Such muscle was no doubt a contributing factor to the car winning a Redline Time Attack round at Thunderbolt, New Jersey, in 2009. But having Bilstein PSS10 German-made 10-way adjustable monotube coilovers and an H&R 28mm (one-inch) rear anti-roll bar couldn't have hurt.
Not that motorsport is all about going fast. Stopping fast is just as important. A good reason, then, for fitting a StopTech big brake kit up front (the rears are stock). ST-40 four-piston calipers grab 328mm (12.9-inch) rotors with Hawk Performance pads, actuated by Goodridge braided stainless steel lines. Meanwhile, holding the road are Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tires (225/35 at the front, 235/35 out back), gracing HRE Competition C20 wheels (8.5x19 and 9x19, front and rear respectively).
If it behaves killer, why not make it look killer with a Votex body kit that includes an R32 rear conversion? And then get one of those ingeniously designed vent-mounted 52mm boost gauges for the interior. Just like the one on the Audi, this is designed to let air flow around it. And it also has the correct lighting and font to fit right in with the original switchgear. Only this one is positioned in the driver's side vent.
Another thing this car has in common with the AWE A4 is that it still runs a stock six-speed manual transmission. It took six months less build time, but a year's worth of development is no small deal. What both cars exhibit is depth-taking two of the coolest mainstream cars out there and giving them even more substance. Which just makes them cooler.
2008 VW
GTI 2.0T
Layout
Longitudinal front engine, all-wheel drive
Engine
2.0-liter I4, dohc, 16-valve. KKK K04 turbocharger, Audi S3 front-mount intercooler, AWE diverter valve w/relocation kit, AWE Cold Cone Box air intake, AWE sport exhaust, HJS catalyst, AWE/GIAC software
Transmission
Six-speed manual
Suspension
Bilstein PSS10 adjustable coilovers, H&R 28mm rear anti-roll bar
Brakes
StopTech ST-40 fronts, Hawk Performance pads, Goodridge lines
Wheels & Tires
HRE Competition C20 wheels, 19x8.5 (f), 19x9 (r)
Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tires, 225/35 (f), 235/35 (r)
Exterior
Votex body kit w/R32 rear conversion
Interior
AWE vent-mounted boost gauge
Performance*
Peak Power: 360 hp @ 5750 rpm
Peak Torque: 355 lb-ft @ 4650 rpm
*AWE data