers.• Install the lights into the new rear bumper in the reverse of how you removed them from the old bumper.• Installing the new bumper is a simple matter of sliding the side mounting tabs into place and reinstalling the screws that were originally removed. Before sliding the bumper fully into place, reconnect the rear license plate lamps and clip the wiring loom to the new bumper using the original push-on mounting clips.
• The lower valence of the Thunder Bunny bumper is slightly longer than that of the stock bumper, which gives the stock exhaust tips a slight (half-inch) recess. We plan on upgrading the exhaust system of our Rabbit in a future installment, but if you're staying stock, you may want to invest in a set of longer tips.• There are no holes drilled for the license plate frame, so — heartbreak! — you'll need to take a drill to the freshly-painted surface of your new rear bumper. We held the plate up to the surface, made sure it was centered, traced the holes with a pencil, and drilled four 1/8" pilot holes. The screws for the license plate are self-tapping, and we let them cut threads into the cover.
Side skirts:Note: Installing the side skirts requires permanently bonding them to the sides of your car using windshield adhesive. Following the procedure to the letter is required, so if you're not confident in your ability to run an even bead of urethane along the sides of the skirts or don't feel comfortable with irreversibly modifying your car, you may want to have a body shop install them for you.• On the underside of your Rabbit's rocker panels, there will be several rubber body plugs. These will be removed and the holes in the body will be used to attach the side skirts' mounting brackets. Hold the skirt up to the car to determine which plugs need to be removed and yank them out with a gentle tug.
• Insert the mounting brackets for the side skirts by pushing them into the holes — there will a soft "snap" as they go into place — and then push the plastic box in the middle of the mounting bracket flush with the body of the bracket. This is a locking tab that prevents the bracket from ever falling off of the car.
• Remove the Torx screws at the bottom of the front and rear wheel well liner, and the lone screws at the rear side that holds the liner to the bottom of the rocker panel. You'll need to reuse these later on to attach the side skirts.
• Using sandpaper or a 3M scuff pad, rough up the flat area of the side skirt where you'll run the bead of urethane adhesive. Use a good prep solvent, like the Eastwood pre-paint prep we used on the rear bumper, to make sure that the area is free from dust, dirt, and skin oils.• Wipe down the lower half of the car's body and rocker panel using prep solvent to remove any wax or contaminants. We went over the body with a clay bar beforehand to remove any impurities in the paint, then wiped it down with prep solvent for good measure. The urethane will be bonding directly to the paint itself, so this step is critical.• Attach the side skirts to the car using the two mounting blocks you inserted into the rocker panels earlier. The skirts have some lateral adjustment built into these holes, so you can slide them forward and back to line them up on the body.• To help make cleanup easier, we first held the skirt to the body and laid down blue masking tape along the side of the body. We then traced the outline of the skirt on the tape with a pencil, and carefully scored the surface of the tape with a razor blade, removing any tape that would land under the area of the side skirt. This way, if any urethane were to ooze out during installation, it would stick to the tape and could be easily removed later, instead of having to deal with the urethane smeared on the body.• Securing the proper urethane in important! The included instructions call for Dow BETASEAL urethane, which is used to adhere glass directly to the body, such as the rear hatch window and side windows of the MKV. The only places that carried Dow BETASEAL were glass-repair shops, which sold it in 50-gallon drums. An equivalent product is 3M 08693, which is available at most NAPA auto parts stores. A note of caution — the windshield urethane that's sold at most chain parts stores is 3M 08609, which is a different adhesive and doesn't meet the standards laid down for the skirt adhesion.• Using a household caulk gun, apply a ¼ to 3/8" bead of urethane along the flat surface on the edge of the side skirt, making sure not to squeeze excess onto the surface of the side skirts.• Take a deep breath and position the skirt on the side of the car, taking care not to move it up or down too much so that the urethane doesn't poke out above the surface of the skirt. We installed the front screw to retain the skirt while leaving the bottom two screws loose and the rear screws uninstalled so that they weren't trying to pull the skirt away from the body.
• Using gaffer tape (duct tape will work here as well, but will leave more adhesive behind), run long stretches of tape to affix the skirt to the car body while the urethane cures. Use three stretches along the door sills and one long stretch to hold the skirt below the front fender. We used masking tape instead of gaffer tape (available from your local A/V store or Guitar Center) and encountered problems with the pieces sagging during the curing process, necessitating ripping them off the body, scraping the old urethane with razor blades, and trying again. To keep the long, upright section in front of the wheel attached, we used two ratcheting tie-down straps looped together to encircle the car, with rolled-up bunches of cardboard underneath the strap to keep the skirt pressed firmly against the Rabbit's body surface. Small C-clamps, designed for woodworking, held the skirt against the wheel well firmly.• After waiting the longest 24 hours of our lives, we removed the tape, cleaned up any adhesive residue, and tightened the two screws on the mounting blocks and the front screws holding the skirt to the fender well. The remaining screws on the rear of the skirt were then installed and snugged down. In our case, the skirt required a bit of coaxing to make it fit properly, as the stone-chip coating that's sprayed inside the rocker panel prevented the skirt from sitting tight against the body.All told, we were able to do the entire job without the need for power tools or even much in the way of hand tools. The kit from Volkswagen comes with everything you'll need to do the installation — every screw, bracket, zip tie, and piece of tape has been included — so there were none of those awful job-stopper moments that required waiting a week for the dealer to order a part of overnighting some obscure fastener bit from Germany.The fit and finish of the Thunder Bunny bumper is just as good as original equipment, which is exactly what we'd wanted — when removing factory parts, we wanted to replace them with things that would also look and feel like something that could have come down the assembly line. It's worth noting that the Thunder Bunny parts are durable enough to see use on every one of the TDI Cup racers that Volkswagen is currently campaigning.We love the look of the Thunder Bunny kit — the prominent black grilles complement the black rub strips along the car's flanks and the blacked-out rear diffuser adds some much-needed aggression to the Rabbit's formerly homey heinie. There's a problem, though: With the body kit in place, we need to do something to cure our Rabbit's family-friendly ride height and thick sidewalls. Stay tuned for the next installment of Project Turbunnium, where we'll give our VW's suspension and rolling stock some much needed love. Until then, be sure to drop by the VWvortex booth at Waterfest this coming weekend and see Project Turbunnium, sporting its full body kit, for yourself.
MORE INFORMATION:
Thunder Bunny Body Kit - Primered:JNV807101D Front bumper, Rabbit 2.5 without fog lightsJNV807301D Rear bumper, Rabbit 2.5JNV807101E Front bumper, GTI/GLI 2.0T with fog lights (includes prepainted in black magic grille and VW emblem)JNV807301E Rear bumper, GTIJNV853751 Side skirt set, 2 doorJNV853751A Side skirt set, 4 doorLinks:Volkswagen DriverGear
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GTI W12 Spotting in Virginia: A Waterfest Preview
Poll anyone in the enthusiast scene and they’ll tell you that Waterfest is the event of the summer. Fourteen years running, you’d think the mammoth show, drag-races and all-out vendor extravaganza would stumble here or there. It hasn’t, and continues to flex its dominance in the American scene. This point made crystal clear to us recently on a visit to Volkswagen’s new headquarters in Herndon, VA.
We had it on good word that the 650-horsepower GTI W12 built for last year’s Woerthersee show had just arrived via air transport from Germany and that we might get a quick peek. The car’s been shipped to the States for the summer so that Volkswagen can utilize it at several of our own key enthusiast events. The first of these is Waterfest.As we snapped photos of the car, VW representatives explained some of the plan…
One of the many cruises funneling owners to Waterfest this year is the Eurotuner Kreuzerfest that stages from VW’s new headquarters outside of Washington, D.C. Though the GTI W12 won’t be cruising as it’s worth bajillions and isn’t street legal, Volkswagen’s Virginia staff will be rolling the car out for the cruisers and any other enthusiasts who happen by in order to get a peek before the group heads out. Eurotuner lists the time of the event in VA at 9:30AM. Past SEMA cars like the GTI-R and Jetta SportWagen will also be there to ogle before hitting the pavement for New Jersey.
Volkswagen would love to see as many enthusiasts who can show up – cruising or not, because it helps convince executives that investment and involvement in the enthusiast scene and shows like Waterfest is money well spent. Looking out their office windows and seeing a sea of rabid owners makes this even more obvious.
In addition to Kreuzerfest, there are any number of convoys and cruises that will make their way to the big event. Whether it be organized runs like the Orange Ball that originates in Montreal or word-of-mouth affairs as we’ve also seen forming, you can get the skinny on virtually all of them in our Waterfest discussion forum.
From Herndon, the W12 will be shipped to Englishtown wheremit will be on display throughout the weekend at the Volkswagen stand alongside the past SEMA cars, a Jetta TDI Cup racer and more. Make sure to stop by the stand and ask the Volkswagen staff what their plans are for Saturday night. No doubt some of these cars will make a showing after the sun falls and wherever they are may be the cool place to hang for the evening.
VWvortex and its sister website Fourtitude will have a display adjoining that of Volkswagen. In addition to our own Project Turbunnium Rabbit, the Vortex Media Group display will include Fourtitude’s 4 Season Audi S6, an Audi R8, Swedespeed.com’s Project Volvo C30, Mwerks.com’s Project BMW 135i and several other vehicles.
If you don’t have plans for Waterfest, perhaps you should reconsider. The event goes down in less than two weeks, from July 19-20 and Raceway Park in Englishtown, NJ. In the meantime, check out more photos of the GTI W12 650 via the gallery link below.
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We had it on good word that the 650-horsepower GTI W12 built for last year’s Woerthersee show had just arrived via air transport from Germany and that we might get a quick peek. The car’s been shipped to the States for the summer so that Volkswagen can utilize it at several of our own key enthusiast events. The first of these is Waterfest.As we snapped photos of the car, VW representatives explained some of the plan…
One of the many cruises funneling owners to Waterfest this year is the Eurotuner Kreuzerfest that stages from VW’s new headquarters outside of Washington, D.C. Though the GTI W12 won’t be cruising as it’s worth bajillions and isn’t street legal, Volkswagen’s Virginia staff will be rolling the car out for the cruisers and any other enthusiasts who happen by in order to get a peek before the group heads out. Eurotuner lists the time of the event in VA at 9:30AM. Past SEMA cars like the GTI-R and Jetta SportWagen will also be there to ogle before hitting the pavement for New Jersey.
Volkswagen would love to see as many enthusiasts who can show up – cruising or not, because it helps convince executives that investment and involvement in the enthusiast scene and shows like Waterfest is money well spent. Looking out their office windows and seeing a sea of rabid owners makes this even more obvious.
In addition to Kreuzerfest, there are any number of convoys and cruises that will make their way to the big event. Whether it be organized runs like the Orange Ball that originates in Montreal or word-of-mouth affairs as we’ve also seen forming, you can get the skinny on virtually all of them in our Waterfest discussion forum.
From Herndon, the W12 will be shipped to Englishtown wheremit will be on display throughout the weekend at the Volkswagen stand alongside the past SEMA cars, a Jetta TDI Cup racer and more. Make sure to stop by the stand and ask the Volkswagen staff what their plans are for Saturday night. No doubt some of these cars will make a showing after the sun falls and wherever they are may be the cool place to hang for the evening.
VWvortex and its sister website Fourtitude will have a display adjoining that of Volkswagen. In addition to our own Project Turbunnium Rabbit, the Vortex Media Group display will include Fourtitude’s 4 Season Audi S6, an Audi R8, Swedespeed.com’s Project Volvo C30, Mwerks.com’s Project BMW 135i and several other vehicles.
If you don’t have plans for Waterfest, perhaps you should reconsider. The event goes down in less than two weeks, from July 19-20 and Raceway Park in Englishtown, NJ. In the meantime, check out more photos of the GTI W12 650 via the gallery link below.
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Three Volkswagen Concepts Reflect the Past, Present and Future at Goodwood
A trio of Volkswagen concept vehicles are set to make their UK debut at The Goodwood Festival of Speed between Friday 11th and Sunday 13th July.The Scirocco GT24 concept is a sister vehicle to the race cars which not only won their class at the recent Nürburgring 24 hour race but also finished 11th overall out of over 200 starters among far more exotic machinery. Sharing the same drivetrain, carbon panels and 325 PS 2.0-litre TSI engine the Scirocco GT24 adds a series of detail changes to the interior including leather bucket seats and a rear-facing camera to record the expression on the passenger’s face as the car races up the notorious Goodwood Hill.
Making a total of six runs up the hill over the three days, The Festival of Speed marks the first time the Scirocco GT24 has been driven in the UK.From the recent past the innovative W12 Coupé concept first seen in 1997 will make an appearance in the Cartier ‘Style et Luxe’ area. Serving as a research vehicle designed to prove the strength and durability of the W12 engine, an example of the W12 Coupé lapped the Nardo test track in October 2001 for 24 hours, covering a total of 4,402 miles at an average speed of 183 mph to set a world speed record.
Looking forward, the up! concept vehicle will feature in the Goodwood Technology Pavilion – dedicated to innovative vehicles. Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year the up! acts as inspiration for a new range of highly efficient small cars from Volkswagen currently in development.Now in its 16th year The Goodwood Festival of Speed is expected to host 150,000 spectators over three days from July 11th – 13th. More information on The Festival can be found at www.goodwood.co.uk/fos
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Making a total of six runs up the hill over the three days, The Festival of Speed marks the first time the Scirocco GT24 has been driven in the UK.From the recent past the innovative W12 Coupé concept first seen in 1997 will make an appearance in the Cartier ‘Style et Luxe’ area. Serving as a research vehicle designed to prove the strength and durability of the W12 engine, an example of the W12 Coupé lapped the Nardo test track in October 2001 for 24 hours, covering a total of 4,402 miles at an average speed of 183 mph to set a world speed record.
Looking forward, the up! concept vehicle will feature in the Goodwood Technology Pavilion – dedicated to innovative vehicles. Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year the up! acts as inspiration for a new range of highly efficient small cars from Volkswagen currently in development.Now in its 16th year The Goodwood Festival of Speed is expected to host 150,000 spectators over three days from July 11th – 13th. More information on The Festival can be found at www.goodwood.co.uk/fos
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Ferdinand Porsche Biography Debut at 2008 Goodwood Festival of Speed
Author Karl Ludvigsen and Ferdinand Porsche’s eldest grandchild Ernst Piëch will both be on-hand as the book will be premiered at the annual motorsport event. Mr. Piëch's 1910 Prince Heinrich car, originally designed by Ferdinand Porsche, will be on display as well as participating in the traditional hillclimb. The story of the original conception and construction of the Prince Heinrich is a key feature of Ferdinand Porsche—Genesis of Genius. Karl Ludvigsen and Ernst Piëch will appear at the Goodwood Press Centre on Saturday July 12 at 10:30 AM to introduce the 1910 Prince Heinrich and answer questions about “Ferdinand Porsche—Genesis of Genius”. Karl Ludvigsen will be signing copies of his book from 2 to 3:30 PM at the Bentley Publishers stand.“Ferdinand Porsche—Genesis of Genius” is written by Karl Ludvigsen, award-winning author of “Porsche: Excellence Was Expected”. Produced with the generous support of Ferdinand Porsche’s eldest grandchild Ernst Piëch and the Porsche Historic Archive in Stuttgart, this book includes hundreds of never-before-published photos and documents that catalogue Porsche’s prolific early output, as well as first-hand accounts by Ferdinand Porsche himself. “Ferdinand Porsche—Genesis of Genius” is being published in an individually numbered limited edition of 500 English language copies and 300 German language copies by Bentley Publishers.Additional material on “Ferdinand Porsche—Genesis of Genius”, including high-resolution images of the dust jacket, selected images from the book, pre-publication photos of the book itself, and other press materials, can be found at www.BentleyPublishers.com/porsche/genesis-of-genius.Karl Ludvigsen’s epic Porsche history “Porsche: Excellence Was Expected” will be available in a newly revised edition late 2008 from Bentley Publishers. Much more information on this new edition can be found at www.BentleyPublishers.com/porsche/excellence-was-expected.
MORE INFORMATION:
“Ferdinand Porsche—Genesis of GeniusRoad, Racing and Aviation Innovation 1900 to 1933”by Karl LudvigsenForeword by Ernst PiëchDeluxe large format (9.5 in. x 12 in.) hardcover book presented in Savannah cloth-covered, emobossed slipcase486 pages570 duotone and color photos & illustrationsBentley Stock Number: GPGE (English) / GPGD (German)ISBN: 978-0-8376-1344-5 (English)ISBN: 978-0-837
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MORE INFORMATION:
“Ferdinand Porsche—Genesis of GeniusRoad, Racing and Aviation Innovation 1900 to 1933”by Karl LudvigsenForeword by Ernst PiëchDeluxe large format (9.5 in. x 12 in.) hardcover book presented in Savannah cloth-covered, emobossed slipcase486 pages570 duotone and color photos & illustrationsBentley Stock Number: GPGE (English) / GPGD (German)ISBN: 978-0-8376-1344-5 (English)ISBN: 978-0-837
www.BestPriceCarParts.com - Your best stop for auto parts
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AUTObiography: J-tec's 2001 VW Jetta
Next up is VWvortex reader: J-tecHow long have you owned this car? For 2 years and 10 days, but who’s counting?Is there anything unique about the history of this car? The previous owner of it was the owner of some bio-chemical company. I found his card when installing an iPod connector to the back of my head unit. I called him and asked if he beat on it, and he replied no, it was a daily, his Ferrari was for that. Ha!Why did you choose this car to purchase? I always liked the modified styling of the Jetta, but I mainly bought it (at the time) because of the engine and the wheels (stock RXIIs). It just stuck out to me when I was looking through ads online. As soon as I saw it, I knew it was mine.What other cars did you consider?MKIV GTI 1.8T and VR6, dare I say Mustang GT, WRX, and last resort, RSX Type S.What was your objective with this car?At first it was to modify it slightly, to just enjoy the car, eventually chip it and call it a day. The first day I drove it and heard the turbo, that instantly changed. I never thought it would change the way I look at cars and how much money I would put into it, but I love that factor.
What tuning style best describes this car (ex. Euro, bling, OEMplus, street racer, auto crosser)? Style? It’s my own style. Except for the Euro plate. That’s strictly Euro. Who helped you build this car?My dad bought me the car for getting great grades in school. Big props to pops on that. Then completely myself for mods until I went to college. I had two jobs my entire senior year to pay for all the parts. Wrench time goes out to my five best friends and I, Emil, Andreas, Richy, Jason and Todd. My boss Murat at Common Street Auto helped me out big time too, can’t forget him. What makes your car special? I did everything (besides the K04 and Wavetrack limited slip differential) on a high school budget. It’s a daily driver, which I love, and on the weekends it’s a track monster.What is your favorite part/feature/function? My favorite parts are the K04-20 setup and the Wavetrack LSD I have on the car. The K04-20 kit is insane and completely transformed the car, while still maintaining that reliability factor I wanted. The Autotech (Wavetrack) LSD really helped getting the power to the ground. It’s an unbelievable upgrade that I would recommend to anyone, as well as the K04-20 kit. Both of those matched together make a very worthy track car, while still maintaining that daily driver mentality. It was dyno’d at 254 whp/270 wtq. The Wavetrack LSD was not on then, but it will have another dyno run soon with a new tune. Who or what inspired the direction of modifications on this car?Vortex and an old, old Waterfest video I saw before I bought the car. I was instantly hooked. As well as many of my friends that had turbo’d cars, I always wanted to have to boost, and a lot of it. What don't you like about this car?That I don’t have a sunroof. It’s the only thing I hate about the car, and I swear it’s the only 1.8T Wolfsburg Edition without one.What was your biggest obstacle in building this car? Money.How did you overcome the issue? Worked my bum off at two jobs for my entire senior year.What would you change if you could?The miles on the car, I just hit 98K, I wish I bought it at 35K. And the fact that I don’t have a sunroof.On a scale of 1 to 10, how satisfied are you with the outcome of this project?9.999999 (the other .000001 will be added when I get a sunroof).What would you do to the car if money were no object? Sunroof, R32 interior, 3.2 6-cyl swap with an HPA Stage 5 kit and 4Motion kit, just make it insane, something no one’s ever seen before.
Who has been your biggest critic of this project? My dad always wanted me to be safe and not make it go faster. He told me once when I said I was going to chip it, “I bought you a Jetta so you wouldn’t go as fast as that Mustang you wanted, now you’re gonna go faster.” Thanks for the compliment, pops. He’d always tell me to save my money and stop putting it into the car, it’s just going to depreciate. I don’t believe in saving money so it doesn’t depreciate, I enjoy it. Hahaha.What do your family and friends say about this car? They love it, love the boost, how nice it is inside and out, how clean it is, how they love the front mount, the wheels, etc. They always ask me, “What’s up with the Euro plate?” My mom thinks it’s way too loud, my dad just wants me to be safe with it and my friends absolutely love it. Best quote after my buddy got a ride in it: “Dude, your car’s tahded.” What is your most memorable/humorous/embarrassing moment with this car? Memorable? Probably when my friends and I installed the FMIC and then the K04-20. Humorous? Definitely the time when I was coming back from “Staggered” in Connecticut with Darkstar Dubs. I was on the highway and saw a brand new Audi TT convertible and immediately decided move up next to it. A middle aged couple in the car, I come up next to the passenger window, wave and give the thumbs up. I get a smile in return, but I really wanted to see the TT move, hear that new K04 spool up. I encourage this, hitting full boost for a little and then letting off. As I come back next to the window, I glance over to see that they’re smiling and laughing a little, the wife has a huge smile on her face. The husband leans over, gives me the thumbs up with a big smile on, and reaches down for something. He shows us a black, foldable, leather carrier, with something shiny in it. My thought process of about two seconds goes like this: “What is that? Why the hell would this guy show me his wallet… OMFG, it’s a police badge!” Needless to say, I slammed on my brakes, waved, gave another thumbs up, and went on my way. Most embarrassing would be when I didn’t see a little oil cover sticking up in the road, hit it, bent two wheels and popped two tires. That was a great night.Has this car competed in any events? Results? Track events, quarter mile mostly, best I ran was 15.2@92 (on the K03s). Recently I ran a 13.3@104 mph with the K04-20 installed. I can’t wait until I can get it to the track now since the Wavetrack LSD is installed.What is your favorite place to drive this car?On this newly paved windy road by my house and on any road in my girlfriend’s town in CT, they have the craziest bends and turns I’ve ever seen. Pretty much any road with new pavement, S turns, switch backs, etc. that let me have fun with the car.What is your ideal day with this car? In the summer, fresh wash and wax in the morning with the crew, some Dub/Audi meet in the afternoon, a nice cruise with all my friends to the beach, pictures of all the cars at the beach, go for a nice swim and go for a nice run on the sand, have a nice dinner at a nice burger place where I can see the car from where I sit, cruise home with everyone, blasting Incubus and Chili Peppers the whole way home. Who gets to drive this car? Me, my girlfriend has sometimes, and my best friends.What was your previous project? This was my first car.
What is your next project? I had my next project, but had to sell it to get the K04-20 because my K03s was dying; it was a MKII Golf and it was sweet. I sold it to my brother though, so it’s still in the family. But yeah, when I get more money I want to get a nice MKII Jetta, red, and do a VR6T swap, and it will have a sunroof! What one word best describes your car? Thick.Anything else you’d like to share? Doing the K04-20 swap was unreal. After getting the turbo in, it was like night and day. The only problem I had with it is getting the power to the ground, and after putting in the Wavetrack LSD, it made a hell of a difference. Without it, the car wouldn’t be the monster that it is, with power at both wheels, the K04 can hurl the car across the track. I would recommend the setup I’m running to anyone. The K04-20 and the Wavetrack LSD is a perfect match. Something else I’d like to share is that I’m so glad I got into VWs. It’s the place for me. There’s no other car company out there that has the same type of hospitality and friendliness as VW/Audi does. It goes from getting waves from other Dubbers when driving, to having someone come over to your house 10 minutes after you put up a post on the forums saying your car’s acting up and need VAG-COM. The VW community is the best car community out there, and I absolutely love being a part of it.
Owner Information:Name: JonnyVWvortex username: J-tecOccupation: StudentClub affiliations: Dark Star Dubs, Boston Euro UnitVehicle Information:Year: 2001 Make: VWModel: Jetta 1.8T Wolfsburg EditionMileage: 98,XXXOriginal color: Uni BlackCurrent color: Uni BlackEngine: 1.8TEngine modifications: K04-20 kit (manifold, injectors, 3” MAF, etc.), GIAC K04-20 93 and Race file, Wavetrack LSD, FMIC, N75 J valve, Intake, Forge 007 DVExhaust modifications: Full 2.5” cat-less turbo-backTransmission modifications: Stage 2 VR6 power clutch with 14-lb flywheelSuspension modifications: H&R cup kitBrake modifications: GLI front brakesWheels and tires: 337 BBS RCs with Eagle F1 GS-D3sExterior/body modifications: 4Motion front lip, cut rear valence, Joey modded headlights, smoked side corners, badgeless grille, FMIC, tint, red calipers, S2000 antenna, GLI tailsInterior modifications: Black GTI sport cloth seats, black door handles, HKS turbo timer, boost gauge and center gauge podAudio/video/I.C.E.: Kenwood headunit, Infinity tweeters, Audiobahn A8000T amp, 2 12” Infinity reference series subwoofers, iPod hookupThanks/Props: Definitely BIG THANKS to my Dad for buying the car and really supporting me throughout owning it, really couldn’t have done it without him. To my Mom and Stewy for always helping with me with anything they can and dealing with tons of car parts being in the garage at all times. BIG BIG BIG thanks to The Crew and Co., Andreas, Emil, Todd, Jason, and Richy. These guys have always been there for me since before we could drive. Putting blood, sweat and tears into the Jetta, they’ve done some serious wrench time on the car. Countless good times fellas (baaacahk!), couldn’t have done it without you. BIG props go out to DSD/Fridays clique: Jon, Blake, Jim, Troy, Adam, from getting staggered for staggered to pushing Adam’s GTI out of the road to hangin’ out at the dome, these guys have really been there for me over this past year and the car, helping me with anything they can. Thanks to Rob and Denny at Autotech and Angel at Forge Motorsports. Shout outs to Zych, Tek, Bee, Andrew, Matt, Jay, Jon, Rob and everyone else at BEU! And last, but certainly not least, thanks to my amazing girlfriend who thank God loves VWs as well, for being the incredible girl that she is and always supporting me with what I love to do.
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What tuning style best describes this car (ex. Euro, bling, OEMplus, street racer, auto crosser)? Style? It’s my own style. Except for the Euro plate. That’s strictly Euro. Who helped you build this car?My dad bought me the car for getting great grades in school. Big props to pops on that. Then completely myself for mods until I went to college. I had two jobs my entire senior year to pay for all the parts. Wrench time goes out to my five best friends and I, Emil, Andreas, Richy, Jason and Todd. My boss Murat at Common Street Auto helped me out big time too, can’t forget him. What makes your car special? I did everything (besides the K04 and Wavetrack limited slip differential) on a high school budget. It’s a daily driver, which I love, and on the weekends it’s a track monster.What is your favorite part/feature/function? My favorite parts are the K04-20 setup and the Wavetrack LSD I have on the car. The K04-20 kit is insane and completely transformed the car, while still maintaining that reliability factor I wanted. The Autotech (Wavetrack) LSD really helped getting the power to the ground. It’s an unbelievable upgrade that I would recommend to anyone, as well as the K04-20 kit. Both of those matched together make a very worthy track car, while still maintaining that daily driver mentality. It was dyno’d at 254 whp/270 wtq. The Wavetrack LSD was not on then, but it will have another dyno run soon with a new tune. Who or what inspired the direction of modifications on this car?Vortex and an old, old Waterfest video I saw before I bought the car. I was instantly hooked. As well as many of my friends that had turbo’d cars, I always wanted to have to boost, and a lot of it. What don't you like about this car?That I don’t have a sunroof. It’s the only thing I hate about the car, and I swear it’s the only 1.8T Wolfsburg Edition without one.What was your biggest obstacle in building this car? Money.How did you overcome the issue? Worked my bum off at two jobs for my entire senior year.What would you change if you could?The miles on the car, I just hit 98K, I wish I bought it at 35K. And the fact that I don’t have a sunroof.On a scale of 1 to 10, how satisfied are you with the outcome of this project?9.999999 (the other .000001 will be added when I get a sunroof).What would you do to the car if money were no object? Sunroof, R32 interior, 3.2 6-cyl swap with an HPA Stage 5 kit and 4Motion kit, just make it insane, something no one’s ever seen before.
Who has been your biggest critic of this project? My dad always wanted me to be safe and not make it go faster. He told me once when I said I was going to chip it, “I bought you a Jetta so you wouldn’t go as fast as that Mustang you wanted, now you’re gonna go faster.” Thanks for the compliment, pops. He’d always tell me to save my money and stop putting it into the car, it’s just going to depreciate. I don’t believe in saving money so it doesn’t depreciate, I enjoy it. Hahaha.What do your family and friends say about this car? They love it, love the boost, how nice it is inside and out, how clean it is, how they love the front mount, the wheels, etc. They always ask me, “What’s up with the Euro plate?” My mom thinks it’s way too loud, my dad just wants me to be safe with it and my friends absolutely love it. Best quote after my buddy got a ride in it: “Dude, your car’s tahded.” What is your most memorable/humorous/embarrassing moment with this car? Memorable? Probably when my friends and I installed the FMIC and then the K04-20. Humorous? Definitely the time when I was coming back from “Staggered” in Connecticut with Darkstar Dubs. I was on the highway and saw a brand new Audi TT convertible and immediately decided move up next to it. A middle aged couple in the car, I come up next to the passenger window, wave and give the thumbs up. I get a smile in return, but I really wanted to see the TT move, hear that new K04 spool up. I encourage this, hitting full boost for a little and then letting off. As I come back next to the window, I glance over to see that they’re smiling and laughing a little, the wife has a huge smile on her face. The husband leans over, gives me the thumbs up with a big smile on, and reaches down for something. He shows us a black, foldable, leather carrier, with something shiny in it. My thought process of about two seconds goes like this: “What is that? Why the hell would this guy show me his wallet… OMFG, it’s a police badge!” Needless to say, I slammed on my brakes, waved, gave another thumbs up, and went on my way. Most embarrassing would be when I didn’t see a little oil cover sticking up in the road, hit it, bent two wheels and popped two tires. That was a great night.Has this car competed in any events? Results? Track events, quarter mile mostly, best I ran was 15.2@92 (on the K03s). Recently I ran a 13.3@104 mph with the K04-20 installed. I can’t wait until I can get it to the track now since the Wavetrack LSD is installed.What is your favorite place to drive this car?On this newly paved windy road by my house and on any road in my girlfriend’s town in CT, they have the craziest bends and turns I’ve ever seen. Pretty much any road with new pavement, S turns, switch backs, etc. that let me have fun with the car.What is your ideal day with this car? In the summer, fresh wash and wax in the morning with the crew, some Dub/Audi meet in the afternoon, a nice cruise with all my friends to the beach, pictures of all the cars at the beach, go for a nice swim and go for a nice run on the sand, have a nice dinner at a nice burger place where I can see the car from where I sit, cruise home with everyone, blasting Incubus and Chili Peppers the whole way home. Who gets to drive this car? Me, my girlfriend has sometimes, and my best friends.What was your previous project? This was my first car.
What is your next project? I had my next project, but had to sell it to get the K04-20 because my K03s was dying; it was a MKII Golf and it was sweet. I sold it to my brother though, so it’s still in the family. But yeah, when I get more money I want to get a nice MKII Jetta, red, and do a VR6T swap, and it will have a sunroof! What one word best describes your car? Thick.Anything else you’d like to share? Doing the K04-20 swap was unreal. After getting the turbo in, it was like night and day. The only problem I had with it is getting the power to the ground, and after putting in the Wavetrack LSD, it made a hell of a difference. Without it, the car wouldn’t be the monster that it is, with power at both wheels, the K04 can hurl the car across the track. I would recommend the setup I’m running to anyone. The K04-20 and the Wavetrack LSD is a perfect match. Something else I’d like to share is that I’m so glad I got into VWs. It’s the place for me. There’s no other car company out there that has the same type of hospitality and friendliness as VW/Audi does. It goes from getting waves from other Dubbers when driving, to having someone come over to your house 10 minutes after you put up a post on the forums saying your car’s acting up and need VAG-COM. The VW community is the best car community out there, and I absolutely love being a part of it.
Owner Information:Name: JonnyVWvortex username: J-tecOccupation: StudentClub affiliations: Dark Star Dubs, Boston Euro UnitVehicle Information:Year: 2001 Make: VWModel: Jetta 1.8T Wolfsburg EditionMileage: 98,XXXOriginal color: Uni BlackCurrent color: Uni BlackEngine: 1.8TEngine modifications: K04-20 kit (manifold, injectors, 3” MAF, etc.), GIAC K04-20 93 and Race file, Wavetrack LSD, FMIC, N75 J valve, Intake, Forge 007 DVExhaust modifications: Full 2.5” cat-less turbo-backTransmission modifications: Stage 2 VR6 power clutch with 14-lb flywheelSuspension modifications: H&R cup kitBrake modifications: GLI front brakesWheels and tires: 337 BBS RCs with Eagle F1 GS-D3sExterior/body modifications: 4Motion front lip, cut rear valence, Joey modded headlights, smoked side corners, badgeless grille, FMIC, tint, red calipers, S2000 antenna, GLI tailsInterior modifications: Black GTI sport cloth seats, black door handles, HKS turbo timer, boost gauge and center gauge podAudio/video/I.C.E.: Kenwood headunit, Infinity tweeters, Audiobahn A8000T amp, 2 12” Infinity reference series subwoofers, iPod hookupThanks/Props: Definitely BIG THANKS to my Dad for buying the car and really supporting me throughout owning it, really couldn’t have done it without him. To my Mom and Stewy for always helping with me with anything they can and dealing with tons of car parts being in the garage at all times. BIG BIG BIG thanks to The Crew and Co., Andreas, Emil, Todd, Jason, and Richy. These guys have always been there for me since before we could drive. Putting blood, sweat and tears into the Jetta, they’ve done some serious wrench time on the car. Countless good times fellas (baaacahk!), couldn’t have done it without you. BIG props go out to DSD/Fridays clique: Jon, Blake, Jim, Troy, Adam, from getting staggered for staggered to pushing Adam’s GTI out of the road to hangin’ out at the dome, these guys have really been there for me over this past year and the car, helping me with anything they can. Thanks to Rob and Denny at Autotech and Angel at Forge Motorsports. Shout outs to Zych, Tek, Bee, Andrew, Matt, Jay, Jon, Rob and everyone else at BEU! And last, but certainly not least, thanks to my amazing girlfriend who thank God loves VWs as well, for being the incredible girl that she is and always supporting me with what I love to do.
www.BestPriceCarParts.com - Your best stop for auto parts
www.MarksBugBarn.com - For all your vintage VW needs
Next Generation of Most Successful South American Automobile
Saõ Paulo, 01 July 2008 - Now that more than 5.7 million cars have been made here, the Next Generation of the most successful automobile in South America for the last 21 years is being launched: the Gol by Volkswagen. This compact car, which is manufactured in Brazil, is precisely geared toward the local demands of customers in South America. Hence the Gol can be driven on any mixture ratio of gasoline and ethanol without the slightest loss of horsepower thanks to its Totalflex technology, like all the Volkswagen models made in Brazil. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was invited by Viktor Klima, VW’s South America head. He was the first person to take a seat behind the steering wheel of the new Gol, as Garcia Sanz, member of the board of management, elucidated the main features and significance of this economical compact car: "It’s simply a captivating automobile, which is going to write a new chapter in the success story of the Gol," Sanz said.
Lula da Silva recollected the beginnings of the bivalent Volkswagens, which are primarily operated in South America with ethanol made from sugarcane: "A couple years ago I was inaugurating the production of TotalFlex vehicles here. It all began with a few cars for a test phase, and nowadays nearly every single car in Brazil is running with renewable fuel."Ulrich Hackenberg, member of the board of management for the Volkswagen brand, in charge of Technical Development, underscored Brazil’s importance as a development location: "The New Gol’s design and technology were conceived here; this Volkswagen, like every other model we make, stands for topmost quality as well as technological innovation." Thomas Schmall, President of Volkswagen do Brazil, particularly extolled the commitment of all the employees at the two plants at Anchietá and Taubaté. "The Gol is a goal that’s shot for Brazil," said Schmall, in a reference to the soccer world.Europe’s largest car manufacturer has been active in Brazil since 1953. It produces automobiles, buses and heavy trucks as well as engines and gear boxes at five locations, employing about 21,000 people. 18 million vehicles have rolled off their conveyor belts since then. In the 1970s Volkswagen was the first automobile manufacturer that, in conjunction with Brazilian engineers, locally developed vehicles for the regional South American markets. Volkswagen provides the greatest variety of all car manufacturers in Brazil, offering 17 models, and maintains a network of about 600 dealers.
Brazil is the second largest foreign market for the Volkswagen Group after China. Last year the corporation sold 581,300 vehicles here, 32 percent more than in 2006. VW do Brasil is not merely one of the largest privately held companies in Brazil but operates as automobile supplier for all of South America as well. Twelve percent (744,200 vehicles) of all deliveries of the Volkswagen Group were accounted for in this region in 2007.
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Lula da Silva recollected the beginnings of the bivalent Volkswagens, which are primarily operated in South America with ethanol made from sugarcane: "A couple years ago I was inaugurating the production of TotalFlex vehicles here. It all began with a few cars for a test phase, and nowadays nearly every single car in Brazil is running with renewable fuel."Ulrich Hackenberg, member of the board of management for the Volkswagen brand, in charge of Technical Development, underscored Brazil’s importance as a development location: "The New Gol’s design and technology were conceived here; this Volkswagen, like every other model we make, stands for topmost quality as well as technological innovation." Thomas Schmall, President of Volkswagen do Brazil, particularly extolled the commitment of all the employees at the two plants at Anchietá and Taubaté. "The Gol is a goal that’s shot for Brazil," said Schmall, in a reference to the soccer world.Europe’s largest car manufacturer has been active in Brazil since 1953. It produces automobiles, buses and heavy trucks as well as engines and gear boxes at five locations, employing about 21,000 people. 18 million vehicles have rolled off their conveyor belts since then. In the 1970s Volkswagen was the first automobile manufacturer that, in conjunction with Brazilian engineers, locally developed vehicles for the regional South American markets. Volkswagen provides the greatest variety of all car manufacturers in Brazil, offering 17 models, and maintains a network of about 600 dealers.
Brazil is the second largest foreign market for the Volkswagen Group after China. Last year the corporation sold 581,300 vehicles here, 32 percent more than in 2006. VW do Brasil is not merely one of the largest privately held companies in Brazil but operates as automobile supplier for all of South America as well. Twelve percent (744,200 vehicles) of all deliveries of the Volkswagen Group were accounted for in this region in 2007.
www.BestPriceCarParts.com - Your best stop for auto parts
www.MarksBugBarn.com - For all your vintage VW needs
To the Point: Scirocco
16 June 2008 - The countdown is running for the new era Scirocco: the third generation of the sports car will already be arriving on the market in August. Volkswagen is staging the comeback of a legend with the debut of the two-door car – Scirocco generations I and II wrote history as the most successful Volkswagen coupé of all time with about 800,000 units sold.Cult status. In particular, it is the original Scirocco presented in 1974 that has long held cult status. Because, in contrast to many of its competitors of that time, the Scirocco – designed by Giorgio Giugiaro – was an affordable car with everyday utility, and front-wheel drive also made it a safe sports car for use every day of the year.
Scirocco unites passion and logicFascination. The new Scirocco is extending this tradition. It offers pure driving pleasure, a new powerful design, high-end technologies such as DCC adaptive chassis control and the new 7-speed DSG dual clutch transmission. Plus: exclusive use of efficient turbo engines with up to 147 kW / 200 PS power, space for four adults despite its sporty lines, an extremely high level of safety and the everyday utility that is typical of every Volkswagen. This mix of passion and logic costs far less than one might guess based on the car’s key data. New paths. Although the third generation of the Scirocco follows exactly the same positioning as the first one, Volks wagen very intentionally avoided retro elements. In this regard too, the Scirocco of the year 2008 is a conceptually counterpart to the original version: because in the mid-1970s the successor to the Karmann Ghia also set out on new paths, both technically and visually.
Front end design of a new eraHigh-sheen black headlamp housing. The third Scirocco is the first Volks wagen to sport the front end design of a new era. Especially characteristic here are the chrome lamp bodies and high-sheen black interior surfaces of the headlamp housings that are joined by the radiator grille cross bar that is also painted in high-sheen black. Flawless sports car fundamentals. The Volkswagen design team created a wagon-coupé based on flawless sports car fundamentals. This resulted in a side profile that had the potential to imbue this new Volkswagen too with a status that goes beyond class distinctions. Thanks to its long sweeping roofline and near-vertical rear window, it also frees up space for variability and up to 755 liters of cargo capacity. Crisp dimensions. Other benchmark figures of the new sports car also speak a clear language. With its short overhangs, the Scirocco efficiently utilizes its 2,578 millimeter wheelbase to offer ample space. The Volkswagen is 1,404 millimeters tall, exactly 4,256 millimeters long and its width measures 1,810 millimeters.
Four turbo engines at market introductionA lot of power for just a little fuel. One challenge in creating an affordable sports car involves the engines. On the one hand, they must absolutely be agile, yet it is also essential that they be economical and widely affordable. There are two approaches to resolving this apparent conflict Both of them have three letters: TDI and TSI – turbocharged diesel and gasoline direct injection engines. One TDI and three TSIs. At the market introduction Volkswagen will offer the Scirocco with two TSI engines (118 kW / 160 PS and 147 kW / 200 PS). Shortly thereafter, a TDI (common rail turbo-diesel, 103 kW / 140 PS) and another TSI (90 kW / 122 PS) will be added to the engine lineup. Decisive here is the fact that even the 122-PS base engine offers a maximum of torque at extremely low engine speeds (200 Newton-meter starting at 1,500 rpm). Its average fuel consumption of 6.1 liters per 100 kilometers shows considerable restraint. 5.4 to 7.7 liters fuel consumption. The combination of maximum torque and minimum consumption is a common theme running through the entire engine lineup. In the case of the latest TSI with 160 PS, 240 Newton-meter torque contrasts with just 6.5 liters super unleaded per 100 kilometers. And even on the 200-PS TSI with its considerable 280 Newton-meter of torque, fuel consumption is just 7.7 liters. As would be expected, the TDI also makes a brilliant showing here: 320 Newton-meter of powerful torque while being satisfied with just 5.4 liters of fuel. Incidentally, all engines up to 160 PS already satisfy the future Euro-5 emissions standard*.
Two crisply shifting dual clutch transmissions6-speed and 7-speed DSG. Standard equipment on the Scirocco is the smoothly and precisely shifting 6-speed transmission. The DSG dual clutch transmission is offered as an option on the three engines starting at 140 PS. A 6-speed DSG is used with the TDI and the powerful 200 PS TSI. The 160-PS TSI distributes its power over an even broader range of gears with the 7-speed DSG.Optional sport chassis with three level settingsClever Chassis. Ideally tailored to the Scirocco is the new DCC adaptive chassis control system. Not only is the damper characteristic controlled here, but also tuning of the electro-mechanical power steering. Adaptive chassis control offers the three programs “Normal”, “Sport” and “Comfort”. Significant here is the fact that adaptive chassis control improves the driving characteristics of the Scirocco full-time. That is, the suspension is continually adapted to the roadway and driving situation. The system also reacts to accelerator, brake and steering inputs. It is able to resolve the conflict in goals between a tight sport suspension and a comfortable one.
Standard featuresFull program. The new Scirocco is one of the most attractive sports cars in terms of price. And yet its standard features place it on the same level as far more expensive coupés. Always on board are 17-inch alloy wheels, height-adjustable driver and front passenger seats, leather steering wheel, parking brake handle and shifting lever grip, sport seats, split folding rear seatbacks, power windows, air conditioning, ESP, braking assistant, six airbags, power steering and of course a sport chassis. On the top 200 PS model, standard equipment also includes chrome tailpipes, a “Titanium black” roof liner and a sound generator.
Panorama vent sunroofTransparent roof. Supplying vast amounts of light to the interior is an optional large panorama vent sunroof that extends from the A-pillars to the B-pillars. At the press of the button the transparent roof opens up to 39 millimeters. When the sun is intense, a sunshade can be driven into place. But that is not likely to be necessary very often, since the glass of the panorama vent sunroof only transmits 8.2 percent of the UV radiation, 2.8 percent of the infrared radiation (heat) and 6.9 percent of the visible light.
SCIROCCO - FACT SHEET
Key aspects in alphabetical orderAutomatic transmission: 6-speed and 7-speed DSGBody: With panorama vent sunroof upon requestCargo capacity: 292 liters to 755 litersCharacter: Genuine, affordable sports car with space for four adults, status beyond class distinctionsChassis: McPherson front suspension, four-link rear suspension, ESP is standardColors: “Candy white”, “Rising blue metallic”, “Deep black pearl effect”, “Reflex silver metallic”, “Shadow blue metallic”, “Beryllium gray metallic”, “Dark maroon metallic”, “Opal silver metallic”, “Salsa red”, “Viper green metallic” (the latter in homage to the first generation of Sciroccos)Debut of generation I: 1974; 504,153 units builtDebut of generation II: 1981; 291,497 units builtDesign: Visual look of flawless sports car fundamentals, first Volkswagen with new front end design, wagon-coupé with extremely long roof (1.8 meters). Design responsibility: Walter de Silva (Group), Klaus Bischoff (Brand)Dimensions: 4,256 mm long, 1,810 mm wide, 1,404 mm tall, extremely wide tread width (front 1,569 mm, rear 1,575 mm)Drive: Front-wheelEngine power range: 90 kW / 122 PS to 147 kW / 200 PS, all engines are charged, all engines up to 160 PS satisfy Euro-5 emissions standard*Engines – diesel (TDI): 103 kW / 140 PS, 125 kW / 170 PSEngines – gasoline (TSI): 90 kW / 122 PS, 118 kW / 160 PS, 147 kW / 200 PSFuel consumption range: 5.4 to 7.7 liters fuel per 100 kilometersHigh-tech driving systems: DCC adaptive chassis control, ACC automatic distance control (starting early 2009)Infotainment: Two radio systems, two radio-navigation systems, 300 Watt Dynaudio sound system, MEDIA-IN port (USB)Market introduction: August 29, 2008 in Germany and Great Britain, by November across Europe, in May 2009 in JapanProduction site: “Volkswagen Autoeuropa – Automóveis Ltda.” in Palmela, PortugalRacing use: At the start of the 24-hour race on the Nürburgring in May 2008 with powerful 238 kW / 325 PS racing version; results: double victory in its class.Safety: Six airbags, exceptionally rigid body, ESP, Isofix child seat mounting brackets, special pedestrian protection features, front passenger airbag can be deactivated (for rear-facing child seat), in case of crash: automatic activation of hazard flasher and interior lights, automatic door opening, automatic deactivation of fuel pumpStandard features: Include 17-inch alloy wheels, height-adjustable driver and front passenger seats, leather steering wheel and parking brake handle, newly designed sport seat system, split folding rear seatbacks, power windows, air conditioning, ESP, braking assistant, six airbags, power steering with countersteer feature, sport chassisStandard transmission: 6-speed manual* Due to current vehicle registration laws, the vehicles can only be registered for the current Euro-4 emission standard initially. It will then be possible for the car owner to re-classify or re-register the vehicle at additional charge.Note:All data and equipment contained in this press release apply to models offered in Germany. They may differ in other countries. All information is subject to change or correction
TDI, TSI, DSG and Twincharger are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG or other companies of the Volkswagen Group in Germany and other countries.
www.BestPriceCarParts.com - Your best stop for auto parts
www.MarksBugBarn.com - For all your vintage VW needs
Scirocco unites passion and logicFascination. The new Scirocco is extending this tradition. It offers pure driving pleasure, a new powerful design, high-end technologies such as DCC adaptive chassis control and the new 7-speed DSG dual clutch transmission. Plus: exclusive use of efficient turbo engines with up to 147 kW / 200 PS power, space for four adults despite its sporty lines, an extremely high level of safety and the everyday utility that is typical of every Volkswagen. This mix of passion and logic costs far less than one might guess based on the car’s key data. New paths. Although the third generation of the Scirocco follows exactly the same positioning as the first one, Volks wagen very intentionally avoided retro elements. In this regard too, the Scirocco of the year 2008 is a conceptually counterpart to the original version: because in the mid-1970s the successor to the Karmann Ghia also set out on new paths, both technically and visually.
Front end design of a new eraHigh-sheen black headlamp housing. The third Scirocco is the first Volks wagen to sport the front end design of a new era. Especially characteristic here are the chrome lamp bodies and high-sheen black interior surfaces of the headlamp housings that are joined by the radiator grille cross bar that is also painted in high-sheen black. Flawless sports car fundamentals. The Volkswagen design team created a wagon-coupé based on flawless sports car fundamentals. This resulted in a side profile that had the potential to imbue this new Volkswagen too with a status that goes beyond class distinctions. Thanks to its long sweeping roofline and near-vertical rear window, it also frees up space for variability and up to 755 liters of cargo capacity. Crisp dimensions. Other benchmark figures of the new sports car also speak a clear language. With its short overhangs, the Scirocco efficiently utilizes its 2,578 millimeter wheelbase to offer ample space. The Volkswagen is 1,404 millimeters tall, exactly 4,256 millimeters long and its width measures 1,810 millimeters.
Four turbo engines at market introductionA lot of power for just a little fuel. One challenge in creating an affordable sports car involves the engines. On the one hand, they must absolutely be agile, yet it is also essential that they be economical and widely affordable. There are two approaches to resolving this apparent conflict Both of them have three letters: TDI and TSI – turbocharged diesel and gasoline direct injection engines. One TDI and three TSIs. At the market introduction Volkswagen will offer the Scirocco with two TSI engines (118 kW / 160 PS and 147 kW / 200 PS). Shortly thereafter, a TDI (common rail turbo-diesel, 103 kW / 140 PS) and another TSI (90 kW / 122 PS) will be added to the engine lineup. Decisive here is the fact that even the 122-PS base engine offers a maximum of torque at extremely low engine speeds (200 Newton-meter starting at 1,500 rpm). Its average fuel consumption of 6.1 liters per 100 kilometers shows considerable restraint. 5.4 to 7.7 liters fuel consumption. The combination of maximum torque and minimum consumption is a common theme running through the entire engine lineup. In the case of the latest TSI with 160 PS, 240 Newton-meter torque contrasts with just 6.5 liters super unleaded per 100 kilometers. And even on the 200-PS TSI with its considerable 280 Newton-meter of torque, fuel consumption is just 7.7 liters. As would be expected, the TDI also makes a brilliant showing here: 320 Newton-meter of powerful torque while being satisfied with just 5.4 liters of fuel. Incidentally, all engines up to 160 PS already satisfy the future Euro-5 emissions standard*.
Two crisply shifting dual clutch transmissions6-speed and 7-speed DSG. Standard equipment on the Scirocco is the smoothly and precisely shifting 6-speed transmission. The DSG dual clutch transmission is offered as an option on the three engines starting at 140 PS. A 6-speed DSG is used with the TDI and the powerful 200 PS TSI. The 160-PS TSI distributes its power over an even broader range of gears with the 7-speed DSG.Optional sport chassis with three level settingsClever Chassis. Ideally tailored to the Scirocco is the new DCC adaptive chassis control system. Not only is the damper characteristic controlled here, but also tuning of the electro-mechanical power steering. Adaptive chassis control offers the three programs “Normal”, “Sport” and “Comfort”. Significant here is the fact that adaptive chassis control improves the driving characteristics of the Scirocco full-time. That is, the suspension is continually adapted to the roadway and driving situation. The system also reacts to accelerator, brake and steering inputs. It is able to resolve the conflict in goals between a tight sport suspension and a comfortable one.
Standard featuresFull program. The new Scirocco is one of the most attractive sports cars in terms of price. And yet its standard features place it on the same level as far more expensive coupés. Always on board are 17-inch alloy wheels, height-adjustable driver and front passenger seats, leather steering wheel, parking brake handle and shifting lever grip, sport seats, split folding rear seatbacks, power windows, air conditioning, ESP, braking assistant, six airbags, power steering and of course a sport chassis. On the top 200 PS model, standard equipment also includes chrome tailpipes, a “Titanium black” roof liner and a sound generator.
Panorama vent sunroofTransparent roof. Supplying vast amounts of light to the interior is an optional large panorama vent sunroof that extends from the A-pillars to the B-pillars. At the press of the button the transparent roof opens up to 39 millimeters. When the sun is intense, a sunshade can be driven into place. But that is not likely to be necessary very often, since the glass of the panorama vent sunroof only transmits 8.2 percent of the UV radiation, 2.8 percent of the infrared radiation (heat) and 6.9 percent of the visible light.
SCIROCCO - FACT SHEET
Key aspects in alphabetical orderAutomatic transmission: 6-speed and 7-speed DSGBody: With panorama vent sunroof upon requestCargo capacity: 292 liters to 755 litersCharacter: Genuine, affordable sports car with space for four adults, status beyond class distinctionsChassis: McPherson front suspension, four-link rear suspension, ESP is standardColors: “Candy white”, “Rising blue metallic”, “Deep black pearl effect”, “Reflex silver metallic”, “Shadow blue metallic”, “Beryllium gray metallic”, “Dark maroon metallic”, “Opal silver metallic”, “Salsa red”, “Viper green metallic” (the latter in homage to the first generation of Sciroccos)Debut of generation I: 1974; 504,153 units builtDebut of generation II: 1981; 291,497 units builtDesign: Visual look of flawless sports car fundamentals, first Volkswagen with new front end design, wagon-coupé with extremely long roof (1.8 meters). Design responsibility: Walter de Silva (Group), Klaus Bischoff (Brand)Dimensions: 4,256 mm long, 1,810 mm wide, 1,404 mm tall, extremely wide tread width (front 1,569 mm, rear 1,575 mm)Drive: Front-wheelEngine power range: 90 kW / 122 PS to 147 kW / 200 PS, all engines are charged, all engines up to 160 PS satisfy Euro-5 emissions standard*Engines – diesel (TDI): 103 kW / 140 PS, 125 kW / 170 PSEngines – gasoline (TSI): 90 kW / 122 PS, 118 kW / 160 PS, 147 kW / 200 PSFuel consumption range: 5.4 to 7.7 liters fuel per 100 kilometersHigh-tech driving systems: DCC adaptive chassis control, ACC automatic distance control (starting early 2009)Infotainment: Two radio systems, two radio-navigation systems, 300 Watt Dynaudio sound system, MEDIA-IN port (USB)Market introduction: August 29, 2008 in Germany and Great Britain, by November across Europe, in May 2009 in JapanProduction site: “Volkswagen Autoeuropa – Automóveis Ltda.” in Palmela, PortugalRacing use: At the start of the 24-hour race on the Nürburgring in May 2008 with powerful 238 kW / 325 PS racing version; results: double victory in its class.Safety: Six airbags, exceptionally rigid body, ESP, Isofix child seat mounting brackets, special pedestrian protection features, front passenger airbag can be deactivated (for rear-facing child seat), in case of crash: automatic activation of hazard flasher and interior lights, automatic door opening, automatic deactivation of fuel pumpStandard features: Include 17-inch alloy wheels, height-adjustable driver and front passenger seats, leather steering wheel and parking brake handle, newly designed sport seat system, split folding rear seatbacks, power windows, air conditioning, ESP, braking assistant, six airbags, power steering with countersteer feature, sport chassisStandard transmission: 6-speed manual* Due to current vehicle registration laws, the vehicles can only be registered for the current Euro-4 emission standard initially. It will then be possible for the car owner to re-classify or re-register the vehicle at additional charge.Note:All data and equipment contained in this press release apply to models offered in Germany. They may differ in other countries. All information is subject to change or correction
TDI, TSI, DSG and Twincharger are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG or other companies of the Volkswagen Group in Germany and other countries.
www.BestPriceCarParts.com - Your best stop for auto parts
www.MarksBugBarn.com - For all your vintage VW needs
Cabriolet Feeling in Eos “Edition 2009”
Wolfsburg, 19 June 2008 - Now that blue skies are beckoning, Volkswagen has launched its attractive Eos “Edition 2009” offering. This new special model scores points on the merit of its sporty and elegant fittings and a saving of up to 1,340.00 against the standard model with comparable extras. The attractive fittings package for the Eos “Edition 2009” includes exterior features such as chrome radiator grille slats and “Cherry Red” LED taillights. The interior too is characterised by high-quality and high-comfort features. The main attractions here are heated leather-fitted sports seats in “Nappa Date Brown”, a three-spoke leather steering wheel with aluminium elements and leather-look door trims. This fittings package also features a “Climatronic” air-conditioning system, cruise control, an “RCD 510” radio system with an integrated 6-stack CD player and a ParkPilot system that alerts drivers to the distance of obstacles at the rear of the vehicle.
The available engine options for the Eos “Edition 2009” include four petrol engines ranging from 90 kW / 122 PS to 184 kW / 250 PS and a 103-kW / 140-PS diesel engine with a diesel particulate filter as a standard feature. The price tag on the Eos “Edition 2009” starts at 31,325.00 euro for the 90-kW / 122-PS petrol-engine, which means a saving of up to 1,340.00 euro against the standard model with comparable extras.The Volkswagen Bank offers attractive leasing and financing terms for the Eos “Edition 2009” – e.g. financing at an effective interest rate of 3.9 per cent p.a. Customers can also benefit from a range of optional mobility products such as third-party liability insurance, comprehensive vehicle insurance, partial-comprehensive (reduced-premium) insurance or new-vehicle warranty extension.
www.BestPriceCarParts.com - Your best stop for auto parts
www.MarksBugBarn.com - For all your vintage VW needs
The available engine options for the Eos “Edition 2009” include four petrol engines ranging from 90 kW / 122 PS to 184 kW / 250 PS and a 103-kW / 140-PS diesel engine with a diesel particulate filter as a standard feature. The price tag on the Eos “Edition 2009” starts at 31,325.00 euro for the 90-kW / 122-PS petrol-engine, which means a saving of up to 1,340.00 euro against the standard model with comparable extras.The Volkswagen Bank offers attractive leasing and financing terms for the Eos “Edition 2009” – e.g. financing at an effective interest rate of 3.9 per cent p.a. Customers can also benefit from a range of optional mobility products such as third-party liability insurance, comprehensive vehicle insurance, partial-comprehensive (reduced-premium) insurance or new-vehicle warranty extension.
www.BestPriceCarParts.com - Your best stop for auto parts
www.MarksBugBarn.com - For all your vintage VW needs
Project Turbunnium: Introduction
The “Rabbit Test” was the kind of hideous procedure that makes grown men cross their legs just a little bit tighter when they hear about it. Popular during the early 20th century, doctors would inject womens’ urine into the bloodstream of female rabbits. After a few days, the rabbit would get sliced open, and if its ovaries had swollen then the woman was pregnant. She would then go home and excitedly call relatives to tell them that “the rabbit died,” which passed for happy news at a time when the word “pregnant” couldn’t even be said on broadcast radio. That this procedure exists in the first place raises a lot of thoughts, most of them prefaced with “eew” and many of them involving attempts to get my head around someone actually discovering the Rabbit Test in the first place.I first learned about the Rabbit Test during the summer of 2006, at the press launch for the then-new 2006 Rabbit. A journalist sitting by thought that referring to how the rabbit had died, but was now reborn, would make a great line for her review of the VW. Seeing the look on my face, she went into excruciating detail about how the procedure was carried out, curing me not only of any lingering doubts, but also my desire to eat lunch. Yet even that wasn’t the most shocking thing I’d hear during the trip. The Rabbit’s starting price of $14,990 would take that honor. After hearing that bit of news, I thumbed my cell phone open, called my girlfriend, and told her she was now on the hook.
Cherise LaPine-GrueningerAssociate Editor, VWvortex.com
I rarely venture outside of VWvortex and into The Car Lounge; that’s Wes’ domain. But I’ve been known to make an appearance, usually to defend Volkswagen of America. And, more than once, I’ve stated publically that if I could ever purchase a new VW at the magical $15,000 price point, I would. Leave it to VW to come through when it was least expected.In my happiest of daydreams, that hypothetical VW happened to be Polo-shaped, but I was fairly sure it wouldn’t happen. Before the MKV’s name was announced, the only way I could see myself spending 15 large on a “Rabbit” was if I figured out how to import and federalize a South African Citi Golf. I wasn’t expecting my soon-to-be fiancé to call from the Rabbit press launch, specifically to tell me about the Rabbit’s $14,990 cost of entry. As I heard the news, I knew my bluff would be called. Almost exactly a year later, we sat side-by-side in a 2007 Candy White, 2-door, manual, blissfully option-free save the alloy wheels and iPod adapter. For the first year, we plotted, planned, hypothesized… and although we readily agreed on a specific car to purchase, we realized joint car ownership is even more complicated than sharing a bed and a bathroom. Up until now, all of my cars have been subject to a strict no-eating policy, yet he’s immune to the smell of old McD’s coming out of the vents. He wants more power; I (as primary driver) loved being able to buy regular gas. And so it goes. Fortunately, none of which was a factor in day-to-day ownership of the car. The Rabbit packs a lot of punch into a practical package; ours has been an absolute blast. It transported us 2000 miles round trip for our wedding, and had ample room for our luggage and gifts (my dress didn’t even get crushed). When we decided we were too relaxed to rent a limo, the Rabbit made a fine matrimonial chariot. And in everyday driving, it moves through traffic swiftly and pulls hard. Indeed, a dyno session even revealed that our particular car puts out 146 whp in stock form, a pleasant surprise considering VW’s official figure of 150 crank hp.
So why mess with a good thing? Given my addiction to modifying and Wes’ tendency to flip cars, it’s a testament to the Rabbit’s character that we’ve both been satisfied as long as we have. However, we were able to spend some time with VW’s R GTI and Thunder Bunny last summer, and both cars have really influenced our direction. They were conceived and executed as a whole; everything from the stance and the sound of their custom exhaust systems, to the color of the brake calipers and the hand-laid carbon-fiber interior trim, was done specifically to evoke a certain atmosphere and attitude. We were finally able to decide on a tentative course of action, and trucks began to arrive at the VWvortex loading dock. Upcoming installments will describe the work that we’ve done since these photos were taken, and we’re still working on complementing our exterior and suspension modifications with a power boost, interior upgrade, and some custom Thunder Bunny-inspired elements. Stop by the VWvortex booth at Waterfest to say hi and see Project Turbunnium up close and personal.
www.BestPriceCarParts.com - Your best stop for auto parts
www.MarksBugBarn.com - For all your vintage VW needs
Cherise LaPine-GrueningerAssociate Editor, VWvortex.com
I rarely venture outside of VWvortex and into The Car Lounge; that’s Wes’ domain. But I’ve been known to make an appearance, usually to defend Volkswagen of America. And, more than once, I’ve stated publically that if I could ever purchase a new VW at the magical $15,000 price point, I would. Leave it to VW to come through when it was least expected.In my happiest of daydreams, that hypothetical VW happened to be Polo-shaped, but I was fairly sure it wouldn’t happen. Before the MKV’s name was announced, the only way I could see myself spending 15 large on a “Rabbit” was if I figured out how to import and federalize a South African Citi Golf. I wasn’t expecting my soon-to-be fiancé to call from the Rabbit press launch, specifically to tell me about the Rabbit’s $14,990 cost of entry. As I heard the news, I knew my bluff would be called. Almost exactly a year later, we sat side-by-side in a 2007 Candy White, 2-door, manual, blissfully option-free save the alloy wheels and iPod adapter. For the first year, we plotted, planned, hypothesized… and although we readily agreed on a specific car to purchase, we realized joint car ownership is even more complicated than sharing a bed and a bathroom. Up until now, all of my cars have been subject to a strict no-eating policy, yet he’s immune to the smell of old McD’s coming out of the vents. He wants more power; I (as primary driver) loved being able to buy regular gas. And so it goes. Fortunately, none of which was a factor in day-to-day ownership of the car. The Rabbit packs a lot of punch into a practical package; ours has been an absolute blast. It transported us 2000 miles round trip for our wedding, and had ample room for our luggage and gifts (my dress didn’t even get crushed). When we decided we were too relaxed to rent a limo, the Rabbit made a fine matrimonial chariot. And in everyday driving, it moves through traffic swiftly and pulls hard. Indeed, a dyno session even revealed that our particular car puts out 146 whp in stock form, a pleasant surprise considering VW’s official figure of 150 crank hp.
So why mess with a good thing? Given my addiction to modifying and Wes’ tendency to flip cars, it’s a testament to the Rabbit’s character that we’ve both been satisfied as long as we have. However, we were able to spend some time with VW’s R GTI and Thunder Bunny last summer, and both cars have really influenced our direction. They were conceived and executed as a whole; everything from the stance and the sound of their custom exhaust systems, to the color of the brake calipers and the hand-laid carbon-fiber interior trim, was done specifically to evoke a certain atmosphere and attitude. We were finally able to decide on a tentative course of action, and trucks began to arrive at the VWvortex loading dock. Upcoming installments will describe the work that we’ve done since these photos were taken, and we’re still working on complementing our exterior and suspension modifications with a power boost, interior upgrade, and some custom Thunder Bunny-inspired elements. Stop by the VWvortex booth at Waterfest to say hi and see Project Turbunnium up close and personal.
www.BestPriceCarParts.com - Your best stop for auto parts
www.MarksBugBarn.com - For all your vintage VW needs
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