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  • TUNED VW MK6 GOLF GTI: PRANCING HORSEPOWER – FC THROWBACK

    Welcome to this week’s FC Throwback, where we take a look back at some of our favourite previous features. This week it’s Steven Soprano’s tuned VW Mk6 Golf GTI from back in 2014… Don’t be fooled into thinking those Ferrari 458 rims are just for show – this K04-powered Mk6 GTI packs a supercar-slaying punch!

    Feature taken from Fast Car. Words Mark Riccioni Photography Kevve.BE

    TUNED VW MK6 GOLF GTITUNED VW MK6 GOLF GTI

    Power is a funny ol’ thing. It makes people do crazy things, and while Belgian-born Steven Soprano isn’t about to invade Iraq for oil, his addiction to the world of horsepower has led him to build the super-sleek tuned VW Mk6 Golf GTI pictured here.

    TUNED VW MK6 GOLF GTITUNED VW MK6 GOLF GTI

    “As soon as I could drive I bought myself a Mk3 Golf VR6,” explains Steven, a plumber by trade who has always owned VAG cars. “Usually your first car is a 1.0-litre, so the VR6 felt like a rocket ship! But you get used to it, and before long you want more and more.”

    TUNED VW MK6 GOLF GTITUNED VW MK6 GOLF GTI

    After the VR6, Steven’s quest for power took a slightly alternative route. Covering more than 15,000-miles a year, Steven had to consider fuel economy, but then he found something to give him the best of both worlds – the magnificent 1.9-litre TDI lump found in the Mk5 Golf. With the right kind of upgrades you can create a proper fuel-efficient monster! Steve’s Mk5 Golf was now producing 210bhp while returning over 50mpg on a long run – perfection, right? Not exactly…

    TUNED VW MK6 GOLF GTITUNED VW MK6 GOLF GTI

    The diesel Mk5 was the perfect daily, but it just wasn’t scratching the ‘itch’ that only a ballistic, turbocharged petrol motor provides. Step forward the 2.0-litre Mk6 Golf GTI delivering 210bhp as standard. “To be honest I actually fell in love with the colour before the car!” laughs Steven, who managed to find a Mk6 GTI in the super-rare Rising Blue colour traditionally found on Golf R models. “It was quite quick as standard, and originally I didn’t want to go too crazy. But power is a funny thing… it’s hard to just stop.”

    TUNED VW MK6 GOLF GTITUNED VW MK6 GOLF GTI

    Initially Steven focused on the exterior, fitting wider front arches, Golf R bodywork and a full front-end respray after battling with stone chips and poor weather. It looked the part, and to add a bit of extra noise Steven fitted a full Milltek 3in exhaust that didn’t just transform the sound, but also the way he drove the Mk6 too.

    TUNED VW MK6 GOLF GTITUNED VW MK6 GOLF GTI

    “It sounded insane, especially with the DSG gearbox that pops during gear changes,” adds Steven. “So I went one step further and fitted a 3in turbo downpipe along with an ECU flash. Power was approaching 280bhp, but the standard turbo was at the limit, so I bit the bullet and upgraded to a K04 turbo instead.”

    TUNED VW MK6 GOLF GTITUNED VW MK6 GOLF GTI

    In addition to the K04, Steven also added uprated injectors, an air intake and intercooler upgrade and a full remap taking power up to 372bhp and 351lb/ft – over 150bhp more than standard! This kind of horsepower transformed the Mk6 into an absolute animal, capable of chasing down super saloons and supercars all around Belgium. Steven finally had a ‘suitable’ level of horsepower. Now it was time to sort the interior and a killer stance…

    TUNED VW MK6 GOLF GTITUNED VW MK6 GOLF GTI

    Stance AND performance? Surely not! But Steven wanted the best of both worlds with his Mk6 GTI, and he’s 100% nailed it. Having used air suspension in the past Steven knew of its handling capabilities, especially combined with a top-quality management system like Accu Air’s E-level. With air struts provided by Koni, the Golf can be raised for driving fast and slammed for that Internet-winning stance. Job done.

    TUNED VW MK6 GOLF GTITUNED VW MK6 GOLF GTI

    With supercar performance and a love for Italian exotics, there was only one wheel choice Steven had in mind – 20in Ferrari 458 Italia rims. Super light, super strong and super expensive – what more could you possibly need? They look entirely at home tucked under the Golf’s arches and make a welcome change from the Audi/Bentley wheels usually found on stanced VWs.

    TUNED VW MK6 GOLF GTITUNED VW MK6 GOLF GTI

    “They’re my favourite part of the car… after the engine,” laughs Steve, who finally has a car that ticks all his boxes… well, nearly. “I’ve had the car four months now, and it’s been running 370bhp for a little while now. I’m used to the power, so I think I need more. Next step is 450bhp, maybe 500bhp.” Now we’re talking!

    TUNED VW MK6 GOLF GTITUNED VW MK6 GOLF GTI

    TECH SPEC: TUNED VW MK6 GOLF GTI

    Tuning
    Full Milltek non-resonated 3in R20 exhaust system, Milltek 3.5in downpipe, CTS K04 turbocharger upgrade, CTS dump valve, CTS full intercooler kit
    Carbonio intake system, Bosch fuel injectors, full remap to 370bhp, 355lb/ft

    Chassis
    Koni air suspension with Accu Air E-level management, 20×8.5in Ferrari 458 Italia wheels
    Vredestein Ultrax Sessanta 225/30×20 tyres

    Styling
    VW R20 optional kit, wider front arches, rear wiper delete, LED R20 daylight running lights, LED rear lights, LED OEM licence plate lights, bi-xenon front headlights , OEM rear-view camera, PDC

    Interior
    R20 seats (black leather with Alcantara), piano black painted dashboard inserts, blue stitching throughout

    Cheers to
    DVX Performance, VAG-parts, KEAN Suspension, S-works, Mag Racing and Crauwels Banden

    Source

  • AUDI RS Q3 2020 REVIEW

    Can putting a 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine from the Audi RS3 and TT RS transform the Q3 into a hot hatch shattering crossover? We got behind the wheel of the Audi RS Q3 to find out just whether the crossover/SUV can tackle the humble hot hatch.

    No matter how much you moan, performance crossovers and SUVs are very much a thing. When once the humble hot hatch was every working man and woman’s dream, it seems that every manufacturer under the sun is racing to bring out the latest performance-orientated SUV. When I say every manufacturer, I really do mean it, even Ferrari is bringing out a fast SUV next year…

    Audi RS Q3Audi RS Q3

    No, we didn’t drive it in the snow. These are just Audi press shots. Cool though, right?

    What is this Audi RS Q3 all about then?

    Under the bonnet is the 2.5-litre, five-cylinder turbocharged engine that powers both the Audi RS3 and the Audi TT RS. In this trim, it produces a healthy, round 400hp, with 354ft lb of torque. This is mated to Audi’s famous Quattro system and 7-speed S tronic, dual clutch gearbox. Official figures are 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 155mph, not bad for something that weighs over 1700kg then!

    In many ways, the Audi RS Q3 is very similar to the Cupra Ateca Abt SUV that we drove recently. They’re both four-wheel drive, both autos and both SUVS. But, the Cupra is lighter than the RS Q3 and in Abt form it’s just 50bhp short of it at 350bhp. The Cupra also feels just as sharp, if not sharper. So what are you getting for the extra £5k over the Abt Cupra Ateca?

    Audi RS Q3Audi RS Q3

    I asked myself this question over and over again, because dynamically, the Cupra Ateca Abt is ahead of the RS Q3. But, it’s when you spend some time inside the Audi that you start to piece together where that money has gone. In truth, the Audi feels a nicer place to sit, a more luxurious tone exudes the cabin, with soft-touch plastics out of the way and replaced with materials such as leather and Alcantara. The digital cockpit is a brilliant piece of equipment from Audi, helping to simplify the controls but also putting the screen directly in front of you. From the instrument cluster you can flick between your music, see the satnav map, read various other bits of car-specific information and of course make calls etc. But the biggest draw towards the Audi RS Q3 is that engine, which not only sounds terrific, but goes like the clappers!

    Audi RS Q3Audi RS Q3

    Audi RS Q3 – the drive

    Pin the throttle and you’re thrown back into your seat, when you’re on boost. Surprisingly, under around the 3krpm mark you get a very laggy response. It takes time for that boost to wind up and propel you down the road, almost akin to a 90s Japanese car, which is odd for an engine that’s been reworked and retuned to meet the latest EU emissions laws. Those that have driven pre and post facelift RS3s have also reported that the latter car lacks the urgency the previous car had, and although never having driven the pre-WLTP car, I can believe it. Previously, you watched RS cars jump off the lights like a greyhound, but this one takes a moment or two to get into its stride.

    Once you’re into its stride, though, its fast. The S-tronic gearbox is ultra-responsive in its shifts, making fast b-road blasts an absolute doddle. Don’t be fooled by the increased kerbweight and high centre of gravity, this is an impressively agile machine that can negotiate a quick road at a strong rate of knots. The benefit to having that higher ride height is the ground clearance, meaning on a b-road you never have to worry about undulations or potholes, the RS Q3 eats it up in its stride.

    Audi RS Q3Audi RS Q3

    That Quattro system does induce understeer if you push it too much, but on the whole you’re given very high levels of grip that even the most novice of drivers can hustle over a back road at good pace. It’s a very easy car to drive quickly, enabling you to pin the throttle mid corner and allowing the computers to take over and work their magic. It does remove that sense of driving away from it, however, but that is to be expected in a car of this size.

    The steering felt a little lazy in its lowest setting, but does wake up in sports mode, as does the exhaust. This car was fitted with the optional RS sports exhaust system, which wakes it up a touch and adds in that drama and character that would otherwise have gone unnoticed. Plus it means you actually get to hear that signature 5-pot noise. You also get black oval tips at the rear which helps set off the looks of the car. Speaking of which, it’s not a bad looking car, particularly for an SUV. It’s certainly on the more stylish side of most SUVs, which was only highlighted on long journeys where people were even offering a thumbs up… or was it a middle finger? One of the two anyway!

    Audi RS Q3Audi RS Q3

    The brakes here were carbon ceramics, which worked well with such mass to deal with. Over the course of a good hour hooning, the brakes felt as strong as they were from the get-go. They do take a touch to warm up, and can give a slightly unnerving pedal bite initially, but once the car is warmed up, pedal feel becomes more natural and confidence inspiring.

    Price wise, the RS Q3 isn’t cheap. This particular car with its optional exhaust, carbon ceramic brakes and various styling options came in at £66,055 on the road, which includes first registration fee, delivery charge and a road fund licence. If you want to PCP one, you’ll be looking at over £600 per month, too. That being said, you’re getting a car with bucket loads of performance, good practicality, and one that arguably has the snazziest interior on the market.

    Audi RS Q3Audi RS Q3

    Verdict

    The Audi RS Q3 is a hugely capable car, with its strongest pulls being that gorgeous five-cylinder turbocharged engine that will have you seeking out the redline thinking you are Walter Rohrl or Stig Blomqvist. Out of all of the performance SUVs, the RS Q3 is almost the only one that you can forgive for being performance orientated. In real terms, that Audi RS Q3 isn’t much bigger than the RS3 and delivers similar performance to it, but with a smidge more space inside.

    It also features that brilliant Digital Cockpit, which has elevated Audi’s interior design to a new level and one that conquers across the market. But, that all comes at a price, and if you want one as good looking as this one, you’ll need to hover around the £60k mark, which gets you into all manner of cars.

    Would I take one over a hot hatch? No. I still think the humble hot hatch offers more performance, but crucially, more thrills than that of a performance SUV. Would I be happy if this was my only car? Absolutely. It can certainly offer the performance, but also, has a switchable comfort side that a hot hatch could only dream of.

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  • Bueller? Bueller? Liftmaster’s latest commercial would ruin Ferris’ day off

    It’s not easy to make a memorable commercial for a garage-door opener, but LiftMaster found a way.

    The company on Monday released a 30-second ad spoofing the 1980s cult-classic movie “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” If you’re not familiar, the plot centers around the titular high schooler (played by Matthew Broderick) skipping school. At one point, Bueller and friend Cameron Frye (played by Alan Ruck) borrow Frye’s father’s 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder (a replica was used in the movie).

    LiftMaster recreated that scene, complete with the glass-walled garage, but swapping the Ferrari replica for a 1966 Jaguar E-Type. Ruck even makes an appearance as the father, showing off the new LiftMaster Secure View garage-door opener’s noteworthy feature—a built-in camera that will let you know if anyone is “borrowing” your car.

    One of three cars used to film “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” one crossed the block at a Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, earlier this year, netting $396,000. Built by Modena Design & Development, the car is officially known as a Modena Spyder California.

    It may look reasonably close to a real Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder, but the replica has fiberglass bodywork and a steel-tube frame. Under the hood sits a 427-cubic-inch V-8 making about 500 horsepower, which is admittedly more than the 275 hp produced by the 3.0-liter V-12 in the genuine article.

    In addition to the car sold at Barrett-Jackson earlier this year—chassis number GTC001—a second car is known to exist. The third car was sacrificed for a scene in which the “Ferrari” takes a nose dive out of the garage. Thankfully, the Jaguar E-Type remains safe in the LiftMaster commercial.

    Source