Sunday, September 20, 2009

Season Greetings: Selamat Hari Raya 2009!

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Wishing everyone a great festive Season, Eid' Mubarak to all VAG Family Members, Local Car Clubs, Friends and Guests.

Drive safe, and buckle up for safety. Do have fun, but safely and responsibly. Excercise precautions during trips.

Maaf Zahir dan Batin!

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Also, not to forget to welcome our 3 new members!

- Bobby (Bob) who drives a Condor Grey Audi A3 Sportsback
- Eric Pilpus (Benji) who drives an Artic Silver Seat Toledo 1.8 20V
- Khalil Azim (Khalil) who drives a Grey Audi A4 B5 and Artic Silver VW Golf GTI Mk.4

Looking forward to see you guys soon!

Friday, September 18, 2009

2010 Volkswagen Golf R Unveiled!

Now this is something what most Golf Mk.5 owners should re-think about. Apparently their new brother has finally unveiled the best out of the Mk.6 Platform - The Golf R!

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"Well, meet the über-Golf, the new Golf R, unveiled at the Frankfurt auto show. It picks up where the old R32 left off. But instead of a 250-hp VR6, as in the R32, the Golf R packs an upgraded version of the popular 2.0-liter, turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder that powers the GTI and a number of other VW Group cars. It is tuned to 270 hp in the Golf R, just a few ponies more than it makes in the Audi TTS, which is sold in the U.S., and in the Audi S3 and the front-wheel-drive Scirocco R, which aren’t available here."











Click here for more photos.

Awesome much? :)

(Source: Car & Driver)

Volkswagen L1 Concept


A one-liter car? This moniker describes a car that uses one liter of fuel—about a quarter of a gallon—to propel a car for 100 kilometers, or 62 miles. The one-liter car’s fuel economy translates to almost 240 mpg, and VW has had such a car in its sights for some time now. In 2002, outgoing VW CEO Ferdinand Piëch, now head of the company’s supervisory board, drove a cigar-shaped prototype from VW headquarters in Wolfsburg to a shareholders’ meeting in Hamburg.

Now the idea of the one-liter car has been resurrected. VW’s biggest news at the Frankfurt auto show was the L1 concept, a prototype that "is close to production" and "will be developed," the company says. Three ingredients were needed to make it happen: a supremely efficient powertrain, great aerodynamics, and lightweight engineering.

As to the powertrain, VW has opted for a two-cylinder, 39-hp turbo-diesel engine combined with a 14-hp electric motor. There is a stop/start system and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The L1 can reach 100 mph, but fuel economy at that speed drops to a shameful 1.38 liters per 100 kilometers, or 170 mpg.

The front-wheel-drive L1’s aerodynamics are optimized by the two-seat layout with the occupants sitting in a row. The result is a car that is relatively long, quite low, and extremely slim. The monocoque and body is made of carbon fiber, and total weight of the L1 is a mere 838 pounds. We think that the seating configuration will likely be changed as development progresses; two people sitting behind each other is too unusual for prospective buyers.

Even so, the L1 looks refined and close to series production, which couldn’t be said of the 2002 concept. It could be on the market as soon as 2013, Volkswagen sources tell us. The L1 may seem ironic to those who remember that VW is also responsible for Bugatti, which makes the fastest production car in the world, the Bugatti Veyron, and which just unveiled the W-16 Galibier sedan concept. But if you think about the styles of both Piëch and current VW chairman Martin Winterkorn, this contradiction seems logical: These guys both tend to go to extremes. And we submit that the Volkswagen L1 is a more significant step in saving resources than are heavy gasoline-electric hybrids.

Click here for more photos.

(Source: Yahoo! Autos)

Monday, September 14, 2009

C|C|B (Cold Cone Box) Intake

ccb cold air intake

A.W.E. Tuning announces the release its C|C|B (Cold Cone Box) Intake for all 2006+ Volkswagen Mk5 2.0T Jetta and GTI models. After extensive research and development A.W.E. Tuning has released its C|C|B Intake; the most complete, best engineered intake solution available.

Highlights of the C|C|B Intake:
• Both FSI and TSI kits available
• Fully enclosed box to keep heat away from the intake filter
• Washable large cone filter from OEM supplier
• +8 horsepower at the crank
• Improved throttle response
• Easy to install
• Engineered, developed and tested in-house

Many aftermarket intakes use open air filters which suck in heat from the engine bay. This will kill any power gains potentially provided by a free flowing air filter. A.W.E. Tuning uses a beautifully designed carbon fiber box to ensure only fresh, cool air enters the engine.

Dyno testing showed increases of 8 horsepower at the crank, with healthy usable gains in the midrange. Extensive power testing also showed that no sustainable gains were possible unless piping after the mass air sensor was uncorked, so the C|C|B includes 2.75 inch diameter stainless steel piping after the airbox. Further, all dyno power testing was done with the vehicle's hood closed to guarantee real world results.

By featuring a fully enclosed box around the air filter and completely replacing the tubing after the mass air flow sensor, A.W.E. Tuning's C|C|B Intake is a tremendous performance upgrade that should be on every enthusiast's "must have" list.

Please visit the C|C|B Intake Section of A.W.E. Tuning's website for more information.

Spied: 270-Horse GTI R!

The ultimate R version of Volkswagen's GTI was recently spied undergoing high-performance testing.



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Don't let the diesel TDI badge fool you — the big center-mounted dual exhausts and beefed-up brakes suggest this is a much more fiery version of VW's hot-hatch.

The heart of this beast is a pumped-up 2.0T turbocharged four-cylinder with around 270 horsepower, connected to 4Motion all-wheel drive through a manual or dual-clutch-
automatic six-speed transmission.

Acceleration from zero to 60 MPH should tick by in 5.5 seconds or less, with a top speed around 150 MPH.

Exterior and interior styling will reflect this car's sporting intentions, perhaps including highly bolstered seats, brushed-chrome trim and an aerodynamics package.

The GTI R name has not been confirmed but our sources say it is one of the strongest being considered. Hopes are high for the GTI R — being more powerful and lighter than the V6-powered R32 it will replace. Expect official photos and specs on the GTI R soon.

Keep your mouse pointed to VolksWatch.


(Source: VolksWatch)

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

VWVortex Event Coverage: VAG Fair 2009

VAG Fair 2009

There was a celebration of VAG last Saturday at the fairgrounds in charming York, Pennsylvania. Local residents may have been a bit confused watching a seemingly endless parade of Audis and Volkswagens streaming into town, but organizer Cory Sterling knew exactly what he was doing.

This was year three of VAG Fair, which is arguably the most laid-back of the larger east coast enthusiast shows. The nature of VAG Fair is no accident. Sterling, of Euro Auto Source, envisioned one huge backyard BBQ with several hundred of his closest friends and that’s exactly what he’s pulled off. Bring your grill, your beer, your kids, your dog, whatever you want, and just have a great time. Guests were happy to oblige and spent the warm August afternoon drinking, snacking, hanging out and enjoying the Euro scenery (minus the rather vocal shirtless guy at the dunk tank)! Fortunately the music of the day was fun and diverse; Poe and Salt-n-Pepa were part of the day’s soundtrack and maybe not-so-surprisingly, it was easy to look around and see many an enthusiast mouthing the words to “Shoop”!

Of course plenty of vendors were on hand for those who had money burning a hole in their pocket. Companies like AP Tuning, Ross Tech, 8380, Dubkorps, Baak2Basics, NGP Racing, 4Ever Kustoms, Orchid Euro, AWE Tuning, Din. Euro and more were offering great show-day specials. It didn’t matter if one wanted a chip, a shirt, some LEDs or a set of euro bumpers; just about everything was available.

Along with hand-picked music and vendors, Madness on the Midway featured the best of the best; five cars personally selected by Cory Sterling. The winner received cash and an automatic spot in H20’s Top Dawg competition. Nick Pasquale’s 1984 Rabbit took the prize this year. Other category winners included Alex Long’s MkIII Jetta GLX – Best Daily, Mark Caropreso’s ’04 Turbo R32 – 1st: R32 Mild, Vaughn Cordell’s MkIII 2.0T Jetta – 1st: MkIII Wild and Dana Kerrigan’s 2002 New Beetle Turbo S – 1st: New Beetle Mild, just to name a few.

When asked what his favorite part of the show was, the show’s organizer had to take a moment to think. “The whole thing was my favorite,” he finally replied. “But if I had to pick one thing it would be setting up in the morning, with the mist coming over the field and the anticipation of what’s about to happen. There’s nothing like it.”


Approximately 700 cars were in attendance, which is about 225 more than last year. This show may be toddler age, but it just keeps on growing and leaving its mark. One huge example of enthusiast comradery happened just outside the gates to the fairgrounds. Judd Sipe, Jason Beim and Devin Winand picked up a dubber in distress and took the car back to Cory’s shop. During show hours they replaced a master cylinder without a second thought and the enthusiast made it all the way back to Ocean City without a hassle. Cory wanted to thank those three specifically and also H20 International promoter Jay Shoup, all of the contributing vendors, his Mom, his Dad (for being such an inspiration through the years), his friends and his family. “They know who they are.”



The old adage, “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it” applies completely to VAG Fair. Next year expect more of the same laid-back, backyard BBQ fun. “I want the show to keep getting bigger and for people to keep having a good time,” Cory said. Based on VAG Fair’s history, that will certainly not be an issue.

Photo Gallery: Click here

Monday, September 7, 2009

2011 Jetta spied!



It seemed that a number of 2011 Volkswagen Jetta photos surfaced on the web on Monday, Automotive Traveler was among the first to post theirs, coming in at about 6 PM EDT.

"Although its camouflage initially confused us, upon further analysis it appears that we were fortunate to come across a version of Volkswagen's upcoming Jetta/New Mid-sized Sedan (NMS) that will be built in Chattanooga, Tennessee."




(Source: Autospies.com)

The Ibiza range grows with the new FR, CUPRA and Bocanegra models and the 1.6 TDI CR engine

The Ibiza range grows with the new FR, CUPRA and Bocanegra models and the 1.6 TDI CR engine

HOT SEAT IBIZA's MAKE THEIR INTERNATIONAL DEBUT

The newest additions made to the Ibiza range include cars bearing initials that have made a big name for themselves in the history of the Spanish brand, such as FR and CUPRA, and now the Bocanegra is the most recent arrival, which coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Ibiza’s market launch.

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• 1.4 TSI engines delivering 150 and 180 hp on the sporty line-up
• 7-speed DSG gearbox and electronic self-blocking XDS
• A common rail diesel engine makes its debut in the Ibiza range

The newest additions made to the Ibiza range include cars bearing initials that have made a big name for themselves in the history of the Spanish brand, such as FR and CUPRA, and now the Bocanegra is the most recent arrival, which coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Ibiza’s market launch.

The new FR, CUPRA and Bocanegra are at the apex of the SEAT Ibiza range. Their relevance to the Spanish brand stems from their exterior and interior styling, powerful engine line-up and equipment level, which also puts them in an enviable position in their segment.



Without a doubt, these are three vehicles that have been created to thrill and satisfy, to provide the sportiest driving experience with a unique style and personality – an accurate reflection of the brand values that underline the innovative design, sporty nature and liveliness found on all of its models.

Another novelty found on the Ibiza range is the 90 hp 1.6 TDI CR engine with common rail technology, which is replacing the 90 hp 1.9 TDI unit. This signals the gradual start of including the common rail system to the Ibiza range, which gives the engine better performance and significantly reduces all levels of noise, consumption and emissions.

Both the FR and CUPRA versions and the new 90 hp 1.6 TDI CR are already available across the dealership network, whereas the Bocanegra will be going on sale in September.

Common elements found on all three sporty versions

The three sporty models in the SEAT Ibiza range share several common elements. They are all equipped with the twin-charged 1.4 TSI engine, which delivers 150 and 180 hp outputs, the 7-speed sequential DSG gearbox with steering wheel shift paddles and the electronic XDS system, which works as a self-blocking differential without the need for any additional mechanical element.



This makes the Ibiza the first model in the VW Group to feature the 1.4 TSI engine mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox in its segment and with this platform. The addition of the XDS system turns both the FR and the CUPRA into true technological jewels.



The third version of the SEAT Ibiza FR delivers the same 150 hp through the modern, twin-charged 1.4 TSI engine compared to the same output with the 1.8 20VT of the previous version. It is available with SC and 5-door bodies with a long list of standard equipment.



The fifth version of the SEAT Ibiza CUPRA will once again satisfy thrill-seeking drivers. On this model, the 1.4 TSI engine delivers 180 hp, the first time a VW Group engine features this output. It is only available in the SC styling, and one of the brand’s engineers’ objectives was to give it a sportier, more effective ride.

The exclusive Bocanegra

The Bocanegra is the third addition to the SEAT Ibiza range and does not go unnoticed. The name of this special version may not sound familiar to many of its buyers, but it is a milestone in the history of the brand’s sporty models. The SEAT 1200 SPORT Bocanegra that appeared on the market already 34 years ago was as much the object of desire in its time as the new Ibiza with the same name will be today.



In fact, the styling of the current SEAT Ibiza generation was defined at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show on the SportCoupé “Bocanegra” prototype, which is now a dream coming true. Its front end epitomises its spectacular exterior design, but it also features countless design and equipment detailing that make it a collector’s edition vehicle, and it will be available with the FR and CUPRA engine choices.



90 hp 1.6 TDI CR engine – dynamic and efficient

The arrival of common rail technology to the Ibiza range is a step up in terms of the car’s already magnificent performance figures, and combines with increasingly low emissions and consumption levels that make the Ibiza one of the most ecological models of its segment.



Another aspect where the Ibiza has improved considerably is in the noise level inside the passenger compartment, since the common rail system lowers the decibels between 5 and 8% in intermediate rev ranges and between 8 and 10% at the highest rev ranges.

The shift to the common rail system will no doubt afford the Ibiza driver a quieter, more comfortable driving experience.



Ibiza FR and CUPRA equipped to the maximum

The new SEAT Ibiza FR and CUPRA both feature an outstanding equipment line-up. Standard equipment includes countless active and passive safety devices, comfort elements and others that contribute to enhancing the models’ sportiness.



Both models, and by extension the Bocanegra, all share the following standard equipment line-up – ESP, TCS + EBA, XDS, ABS, low tyre pressure warning, driver + passenger airbag, head-chest airbag, fasten seatbelts warning, rear window seat Isofix anchoring points + Top Tether preparation, cruise control, specific suspension, body colour door handles, double headlights, cornering foglights, dark rear side glass and rear window, anti-theft radio aerial, spare wheel, climate control, height and reach adjustable steering column, specific leather steering wheel and gearknob, height adjustable driver and passenger seats, passenger seat with “Easy entry” system (SC version), split folding rear seat, central console with 2+1 cupholders and power socket, 3 height adjustable rear headrests, boot light, anti-roll slope start assistant, audio equipment with MP3 + Aux-in + 6 speakers, radio and telephone controls on steering column, trip computer, front power one-touch anti-trap windows, rear power windows (5-door FR version) and remote controlled central locking.



The main stylistic differences between both versions can be found on the door mirrors (in silver on the FR and black on the CUPRA), the specific sport seats for each model, several interior appointments that feature the car’s logo, and the rims, which are 17 inch alloy ‘Aera’ in Cosmos Silver on the FR and in Titanio on the CUPRA. The CUPRA version is further available with optional 17 inch alloy ‘Sira’ rims, which allow for the SEAT racing brake system to be installed. These rims come in either Titanio or Cosmos Silver. The Bocanegra comes equipped with silver colour 17 inch ‘Sira’ rims, with the same possibility of including the SEAT racing brake arrangement as on the CUPRA.



As on the rest of the Ibiza range, the new FR and CUPRA versions feature an attractive list of optional elements that completes the list of standard equipment.

They can come equipped with the Carbon package, which enhances the exclusiveness of the interior with an instrument panel binnacle hood, steering wheel spokes, radio casing and DSG gear guide with a carbon fibre finish. This package is provided as standard on the Bocanegra.



An interesting optional comfort element on the Ibiza FR and CUPRA is the storage package, which provides drawers beneath the front seats, a cargo net and side nets in the boot. There is also a technical package, which includes parking sensor, rain sensing wipers, Coming Home and anti-dazzle rear-view mirror, and the Winter package, with heated wiper nozzles and headlight wipers.



Another novelty introduced on the Ibiza range with the arrival of the FR and CUPRA versions is the possibility of adding leather upholstery to the sporty seats, an optional element that is not only available on the Spanish brand’s two sportiest models, but on the Style and Sport trims as well.

Furthermore, both the Ibiza FR and the CUPRA are available with the new adaptor for the new generation of portable Tom Tom navigators, which joins the current adaptor to plug in the Tom Tom One V4 navigator.

The following elements round off the list of optional equipment - passenger airbag disconnection, front and rear head airbags + side airbags, volumetric alarm, electric heated park position door mirrors, panoramic electric sunroof, front armrest, heated front seats, dual xenon headlights + AFS + headlight washers, iPod™ compatible USB port, Bluetooth connection, USB port+ Bluetooth connection, metallic paint, Emoción Red paint and Custom colour paint (not available on the Bocanegra, since it only features Dakota Red and Candy White).



90 hp Ibiza 1.6 TDI CR, available in all three trim levels

The 90 hp SEAT Ibiza 1.6 TDI CR, as well as the model equipped with the rest of the available engine choices, features a complete standard equipment list in combination with the Reference, Style and Sport trim levels.

Entry-level Reference equipment includes ABS, ESP and TCS + EBA, driver and passenger airbag, head-chest airbag, Hill Hold Assist, low tyre pressure warning, audio equipment with MP3 + Aux-in + 6 speakers, 185/60 tyres on 15 inch steel rims, front seatbelt warning, rear seat Isofix anchoring points + Top Tether and passenger seat with Easy Entry (SC version), among others.

The Ibiza range also has the possibility of installing optional leather upholstered sport seats on the Style and Sport versions, as well as the new adaptor for the new generation of Tom Tom navigators.

Furthermore, the Colour Edition versions have recently been added to the Ibiza SC, a new personalisation programme that enhances the model’s interior and exterior exclusivity and sportiness with the Lumina Orange and Galia Blue custom colours, which is also available on the 105 hp 1.9 TDI and the 85 hp 1.4 and 105 hp 1.6 petrol engine versions.

(Source: Seatcupra.net)

New SEAT Leon CUPRA R to debut at Frankfurt Motorshow

The CUPRA R returns!



SEAT is beginning the second half of the year with the same punch as it ended the first half, keeping up with the launch of new products that are making the Spanish brand’s range the freshest and youngest on the market.



SEAT is preparing to unveil its most potent model to date with next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show debut of the awesome new Leon Cupra R.

The influential German show, opening to the public on 17 September, will see the official debut of the SEAT Leon fleet’s stunning new flagship which boasts a brutally powerful 265 PS 2.0 TSI turbocharged petrol engine.

High-tech, high-speed performance

Instantly becoming the most muscular production model ever to wear the trademark SEAT ‘S’, the forthcoming Leon Cupra R matches the power output of the title-winning
SEAT Leon TDI World Touring Car.



Naturally, the new Leon’s 265 PS direct injection 2.0 TSI engine is the star of the show boasting not only tremendous power, but also easy torque transmission and remarkable flexibility. Among the four cylinder 16V unit’s key features is a new, high-pressure fuel pump injector to satisfy its greater performance demands while also allowing it to fully comply with strict EU5 emissions standards.

Transmitting that urge to its driven front wheels, the Cupra R is capable of prodigious performance. The zero to 62 mph time, for instance, is a formidable 6.1 seconds, while the top speed of 155 mph is comfortably adequate. All this, and yet the new SEAT’s combined fuel consumption figure is put at just a shade under 35 mpg.

Inside and out, the exclusive nature of the Spanish maker’s new model is obvious to the enthusiast thanks to the distinctive letter ‘R’ on the central grille and at the lower right of the hatch. The all-important initial also appears inside, on the right instrument dial and the remote control key. Meanwhile, the exclusive Cupra logo graces the front bumper, the centre of the hatch and, inside, the steering wheel and seat backrests.

Further distinctive detailing which underlines the Cupra R’s extreme nature includes arch-filling 19-inch, five double-spoke alloys shod with ultra-low profile 235/35 tyres. The wheel assembly also enables a set of generous 17-inch 345 x 30 mm front disc brakes with 16-inch 286 x 12 mm at the rear, uprated to deliver the greater braking capacity obviously required to keep that 265 PS safely in check.



The interior features eye-catching competition-styled bucket seats in grey alcantara upholstery, white LED lighting on the instrument dials, a leather-clad multi-functional steering wheel and sporty aluminium-trimmed pedals.

In its home market, the latest Leon’s extensive line-up of standard equipment includes ABS + TCS, ESP + EBA, XDS (SEAT’s new electronic system which mimics the function of a limited slip differential), front and front side airbags, curtain airbags, passenger airbag disconnection, rear window seat Isofix anchoring points, low tyre pressure warning, light and rain sensors, rear parking sensors, cruise control, trip computer, cornering fog lights, dual zone climate control and MP3-compatible eight-speaker CD/radio.

(Source: Seatcupra.net)

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Want one? - Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk.6 silently launched!

Introducing - Maju Motors has silently launched the Golf version we have been waiting for, or should I say.. the adrenaline-pumped rabbit? - The Volkswagen Golf Mk. 6 GTI.

"The new GTI gets the same two-litre turbo engine as the Edition 30 GTI, but putting out 207bhp and 206lb ft of torque. That's 10bhp more than the Mk5 GTI, but 24bhp less than the Edition 30 - and way down on the Astra VXR and Mazda3 MPS

It'll hit 62mph in 7.2 seconds, which is exactly the same as the Mk5 but a full second slower than the hot Astra. Top speed is a healthy 149mph.

But the GTI has always been about more than raw power, and we'd expect the Mk6 to be every bit as good to drive as its illustrious predecessor, as it gets the Scirocco's adaptive chassis control (ACC) and a trick electronic diff as standard."

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A fellow member took these pictures:




It's been stated that there are only currently 3 Golf Mk.6 GTI's out from Maju Motors (One sold) for now but don't worry.. there will be more coming rolling into the country soon by next month.

Waterfest 15, 2009 (VWVortex)

waterfest-pictures

Waterfest is the biggest Volkswagen and Audi enthusiast show in the United States. VWVortex covered the Waterfest event, and the photo gallery is a must see.

(Source: vwvortex.com)

ABT's new GTI Mk.6

ABT-Golf-VI-GTI-rear-difuser

ABT Sportsline has now been customising vehicles for five decades - and right on time for the Anniversary, the Allgäu Company is presenting the new, sixth GTI. Sporty and fast "Golfs" in particular have carried these three letters since 1976. ABT was the place to go for everyone who wanted even more dynamic and driving fun from the very beginning.

The latest generation of the compact sports car also bears the magic abbreviation, and of course it is now available in a breathtaking ABT version. The engine output is impressive, because due to optimized engine management (ABT POWER), the standard 210 HP (154 kW) become a dynamic 260 HP (191 kW). ABT POWER S makes the GTI even hotter: a new turbocharger, „Made in Kempten“, is used additionally in this case. The 2.0 TSI then has an output of a sporty 300 HP (221 kW) and accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in around six seconds.

Thanks to ABT chassis springs, the GTI's centre of gravity is located a good 30 mm lower, so the Über-Golf can be driven even more sportily. The chassis setting, which was designed by Christian Abt, is especially good fun on winding roads. And in the extreme case, the powerful ABT braking system also kicks in.

But an ABT Golf GTI is not only a hot piece of sports equipment for the road, it also looks like one: the bodywork package that designers have created underlines the car's pure dynamics: no matter how you look at the GTI, it is always impressive. Rear spoiler and rear apron superstructure, side mouldings, front grill and apron as well as the diagonal 4-pipe exhaust system form one unit. ABT engineers also designed a front lip, which provides a power-performance in combination with the front apron and the new ABT Daytime Running Lamp.

The equally elegant as expressive colouring matches this: the paintwork in carbon steel grey metallic harmonises perfectly with side mouldings and front lip in the contrast colour red. The design also continues consistently in the interior, for all screens, the ornamental rings of the combination instrument and the steering wheel panels are painted in the signal tone. One look at the Allgäu sports car will tell you that it's more than a "normal" Golf GTI - and consequently the sixth variation of the fast compact car with the large tailgate is steeped in the best tradition. Namely, its five predecessors also became powerful Golfs at ABT. ABT and GTI: these six letters have simply belonged together for 33 years.

More pictures: