Autotech's Project 99.5 MkIV & MkIII Golf VR6sGolfs Gone WildSince its modest beginnings as a basic commuter hatch, the Golf has morphed into something far more potent. In the same way the Skyline badge thrust Nissan into the performance limelight, the term "R32" has created thundering reverberations throughout the Volkswagen community. The game now for frustrated American enthusiasts is trying to emulate the factory's 241-bhp awd monster.
Autotech has been a power player in the VW tuning business for two decades-and the pair of gnarly VWs featured here are fine examples of its performance work on current and previous Golf models. The MkIV has underpinnings based on Autotech's Clubsport suspension, comprised of tighter springs and specially calibrated Sachs dampers. Chassis roll is reduced via Autotech's lightweight sway bars, measuring 25mm in front and 28mm behind. Additional rigidity is supplied through Autotech's upper and lower stress bars. Autotech went to the VW Motorsports parts bin for the strut mounts and front A-arm bushings. Running gear is Zender "Authentic" wheels measuring 8.5x18, clad with 225/40ZR-18 Yokohama Parada rubber. Autotech's 312mm brakes with cross-drilled calipers and Mintex C-tech pads are visible through the spokes.
The VR6 engine's output was pumped up with Autotech's Q-chip and 2.5-in exhaust. Autotech's HD polyurethane mount kit helps strengthen the trans/subframe (dogbone). For quicker spool-up, the driveline includes Autotech's lightweight flywheel, and the vaunted Quaife ATB differential and Sachs sport clutch help deliver maximum power to the ground.
The interior includes Zender's aluminum shift knob, dead pedal and pedal set, and the instrumentation was complemented with VDO gauges in Autotech's three-unit panel. The exterior features Hella Micro-DE driving lights and Hagus sport mirrors.
Though a few years older, the 1997 Golf VR6 is nonetheless a monster, probably on a power par with the R32. The 12-valve engine has been massaged with Schrick's 268 cams and Autotech's titanium valve springs and retainers. Schrick's variable intake manifold sits atop the motor, fed by a prototype air intake. A high-performance Golf IV gasket seals the block to the head, and Unorthodox Racing underdrive pulleys and Autotech's Q-Chip help extract maximum power. Samco water hosing pipes runs throughout the bay, and Autotech's Shock Therapy 10.4mm plug wires snake up top. Autotech's aluminum oil pan helps cool the oil, while VW Motorsport and Autotech contributed heavy-duty transmission and engine mounts. The engine is framed by with Autotech's upper and lower stress bars.
Autotech cooked up a special transmission for this car, based on a Corrado SLC box with a tight 3.65 ring and pinion. A Sachs clutch, lightened flywheel and, of course, Quaife ATB differential complete the driveline.
H&R coilovers suspend the chassis with Autotech's 25mm/28mm sway bars. The suspension bushings include HD parts from Autotech and VW Motorsport. Autotech's big 312mm brakes feature cross-drilled rotors and Mintex C-Tech pads and braided stainless-steel lines. The Golf wears 7x17 Team Dynamic wheels (with 10mm H&R spacers) and Kumho Ecsta 712 tires measuring 205/40ZR-17.
The body was fitted with front and rear Euro-spec bumpers and Zender's "Challenge" aerodynamic kit. Hella provided the dual headlamps, front fogs, turn signals and rear taillights.
Initial dyno runs revealed 204 rhp at 6400 rpm with 204 lb-ft of twist at 3400. Figure in a 15- to 20% driveline loss, and those are very respectable numbers.
Like all the cars Autotech tunes, these vehicles give the impression of "factory correctness," cars devoid of extraneous, cluttering stuff. If you're looking for pure performance, you could do worse than seek out the folks at Autotech.