The dream of every high-performance tuner is access to the best, most durable, precise components; intelligent and adaptable control systems; and progressive, appealing styling.
The Passat R GT was born from a European-spec 2006 Passat 3.2 V6 FSI with DSG transmission and 4MOTION all-wheel drive. A rewarding runner in its own right, the European Passat 3.2’s powerful engine, world-beating transmission and all-wheel grip provide an excellent basis for a SEMA special. The mechanical transformation by HPA resulted in dynamics that launch the Passat R GT into supercar dimensions, and its sleek, entirely modern bodywork was given the muscular look of a highly toned European high-performance sedan by Volkswagen designers.
The Passat R GT's track-prepped chassis is suspended by a KW Variant 3-way coil-over racing setup, and the required upgraded braking is supplied by the Brembo-supplied system available on the Phaeton. The Passat R GT rides on the same high-performance Michelin radials as fitted to the Jetta R GT, as well as the forged-aluminum Avus alloy wheels. HPA also modified the DSG gearbox for more revs between each upshift to match the engine’s increased output.
It’s THE cult object: Since generations the VW Golf GTI thrills all fans of aggressive, sporty but still affordable cars. At the same time of delivery of the first models in November, as world-wide leading tuner for vehicles of the Volkswagen group, Abt Sportsline presents its version of the timeless original at the Essen Motor Show 04: additional power, greater aggressiveness, even more sportiness.
HPA Motorsports from Canada offers two street-able packages for the VW R32. Stage I
The R32 factory engineers have beefed up clutch components, enlarged the exhaust diameters, throttle bodies and the valve train over previous 24v configurations. With this in mind, HPA Motorsports designed Stage 1 system to retain the stock catalytic converters, clutch assembly and exhaust system.
Fully upgradeable, the stage I offers a driving sensation associated with most exotics without the exotics price.
Component list:
Price: $24,000
Install: $2,500
Stage II
Building on the components used in the Stage I, Stage II grows the performance figures outside the believable realm. Tested on pump gas, Motortrend pealed off a 3.2 seconds 0-60 mph and an 11.4 seconds 1 mile. Being able to launch the R32 at nearly 6000RPM requires HPA Motorsports' special dual ceramic clutch and the motor breaths through a sensational 3.5” exhaust system. HPA Motorsports' Race catalytic converters break down the exhaust gases, while race grade connecting rod bearings ensure the longevity of the bottom end.
Component list (plus all Stage I components):
Price: $35,900
Install: $3,500
A 600 bhp Stage III version is also available.
Meet the Nissan Micra R, a 150 mph hot hatch that proves the new Micra really is quite unlike anything else on the road.
But this is no Sunday fun car. It might be strictly a one-off, designed and built with performance driving in mind, but it can be everyday transport too. Chief designer Christopher Reitz added: "It’s very easy to build a £500,000 car if you’re doing everything from scratch. We wanted to do something that was a dream car but that you didn’t have to win the lottery to able to afford. Take the example of the Mini Cooper S in the Sixties. It was a successful competition car but it wasn’t too expensive if you wanted to own one."
With the engine now sitting where the rear seats and fuel tank are usually located, RML has used all its experience to make the Micra R into a reliable and viable every day machine. To cool the engine, a radiator from an Almera 2.2 dCi has been slotted beneath the bonnet and cleverly the engineers have used the now redundant exhaust tunnels beneath the body to fit cooling ducts. Integrated with a touring car style aerodynamic ‘splitter’ at the front these ducts ensure that the engine can be fed with more than enough cool air to keep it performing at its peak.
