uk-mkivs

Revo Technik Performance Software Now Available for the Latest TSi and TFSi engines

Tabs — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:45:00 GMT

Revo Technik is proud to announce that it is the first company worldwide to offer OBD port flashed and switchable performance software for the MED17 engine control units in the new VAG model range. This is the latest generation of Engine Control Units from Bosch for Direct Injection petrol engines. These ECUs use the more advanced TriCore processor from Infineon. MED17 is a new architecture, and the latest in technology.

Revo Technik has been working with MED17 for over a year now and everyone at Revo Technik is thrilled with the results from the fine tuning of their 1.4TSi (140 bhp) turbocharged and supercharged VW Golf and 1.8TFSi turbocharged Audi A3 that has been completed over recent months.

As Revo Technik’s Director of Engineering, Todd Williams, explains; “This is a fantastic achievement and it exemplifies the talents and abilities of the Revo Technik team. Unlike many other performance software companies, Revo Technik has the ability to develop its own tools and technology in-house. This allows us to provide the very best performance products on the most recent VAG vehicles. The new Revo Technik performance software for the MED17 ECU has initially been developed for these two new engines, with outstanding results!”

1.4 TSi Revo Stock (Factory figures) Power 205+ bhp (151 kW) 140 bhp (104 kW) Torque 200 ftlb (271 Nm) 162 ftlb (220 Nm) Switchable

1.8TFSi Revo Stock (Factory figures) Power 220 bhp (162 kW) 160 bhp (119 kW) Torque 275 ftlb (373 Nm) 184 ftlb (249 Nm) Switchable Please refer to Dynographs for more detailed information

The new Revo Technik performance software for the MED17 ECU’s works with all of the standard features of the factory ECU including OBD port reflashing and Digital Signature code protection. The ECU is not removed from the vehicle, opened, or physically modified in any way. “We are particularly pleased that the new software is fully switchable between stock and performance modes, working with both our Select and Select Plus switches” adds Williams.

1.4 TSi (140) – “With its supercharger and turbo, the 1.4TSi engine provided a greater challenge to achieve the ultimate blend of performance and drivability from the software. As with all Revo Technik performance software, the tuning has been focussed on smoothness and driveability. The supercharger responds instantly in the bottom half of the rev range, and above 4000 rpm, its all turbo, it just keeps going, pulling hard to red line. With its close ratio 6 speed gear box the car just flies, it feels very fast.”

The 1.4 TSi is now running over 205 bhp with Revo Technik software, it’s a massive gain. The car is flexible and eager, with a responsive mid range and a lot of power over 4,500 rpm, it really shines in the top rev ranges and feels very strong. Also, this 1.4 TSi (140) now has as much torque as the stock 1.8TFSi!

1.8TFSi – The new 1.8TFSi engine (sister engine to the new ’08 2.0TSi/TFSi) is nothing like the old 1.8T. It’s a new engine with the new engine management system, MED17. Yet again, the Revo Technik performance software has taken a VAG engine to a new dimension. The torque at 3-4000rpm is incredible, very similar to the 2.0TDi with Revo Technik software! Peak power is at 5,700 rpm and its still over 200 bhp at 6,800 rpm; in fact it’s over 200bhp from 4000rpm to red line.

“It’s so smooth, and really driveable, you can do what you want, in any gear you want. It’s as good as a torquey Diesel below 4K, and every bit a performance turbocharged petrol above 4K.” adds Williams.

Both of these Revo Technik development cars have been transformed. The team has been striving for the ultimate in tuning and the hours they have spent working with these cars on the dyno and on the road has delivered an excellence in performance that is unrivalled for this latest generation of engines. “We’re excited, this is fantastic performance that we have delivered out of these cars and we’re already onto the new 2.0TSi/2.0TFSi and starting to see great results.”

“We have achieved two significant milestones, which has taken a huge effort from the Revo Technik team. Our focus now is to make available all the ECU variants for the 1.4TSi, the 1.8TFSi and the new 2.0TSi/2.0TFSi.”

So if we’ve sparked your interest, contact your local Revo Technik dealer and they will determine your ECU number, and it won’t be long before you too can

June COTM Winner - Pat - Best OEM+

Pauls1820VTGolf — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:03:00 GMT

Full Car Spec:

Engine:
1.8 20v turbo (AUM)
Custom Code Phase 1 Remap
Forge 007P Diverter Valve
Forge Boost Hoses
Smooth Airbox
Standard Exhaust

Chassis:
FK Konigsport Stainless Coilovers - lowered approx 60mm front, 65mm rear
18x8J PA 'Zaphire' Wheels Powdercoated White Aluminium Pearl
FK 5mm Spacers front
H&R 12mm Spacers rear
Black Brake Calipers

Outside:
Anniversary Front Valance
FK Badgeless Grille painted Satin Black
Welded / Resprayed Bonnet
Front Aero Wipers
125mm Stubby Mirrors
Anniversary Side Skirts
Shortened OEM Aerial
Smoothed OEM Bumpers
Anniversary TDi Rear Valance
De-Wipered Rear
US Spec Tail Lights
Black Colour Coded Rear Badge

Inside:
Factory Fit Recaro Leather Interior
NewSouth Indigo Boost Gauge in 42DraftDesigns A Pillar Pod
Audi TT Pedals
Bora Vents
Alpine CDA9853 MP3 Headunit
Charcoal Interior Trim
Orange Interior Lighting
Black Rearview Mirror

A few words from this month's winner

I decided to add a few pictures to the photo submissions thread this month as the theme was OEM+ and I think my car definitely falls into that category. When I looked again after a few days at the nominations thread though, it was obvious that this month's vote was going to be a good one as there were some superb examples in there, so I was amazed when voting closed and I was joint top with MC Pee Pants who's car, in my opinion, should have cleaned up! So into the tie break poll and I managed to come out with the top vote

I must thank everyone who voted, as I know what a discerning lot you can be!

I've been on uk-mkivs now for more than 6 years. Thanks to Tabs, David & co for making this site one of the best, and here's to another 6

If I can, I'd like to dedicate this to my Dad who sadly passed away last month - this one's for you mate

Pat

More pics can be found in the COTM Gallery.

GTI International 2008 Sprint Results Now Available

Tabs — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:12:00 GMT

The sprint results from GTI International 2008 are now online, giving an overall view of the 1/4 sprint which took place over the two day show. Well done to a few uk-mkivs regulars who managed to grab top spots in various classes over the two day event.

Due to bad weather on Saturday the times recorded for that day are somewhat slower than Sunday, but overall there were some great times put in. Most notable are the MK4 class times for Wilko with his monster 1.8T pushing well over 350hp.

The Volkswagen Scirocco in motion - Driving Scenes

Tabs — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:37:00 GMT

Still hankering for more after the recent release of detailed information on the Scirocco? Well you can feast your eyes on these two promotional videos from Volkswagen showing an up close look at the Scirocco, both on the road and a fancy platform overlooking the sea (the latter of which seems reminiscent of a 70's James Bond movie).

The videos, which were posted on youtube, show a Scirocco sporting Rising Blue Metallic paint which along with Candy White will probably be one of the most popular colours for the new model.

[Go to the site to view embedded media]

Volkswagens new Scirocco in Detail

Tabs — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 10:11:00 GMT

Comeback of a sports car legend:Third generation of the Scirocco to be launched New Scirocco will be available across Europe by mid-November

Scirocco is the right choice as an affordable sports car for every day of the year
16 June 2008 - The countdown is running for the new era Scirocco: the third generation of the sports car will already be arriving on the market in August. Volkswagen is staging the comeback of a legend with the debut of the two-door car – Scirocco generations I and II wrote history as the most successful Volkswagen coupé of all time with about 800,000 units sold.

Cult status. In particular, it is the original Scirocco presented in 1974 that has long held cult status. Because, in contrast to many of its competitors of that time, the Scirocco – designed by Giorgio Giugiaro – was an affordable car with everyday utility, and front-wheel drive also made it a safe sports car for use every day of the year.

Scirocco unites passion and logic. The new Scirocco is extending this tradition. It offers pure driving pleasure, a new powerful design, high-end technologies such as DCC adaptive chassis control and the new 7-speed DSG dual clutch transmission. Plus: exclusive use of efficient turbo engines with up to 147 kW / 200 PS power, space for four adults despite its sporty lines, an extremely high level of safety and the everyday utility that is typical of every Volkswagen. This mix of passion and logic costs far less than one might guess based on the car’s key data.

New paths. Although the third generation of the Scirocco follows exactly the same positioning as the first one, Volkswagen very intentionally avoided retro elements. In this regard too, the Scirocco of the year 2008 is a conceptually counterpart to the original version: because in the mid-1970s the successor to the Karmann Ghia also set out on new paths, both technically and visually.

Front end design of a new era. High-sheen black headlamp housing. The third Scirocco is the first Volkswagen to sport the front end design of a new era. Especially characteristic here are the chrome lamp bodies and high-sheen black interior surfaces of the headlamp housings that are joined by the radiator grille cross bar that is also painted in high-sheen black.

Flawless sports car fundamentals. The Volkswagen design team created a wagon-coupé based on flawless sports car fundamentals. This resulted in a side profile that had the potential to imbue this new Volkswagen too with a status that goes beyond class distinctions. Thanks to its long sweeping roofline and near-vertical rear window, it also frees up space for variability and up to 755 liters of cargo capacity.

Crisp dimensions. Other benchmark figures of the new sports car also speak a clear language. With its short overhangs, the Scirocco efficiently utilizes its 2,578 millimeter wheelbase to offer ample space. The Volkswagen is 1,404 millimeters tall, exactly 4,256 millimeters long and its width measures 1,810 millimeters.

Four turbo engines at market introduction. A lot of power for just a little fuel. One challenge in creating an affordable sports car involves the engines. On the one hand, they must absolutely be agile, yet it is also essential that they be economical and widely affordable. There are two approaches to resolving this apparent conflict Both of them have three letters: TDI and TSI – turbocharged diesel and gasoline direct injection engines.

One TDI and three TSIs. At the market introduction Volkswagen will offer the Scirocco with two TSI engines (118 kW / 160 PS and 147 kW / 200 PS). Shortly thereafter, a TDI (common rail turbo-diesel, 103 kW / 140 PS) and another TSI (90 kW / 122 PS) will be added to the engine lineup. Decisive here is the fact that even the 122-PS base engine offers a maximum of torque at extremely low engine speeds (200 Newton-meter starting at 1,500 rpm). Its average fuel consumption of 6.1 liters per 100 kilometers shows considerable restraint.

5.4 to 7.7 liters fuel consumption. The combination of maximum torque and minimum consumption is a common theme running through the entire engine lineup. In the case of the latest TSI with 160 PS, 240 Newton-meter torque contrasts with just 6.5 liters super unleaded per 100 kilometers. And even on the 200-PS TSI with its considerable 280 Newton-meter of torque, fuel consumption is just 7.7 liters. As would be expected, the TDI also makes a brilliant showing here: 320 Newton-meter of powerful torque while being satisfied with just 5.4 liters of fuel. Incidentally, all engines up to 160 PS already satisfy the future Euro-5 emissions standard*.

Two crisply shifting dual clutch transmissions will also be available - 6-speed and 7-speed DSG. Standard equipment on the Scirocco is the smoothly and precisely shifting 6-speed transmission. The DSG dual clutch transmission is offered as an option on the three engines starting at 140 PS. A 6-speed DSG is used with the TDI and the powerful 200 PS TSI. The 160-PS TSI distributes its power over an even broader range of gears with the 7-speed DSG.

Optional sport chassis with three level settings, introducing the new 'Clever Chassis'. Ideally tailored to the Scirocco is the new DCC adaptive chassis control system. Not only is the damper characteristic controlled here, but also tuning of the electro-mechanical power steering. Adaptive chassis control offers the three programs “Normal”, “Sport” and “Comfort”. Significant here is the fact that adaptive chassis control improves the driving characteristics of the Scirocco full-time. That is, the suspension is continually adapted to the roadway and driving situation. The system also reacts to accelerator, brake and steering inputs. It is able to resolve the conflict in goals between a tight sport suspension and a comfortable one.

Standard features. The new Scirocco is one of the most attractive sports cars in terms of price. And yet its standard features place it on the same level as far more expensive coupés. Always on board are 17-inch alloy wheels, height-adjustable driver and front passenger seats, leather steering wheel, parking brake handle and shifting lever grip, sport seats, split folding rear seatbacks, power windows, air conditioning, ESP, braking assistant, six airbags, power steering and of course a sport chassis. On the top 200 PS model, standard equipment also includes chrome tailpipes, a “Titanium black” roof liner and a sound generator.

Panorama vent sunroof featuring a transparent roof. Supplying vast amounts of light to the interior is an optional large panorama vent sunroof that extends from the A-pillars to the B-pillars. At the press of the button the transparent roof opens up to 39 millimeters. When the sun is intense, a sunshade can be driven into place. But that is not likely to be necessary very often, since the glass of the panorama vent sunroof only transmits 8.2 percent of the UV radiation, 2.8 percent of the infrared radiation (heat) and 6.9 percent of the visible light.

Click here to access and discuss this article in our new Scirocco forum

24-hour race Nürburgring 2008 - One-two for new Scirocco GT24

Tabs — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 20:18:00 GMT

The new Volkswagen Scirocco GT24 celebrated its race premiere with a one-two in its class at a well attended 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. In front of a crowd of about 200,000 spectators the brace of 325 hp Sport-Coupés driven by Jimmy Johansson (S), Florian Gruber (D), Thomas Mutsch (D) and Hans-Joachim Stuck (A) and Carlos Sainz (E), Giniel de Villiers (RSA), Dieter Depping (D) and again Hans-Joachim Stuck (A) claimed first and second positions in the well-represented class for cars with two-litre turbo engines. In a field of 219 cars and in front of innumerable more powerful sports and touring cars the teams occupied positions 11 and 15 overall. The third factory entered Coupé of Dr Ulrich Hackenberg (D), Bernd Ostmann (D), Matthias Malmedie (D) and Altfrid Heger (D) completed the first sporting success of the new Scirocco, which is available from dealers in August, with fifth position in class and 32nd overall.

"A great result for the new Scirocco: The one-two in class and eleventh overall in the 24-hour race underlines the sporting dynamic and reliability of the new Volkswagen Coupés,” explained Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Volkswagen Board of Management of the Volkswagen Brand with responsibility for Development. "I want to thank everyone who supported this ambitious and courageous project to race the Scirocco before its market launch in one of the hardest events in motorsport.” Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen was also extremely satisfied: "The Race-Scirocco was developed, built and tested in only 75 days. To get three cars to complete the entire distance on one of the world’s most demanding tracks first time out, and without serious problems, speaks volumes for the excellent performance of the entire team.”

The eleven Volkswagen drivers praised the front-wheel drive Race-Scirocco with 2.0 litre TFSI engine and DSG Direct Shift Gearbox: "Sensational just how fast and indestructible a brand new car like the Scirocco can be. I would have preferred to have done another few hours,” says Hans-Joachim Stuck, Motorsport Representative of the Volkswagen Group, excitedly. Two-time Rally World Champion Carlos Sainz drove first ever 24-hour race: "The race at the Nürburgring is a genuine challenge. The Scirocco made it very easy for us drivers to run quickly and safely in both wet and dry conditions,” explained Sainz.

The three brand new Sciroccos, which completed in their very first race, impressed with enormous reliability and fast lap times - they set the pace in qualifying with positions one, two and four. During the race, in addition to the normal pit stops, only three unscheduled stops were made (servo pump change on #116, a tyre failure on #117 and a loose under body on #118).

Double top for Fullbrook at Snetterton

Tabs — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 11:39:00 GMT

Joe Fulbrook rocketed into the lead of the Volkswagen Racing Cup today thanks to twin wins at Snetterton at the wheel of his turbocharged Bora. Joe took the first of them on the final lap after shooting to the front of a four-car fight, and then had the second win drop almost in his lap when leader Jamie Perry struck car trouble almost within sight of the flag.

The long Snetterton straights always make for superb slipstreaming action, and the first of the day's races in the Hankook-backed championship provided plenty of it, with four cars battling for victory for much of its distance and three different leaders.

The 2006 champion, Paul Taylor, made one of his customary dramatic starts in his four-wheel-drive Golf R32, slicing from row two of the grid between front-row men Adrian Dziurzynski (Golf GTI) and Fulbrook to take up an early lead.

But Hertfordshire-based Taylor was not allowed to escape, Bournemouth boy Dziurzynski keeping close tabs on him and even pulling alongside him on the main straight on a couple of occasions. Perry's Keith Garages-backed Golf GTI was close behind in third and Fulbrook was soon on the tail of the leading trio to join in the fun.

Taylor kept his pursuers stopped up like a cork in a bottle until the 12th lap, when Dziurzynski nipped through on the inside at the Sear right-hander to lift the lead, and he was followed through by both Fulbrook, who had earlier snatched third, and Perry. Taylor, whose Golf suffered suspension damage when it touched the Dziurzynski Golf, fell to fifth as Martyn Culley's Vento sped past also.

With impeccable timing Fulbrook went to on to liberate the lead from Dziurzynski at the Bombhole on the same lap - well timed because the red flags would soon be flying to bring a slightly early end to proceedings after Culley's car shed a rear wheel and came to rest in an awkward spot on the exit to the Russell chicane.

Fulbrook took the win, his first of the season, by a shade less than a second from Dziurzynski; it was Adrian's best result since his second place at Oulton Park at the start of the 2007 season. Perry came home third and Taylor, perhaps fortunate the race had been curtailed, fourth.

The top three were unanimous that it had been a fantastic battle: 'It was the best race I have ever had,' said Fulbrook. 'I was hanging back a bit waiting for something to happen to the cars in front, but nothing much did, so I thought I had better put the hammer down. The car was superb, all credit to my team.'

'It was awesome,' agreed Dziurzynski, 'and it is great to be back on the podium again…'

Seventeen-year-old James Griffiths put in another mature drive in his Golf GTI, lifting sixth from the experienced hands of Steve Chaplin at Riches on the eighth lap; he was promoted to fifth by Culley's demise, with Chaplin's 'Herbie' Beetle taking sixth ahead of the Golf GTIs of Mike Kurton and Liam Griffin.

Doug Ross scored his best-ever result with ninth in his Polo and Giles Lock streaked to 10th in the Classic Caddy TDI, ahead of the Beetles of Nick Dunn and championship returnee Steve Dorrell. Among the unhappy non-finishers was erstwhile championship leader James Walker, whose turbo blew.

Race two was no less dramatic, not least for Taylor, who tried another straight-through-the-middle manoeuvre from the second row of the grid. Unfortunately for Paul he chose to go for a small gap which was getting smaller by the tenth of the second as front-row men Griffiths and Chaplin moved together, and the three cars collided with an almighty bump. Both Taylor and Griffiths were forced to the pits for lengthy repairs; Chaplin continued in second place as Perry took advantage of the drama to claim a handsome early lead.

A lengthy Safety Car period, brought about after the cars of Dziurzynski and Walker touched on the Revett straight on the third lap as they disputed fourth, and Adrian piled off into the barriers, shaped the course of the race in more ways than one. Perry's useful lead over Fulbrook was wiped by it and then, at the restart, Jamie's Golf failed him. 'The driveshaft just snapped,' said a disappointed Perry, 'and I fear it could have cost me the championship.'

Thus Fulbrook inherited the lead and, with Chaplin and Walker squabbling over second place, staying out front was a relatively easy task for Joe. He won by half a second and profited further still thanks to playing his points-doubling Joker card. 'We lucked out a bit in that one,' said Fulbrook. 'A few people didn't make the start and some fell by the wayside… But my car was awesome.'

Chaplin was passed by Walker on the penultimate lap but fought back to second by the end to equal his and Herbie's best-ever Racing Cup result. Griffin, new to the championship this season, claimed an excellent fourth in the Addison Lee Golf, with Mr Consistent Kurton doing his championship hopes further good with another top-five finish.

Naked ambition drove Lock to sixth place, his and his old Caddy's best-ever result, with Dunn seventh ahead of Dorrell, Michael McInerney's Europcar Golf and Chris Adams in the Golf TDI 4motion. Eleventh and claiming his second race finish of the day - in only his second saloon car race - was Autosport.com journalist Glenn Freeman at the wheel of the new Jetta TSI Sport.

The results of Snetterton race two remain provisional pending further investigation of on-track incidents by officials.

The Volkswagen Racing Cup in association with Hankook is additionally supported by Augustus Martin, Castrol, Ceva Logistics, ECM Vehicle Delivery, Milltek Sport, Mondial Assistance, KW Automotive, Superchips, Turbo Dynamics, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and Volkswagen Financial Services UK.

May COTM Winner - GtiGlasgow

Pauls1820VTGolf — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 09:32:00 GMT

A few words from this month's winner

I was delighted to learn that I had won this month's car of the month. I remember winning the same award with my old MK5 GTI and it's nice to see that you guys like its replacement. Rest assured, the car is just about to go under another wee transformation - this time around it will be OEM + with a little twist!! Many thanks to all who took the time to register a vote for me - cheers!!

Full Car Spec

Car: MK5 Golf GTI

Suspension: FK Highsport Silverline Plus coilovers

Wheels: 8.5x18 (front) 9.5x18 (rear) RH AD Cup alloys (ET40 all round)

Tyres: 215x35x18 (front) 215x40x18 (rear) Falken 452s

Engine: Custom "hidden" TDI style exhaust

Interior: Standard Interlagos GTI trim

Exterior: Custom smoothed front grille with number plate holder removed and smoothed over, black VW grille badge, GTI badge removed and bracket deleted, red grille trim colour coded BMP, debadged/dehandled/smoothed tailgate, GTI bodykit fully detextured and colour coded, detextured and colour coded TDI rear bumper (with no exhaust cut out), delocked drivers door handle, rear wiper removed from tailgate, R32 tinted rear lights.

More Images can be found here: http://uk-mkivs.net/photos/uk-mkivs_cotm/category2494.aspx

Rockingham wins for Walker and Perry as Caddy Shines

Tabs — Mon, 26 May 2008 11:31:00 GMT

Another two names were added to the Volkswagen Racing Cup 2008 winner list today (Monday), with Golf drivers James Walker and Jamie Perry claiming a victory apiece at Rockingham Motor Speedway on a day beset by changeable weather and tricky tyre choices.

Walker's win in his Golf TDI - the first for a turbodiesel in the Hankook-backed championship since 2006 - promotes the Nottinghamshire youngster to the top of the points standings. Less than 20 points covers the championship top four in what is proving to be a highly unpredictable and competitive season.

Heavy rain blighted Sunday's qualifying session but played right into the hands of the Dziurzynski brothers, who laid claim to the front row of the grid with a virtuoso performance in the atrocious conditions. Younger sibling Adrian and his Golf GTI took the pole with a time a tenth better than that of Alex's Corrado. Third fastest time went to Paul Taylor and his R32 Golf, more than 1.7s adrift.

A wet but drying track and a cloudy, threatening sky presented the field with a tyre choice dilemma on Monday morning. The brothers Dziurzynski called it wrong and opted for wet Hankooks, while Taylor and others gambled correctly on slicks. Oulton Park race victor Paul took command of the race through Turn 1 and was quick to build a healthy lead as the Dziurzynskis faded.

Adrian's Golf held on in second for four laps; it was not his tyres which ended his run, in fact, but engine problems. He ceded second to Perry on lap five (of 13), Jamie enjoying a superb run in his Keith Garages-backed Force 10 Golf GTI after starting from 16th. Tenth by the end of the opening lap, Perry's slick-shod machine made further gains on each successive lap.

Perry had James Walker right in his wheeltracks, and their battle for second became a tussle for the lead with three laps to go when Taylor slipped back and into their clutches as the result of a slowly deflating front tyre. Walker first found a way past his more experienced rival Perry at the Tarzan hairpin on lap seven, then missed a gear and was repassed before finally managing to make the move stick two laps later.

Walker - who was contesting only his third saloon car race - took his Chek Whyte Industries-backed Golf to a 2.1s victory and was delighted: 'My tyres came in perfectly after about three laps and then it was a great fight with Jamie… I'm really pleased.'

Third and fourth went respectively to Joe Fulbrook (Bora) and Martyn Culley (Vento VR6), both of whom had started from the back. They fought tooth and nail with each other, and with Peter Whyinny's Caddy TDI, throughout the closing laps. Wyhinny's hopes of taking fourth ended at the Brook chicane on the final lap when Culley biffed the van out of his way, but despite a subsequent stall SEAT boss Peter managed to recover in time to claim fifth.

James Walker's father, Richard, had looked a safe bet for at least third place in his V6 Golf until engine gremlins set in towards the end; he hung on to take sixth ahead of promising 17-year-old James Griffiths, who was having his maiden outing at the wheel of his new Golf GTI. Nick Dunn picked his way through the field to take eighth (from 21st on the grid) in his Beetle, with Taylor limping home ninth ahead of the Golfs of John Quartermaine and Mike Kurton. Sam Maher-Loughnan's hobbling wet-tyred Polo placed 12th.

It was wetter on Monday afternoon for the second race - perfect weather for Hankook wets, in fact. Problem was, there were those on the grid who opted for slicks or a slick/wet combination, like Taylor, who rocketed off row five to take the lead into Turn 1.

Perry meanwhile, with a full set of wets on board, shot away from the third row similarly quickly to take away top spot from Taylor into the second corner, the Deene hairpin. It was a masterly manoeuvre from Jamie, who went on to make the best of his tyres while he could, in the early laps, to build a lead of in excess of 12 seconds.

Taylor soon found he couldn't make his tyre combination work and slid back down the order as the wet-tyred cars, notably those of Fulbrook, Wyhinny and Alex Dziurzynski, came to the fore. This trio kept the bedraggled spectators on their toes for lap after lap as they swapped places, with Wyhinny driving like a man possessed as he fought to thrust the Caddy between the Bora and Corrado. Peter made it up to second on the seventh lap and then banged in fastest lap after fastest lap, sensing that Perry's lead was there to be demolished.

Jamie knew he was in trouble: 'The tyre choice was a really tough call. I went for full wets and they were great early on but I knew they wouldn't last. It was really scary seeing the van bearing down on me…'

The Caddy latched on to the Golf's tail entering the final lap and Wyhinny tried everything to find a way past. Perry had just enough grip left in his tyres to hang on for victory by four-tenths, however. Wyhinny was far from downcast at having achieved the Caddy's best-ever finish: 'That was the best time of my life,' he said, 'completely exhilarating.'

Alex Dziurzynski made up for his first-race disappointment with third place, and Fulbrook snatched back fourth from James Walker on the final lap. Kurton placed sixth ahead of Griffiths, Taylor, Maher-Loughnan, Paul Lloyd-Roach's Beetle, Quartermaine and Dunn. Car magazine journalist Ben Barry, who spun out of his race debut earlier in the day, placed 16th in the Europcar Golf GTI.

There's less than a fortnight before the championship contenders have again to be battle-ready: rounds five and six of the 14-race series take place at the Snetterton circuit in Norfolk over the weekend of 7/8 June.

April COTM Winner - Techno Boy

Pauls1820VTGolf — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 12:04:00 GMT

A few words from this month's winner

Thanks very much to everyone who took part and voted in this months COTM.

For a short while I thought i was going to be beaten by a girl , seems my colour choice finally paid off.

Also, a big thank you to Serious Performance for this months prize

It means a lot to win as like many users of the forum you start off wanting to have a nicer than average car, but with frequent visits end up having an altogether different outlook on cars and of course your bank account gets a good hammering.

Full Car Spec

Having had a MK4 I knew exactly what I was going get next and what mods I would do so in less than 2 months I have done the following to my MK5 GTi

ChippedUK remap
Eibach Sportline springs
Colour coded body kit
R32 rear lights

Future Plans

Not really wanting to do too much else (i know we all say that), maybe a set of BBS CH when funds and wife allow

More Photos

More photos can be found here: http://uk-mkivs.net/photos/uk-mkivs_cotm/category2453.aspx

Volkswagen presents “Park Assist Vision”

Tabs — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 20:04:00 GMT

We observe the approach of a Passat estate, it stops, the driver gets out, slams the door shut and, as he walks away from the car, he aims a remote control back at it. That car now proceeds to reverse park itself into the available space, it then independently cuts the engine and activates the door locks. End of performance. In reality, there is nothing at all fantastical about this demonstration. The live performance by Volkswagen can be viewed at this year’s Hanover Fair (21 to 25 April), where the carmaker is premiering its “Park Assist Vision”, a system with the ability to guide a Passat prototype with absolute precision into a perpendicular parking space, i.e. the kind available on parking lots and in underground car parks. These parking spaces are often too narrow to allow drivers and passengers to get in and out of the car comfortably. In the not too distant future, “Park Assist Vision” will put an end to that.

Having already launched a semi-automatic park-steering system, the "Park Assist", in its Touran, Tiguan, Passat and Passat estate to help drivers parallel park, Volkswagen is now presenting a concept system at the Hanover Fair which is capable of perpendicular parking – and of doing so fully automatically. The only thing the driver needs to do is select an available space on the monitor of the navigation system, set the selection lever of the automatic-drive vehicle (DSG) to "P" and alight from the car. The driver can, of course, choose to stay in the vehicle until the vehicle has been manoeuvred into its space.

Two cameras located in the left and right exterior mirrors are responsible for gauging the dimensions of the parking space. The video signals are transmitted to a 2-GHz high-performance computer which then analyses them and sends commands to the steering and drive systems. If the driver has himself initiated the parking manoeuvre, the "Park Assist Vision" will reverse the vehicle into the parking space in accordance with the previously computed course and using electromechanical power steering, the electronic parking brake, DSG and the engine power produced by the idling mixture. Two additional cameras at the front and

rear of the vehicle as well as the system’s ultrasound sensors monitor the operation and will stop the vehicle if necessary. The driver may also interrupt the manoeuvre at any time using the remote control.

This new driver assistance system is still in the trial phase of development, and a date has not yet been set for introduction of the system to series production.

Nürburgring 24 Hour to feature the new Scirocco

Tabs — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 11:56:00 GMT

The two-time Le Mans winner Hans-Joachim Stuck and the two-time World Rally Champion Carlos Sainz are leading Volkswagen’s line-up of drivers for the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring.

The three factory-developed racing versions of the Scirocco, which is making its début on the race track before its market launch, will be piloted by an unusual mix of seasoned rally and circuit drivers as well as young talent and journalists at the legendary motorsport marathon staged at the "Green Hell" on 24 and 25 May.

Alongside factory driver Carlos Sainz (E) his rally team-mates Giniel de Villiers (RSA) and Dieter Depping (D) from cross-country rally sport are part of the line-up as well as Volkswagen Junior Jimmy Johansson (S) and the seasoned touring car racers Florian Gruber (D), Thomas Mutsch (D) and Francois Verbist (B). Prominent support from the Volkswagen Group will be provided to them by Hans-Joachim Stuck (A), who has been the company’s motorsport representative since the beginning of this year, as well as by Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Volkswagen board member for technical development. Other Scirocco drivers are journalists Bernd Ostmann (auto motor und sport) and Matthias Malmedie (Grip - das Motormagazin)

Board member Dr Ulrich Hackenberg: "A demanding project”

"The new Scirocco’s entry in what is arguably the world’s toughest auto race is a demanding as well as an exciting project,” states Dr Ulrich Hackenberg. "The objective should be for one of the three Scirocco teams to repeat the 2007 class victory of the Golf GTI. This would be an excellent way to support the market launch of the production model in autumn.”

Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen is convinced that the drivers as well as the Scirocco will cause a sensation at this tradition-rich race. "With this fantastic drivers’ squad and the racing début of the Scirocco, which has attracted a lot of attention since its unveiling in Geneva, we’re offering a real highlight to the crowd of some 200,000 spectators lining the circuit and the many TV viewers during the long live coverage on DSF," says Kris Nissen. "Last year, the successful running of the Golf GTI with class victory and eighth place overall made a strong impression. Now, the Scirocco’s entry means that a legend, which made its mark in racing as early as in the seventies and eighties, returns to the race track.”

Three-time Nürburgring winner Stuck: "A dream combination"

The Volkswagen Group’s motorsport representative, Hans-Joachim Stuck, will tackle the 24-hour race on the 25.378-kilometre combination of the Grand Prix circuit as a proven Nürburgring veteran. As many as three times – in 1970, 1998 and 2004 – "Strietzel" Stuck won this prestigious race in the "Green Hell”.

"I’m proud about the fact that, at my age, I have the chance to take part in the racing début of a newly introduced car like the Scirocco. In addition, it’s a great thing for me to compete alongside Carlos Sainz as a team-mate. In rally racing he’s a shining light, similar to Michael Schumacher in Formula 1," says Stuck. "For me, the 24-Hour Race at the Nürburgring along with the Monaco Grand Prix, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Indy 500 is one of the world’s four most attractive races. With the Scirocco we can compete for class victory and a good result overall. In all, a dream combination."

Factory drivers from cross-country rally sport take turn as circuit racers

For the Volkswagen factory drivers from the brand’s cross-country rally programme - Carlos Sainz, Giniel de Villiers and Dieter Depping – contesting the 24-hour race barely a month after competing in the Central Europe Rally in Hungary and Romania from 20 to 26 April represents a welcome, contrasting change. All three have experience in circuit racing. Giniel de Villiers won the touring car championship in his native South Africa in 1994 as well as from 1997 to 2000. Dieter Depping clinched class victory at the 24-Hour Race at the Nürburgring in the Golf GTI last year.”

"My last circuit race dates back to the 1980s at the beginning of my career,” says Carlos Sainz, who won the 2007 FIA Cross-Country Rally World Cup with Volkswagen. "I’ve never driven a 24-hour race and am looking forward to it very much. I only know the Nürburgring from what others have told me about it and have heard that this race poses a very special challenge. I want to support the team as best I can, that’s why I’m going to prepare myself thoroughly and will compete in a test race as well."

2007 class winners in the field again: Johansson, Gruber and Depping

As three of the four drivers who clinched class victory in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring last year, Jimmy Johansson, Florian Gruber and Dieter Depping are part of the field again this year. In 2007, together with René Rast – the Volkswagen Junior will not be part of the line-up at the "ring" as he will be contesting the Porsche Supercup race in Monaco at the same time – they were victorious with the Golf GTI in the two-litre turbo engine class and, in addition, achieved an outstanding overall finish in eighth place. The racing version of the new Scirocco is based on last year’s successful technology and, like its predecessor, is powered by a 300-hp 2-litre TFSI engine.

Source > Volkswagen Motorsport

The new VW Scirocco in motion

Tabs — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 10:59:00 GMT

Popular motoring news website, WorldCarFans, have recently posted a video of the new Scirocco in motion. This video shows up close what the new 200PS Volkswagen model looks like on the road. Recently launched at the 2008 Geneva Motorshow. 34 years after it was first introduced to the public, also at Geneva, we can finally see what is billed to be Volkswagens affordable sports coupe.

[media height="350" type="swf" width="425"]http://www.youtube.com/v/dmHeuJ-yLjM[/media]

View original media here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmHeuJ-yLjM

Affordability comes too with the engine options. A common rail 140PS diesel, along with a 122, 160 and 200PS petrol engines should ensure appropriate levels of performance, economy and CO2 output in relation to road tax. Every engine features a charger of some kind to maximise power and minimise fuel. A six speed manual gearbox is standard with the option of the first transverse mounted seven speed DSG.

Inside, the car is a four seater, the design of the seat layout will be transfered to the Passat CC. Leather and Alcantara options join two navigation choices, the second being the latest touch screen technology with built in hard drive. White bespoke dials finish the instrument cluster.

Active suspension, similar to the Audi TT and a panoramic glass roof top the options list of a fairly impressive standard car.

Passat CC: Volkswagens new coupe in detail

Tabs — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 15:26:00 GMT

With more than 15 million cars built, the Passat and Passat Variant rank among the really big successes in automotive history. Now Volkswagen is extending the model range of this car line by adding a third dimension: the Passat CC. Its fully independent body design, an interior that has sporty individual bucket seats in the rear too, impressive powertrain systems and technological highlights worthy of the luxury class, meld together to create a unique vehicle in the Passat’s market segment. The Passat CC is an elegant sedan and a dynamic coupé simultaneously. The concept and design of this Volkswagen are defining fresh, new directions beyond the mainstream.

At its launch in Europe, the 4.8 meter long Volkswagen will be offered with two direct-injection gasoline engines (TSI and V6) as well as a turbo-diesel (TDI). The gasoline engines output 118 kW / 160 PS and 220 kW / 300 PS; the turbo-diesel develops 103 kW / 140 PS and already satisfies the Euro-5 emissions standard that takes effect in Fall 2009. At this power level, the Passat CC TDI consumes just 5.8 liters diesel and is 213 km/h fast. Among the most economical gasoline engines of its class, with average fuel consumption of 7.6 liters per 100 kilometers is the 222 km/h fast Passat CC TSI. The Passat CC V6 4Motion is electronically limited to 250 km/h; its average fuel consumption is 10.1 liters. Standard equipment on the top V6 model: the new generation of 4Motion full-time all-wheel drive, as well as the new adaptive chassis control system and very efficient DSG dual-clutch transmission.

Just as innovative as the powertrain technologies are the driver assistance systems of the Passat CC. Also being introduced for the first time on a Volkswagen are the “Lane Assist” lane-keeping system and new “DCC adaptive chassis control”. Other high-end technologies include the “Park Assist” parking assistant and “ACC automatic distance control” with “Front Assist” for braking distance reduction.

Furthermore, the Passat CC is putting on a whole display of fascinating fireworks with other innovative and detailed solutions. Newly developed, for example, is an electrically actuated Panorama vent sunroof. The transparent roof is 750 millimeters long and 1,120 millimeters wide. This means that it covers the entire front section up to the B pillars. In this case, the cross-beam above the windshield is also in black. The electrically powered “Panorama vent sunroof” can be pivoted upward by 40 millimeters.

They include small details that have tremendous impact. Such as the unique guide system for the side windows in the frameless coupé doors, which do not offer any surfaces for the wind to catch hold. Extremely effective is the climate control feature for the car’s seats (active climate seat). Until now this comfort feature was reserved for the Phaeton luxury sedan. In summer months the active climate seat provides for noticeably improved comfort on long drives. Also new is the entire climate control system (“Climatronic”) of the Passat CC, whose visualization is now integrated in the display of the radio and navigation systems. There is also a new layout and design of the instruments with chrome bezels. Similar to the Phaeton, instrument markings and numbers are not backlit in blue, rather they glow in a white light. Sports car like: When the ignition is started the instrument pointers all briefly peg to their maximum positions.

Another prime example of perfect attention to the smallest details is the “mobility tire” from Continental being introduced for the first time on a Volkswagen; it is standard equipment in every Passat CC version. The German tire producer developed this technology, called ContiSeal, as a system that enables continued driving despite penetration by nails or screws: A protective layer on the interior surface of the tire tread area immediately seals holes caused by penetration of foreign objects. That way, no air can escape. The sealing process works for nearly any leaks caused by objects up to five millimeters in diameter. About 85 percent of typical flat tires can thereby be avoided.

The Golf GTI Pirelli is coming to the UK

Tabs — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 14:30:00 GMT

Hot on the heels of the news regarding VW UK removing the Golf GTI Edition 30 from its model line up, comes the announcement that UK Dealers will now be getting the Golf GTI Pirelli edition. Although the timing appears to be a touch rushed this is welcome news to those who would have missed the higher output GTI engine from the UK GTI range.

Fitted with the same 230 PS 2.0 T FSI engine from the Edition 30, with options for the 6 speed DSG and existing manual transmissions, the Pirelli branded model does live up to it's namesakes heritage. Acceleration figures of 0-60 in a shade under 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 152 mph should keep things lively, too.

Exterior specification of the Pirelli edition sees 18-inch Pirelli 5 spoke alloy wheels in Titanium look, wrapped in high performance Pirelli P-Zero tyres. A small Pirelli badge on the rear of the Golf gives away its pedigree. Three colours will be available from launch; Black Magic Pearl, Reflex Silver Metalic and Blue Graphite Pearl. Dropped, for an unknown reason is Sunflower Hue - pictured opposite. Of welcome news to prospective buyers is that Metallic/pearl effect paint comes as standard. Similar Edition 30 bumpers, skirts and exhaust trim are also fitted. All of which are colour coded to help distinguish from the standard GTI trim.

Inside we see a special edition interior with breathable microfiber upholstry made by the Italian producer Miko. The trade mark Pirelli tire tread pattern is embedded in the seat microfibers, along with Pirelli branded hed straints, in lieu of the usual GTI branding. In fact most locations within the interior which did sport the GTI logo have been replaced by Pirelli. Of great interest to enthusiasts will be the addition of a numbered plaque, which will feature down in the lower console area. Considerig the GTI Edition 30 lacked any kind of numbered hall mark, which was very popular on the MKIV Anniversary model, the Pirelli should help to make up for the shortfall.

Prices have been set at £22,555.00 and £23,055 for the 2.0 230PS 6spd Man 3 and 5 door model (respectively). The usual premium for the DSG model is present with prices set at £23,885.00 and £24,385.00, again for the 3 and 5 door models (respectively).

Production of the Golf GTI Pirelli will start from week 5 May 2008 (or, week 19 if you're speaking dealer talk), with the first vehicles rolling into the UK from June.

VW UK Remove Edition 30 GTI from Sale

Tabs — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 11:32:00 GMT

Effective as of April 3rd 2008, the popular selling Golf GTI Edition 30 has been removed from sale in the UK. No longer listed on VW UK's website this a rather abrupt end to an eagerly awaited special edition. This has come at the end of a somewhat bumpy period for the Edition 30, after it was learned from VW Dealers that the model was in fact not a limited edition. Owners complaints, raised on uk-mkvs and other forums, over conflicting information gvien by VW over this problem do seem to have culminated in an early end for the model.

It would seem that in recent months VW UK Dealers were then told model could be ordered with no cut off in allocation, signaling that the model wasn't in fact the limited edition that owners were initially led to understand. This of course came as a suprise to current Edition 30 owners, who understandably were concerned over their original decision to purchase the car. Dealerships were also unwilling to discount the Edition 30 due to its limited status. Now, it would appear, this has become a highly sensitive issue certainly for those who were under the impression it was a limited edition.

The original press release which was issued by VW UK hinted that the model was to be a limited eition, something which surely attracted many prospective owners to ordering the 230 PS 2.0T FSI engined GTI. Given the success and high residuals of the MKIV 25th Anniversary model it's fair to suggest that the Edition would have been destined for the same fate. However, now that VW UK have pulled the model from Dealerships there is a good chance the limited status could in fact be saved.

VW have commented that they will be releasing exact details of how many Edition 30 GTI's have been sold in the UK to date. Backing up their case for now ensuring the model will be a limited production.

There is light at end of this tunnel. though. As one model is removed from sale another is on the horizon - in the form of the Golf GTI Pirelli Edition. No firm details yet on it's spec and trim level, however judging by the European model bright paint and numbered plaques could be on the cards.

We'll have more news on this as it develops.

Show season preview: GTI International 2008

Tabs — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:37:00 GMT

It's getting near to that time of year again! Same location and a better date which doesn't clash with Le Mans means this should be one of the biggest shows of 2008!

The UK's biggest VW show is only but a few months away and we're starting to organise the award winning uk-mkivs display. Being the current holders of the best club display award, for no less than three years running, we're keen to make sure we put on a good show. We have a few things planne, which although not on the scale of our Charlie Chuck booking for last years show, are still enough to put our mark on the map.

If you're interested in being part of the uk-mkivs display please let us know via our forum. We had a large 40 car display last year, taking over one section of the show ground and plan to increase this number for our 2008 appearance!

For better grip and active safety – The Golf Estate 4Motion

Tabs — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:39:00 GMT

Volkswagen Germany are now offering the MKV Golf Estate with permanent, 4Motion, all-wheel drive. The 4Motion system is coupled to an economical yet high-torque turbodiesel generating 77 kW. This gives the Golf Estate TDI 4Motion the best possible grip even on an uninterrupted blanket of snow. As a general rule, permanent all-wheel drive improves cornering forces even on a dry carriageway, thus making a positive contribution to active safety and driving pleasure.

The Golf Estate TDI 4Motion is equipped as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. An electronically controlled Haldex clutch distributes the forces between the front and rear axles. This coupling is integrated directly into the rear axle to allow a variable distribution of forces. In extreme situations, practically 100 percent of the drive forces can be transmitted via the rear axle.

Equipped as standard with a particulate filter, the all-wheel drive estate consumes just 6.0 litres of diesel over 100 kilometres. The Golf Estate TDI 4Motion accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in 12.9 seconds and has a top speed of 185 km/h.

An interesting point for all trailer towers: Apart from the handling characteristics, the trailer load capacity also benefits from all-wheel drive. The Golf Estate 4Motion is able to pull 1,500 kilograms up gradients of up to twelve percent, 100 kg more than its front-wheel drive counterpart.

The 4Motion all-wheel drive system is available on the Golf Estate in conjunction with all equipment lines (Trendline, Comfortline, Sportline). The starting price in Germany is 23,775 euro. No mention yet if the UK will see this model, however given the 4Motion TDI option was removed from the UK model list earlier last year due to low sales, it could indicate the variants fate should it hit the UK.

Excitingly sensible: Volkswagen Scirocco 1974 – 1992

Tabs — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:31:00 GMT

Automobile sportiness is the order of the day at the Volkswagen brand stand in Hall 7: the presentation focuses on the various generations of the Scirocco.

“Scirocco” is the term for a hot wind from the Sahara blowing towards the Mediterranean coast. From 1974, though, Volkswagen offered its customers much more than just hot air with the Scirocco. Like the ground-breaking Golf concept, the Scirocco brought a breath of fresh air to the Wolfsburg model program. In the early 1970s, Volkswagen opened up to new technical philosophies and finally said goodbye to the monoculture of air-cooled engines. Based on the Golf, which went into production in March 1974, Giorgio Giugiaro designed a smart and sporty hatchback body. With its new sports car, initially available as the 85 bhp Scirocco TS, Volkswagen brought pleasure to the hearts of sporty driving enthusiasts everywhere.

Over half a million of the first Scirocco generation were built from 1974 to 1981. There was a wide choice of equipment and engine configurations: the engine range spanned the 1.1-liter 50 bhp model to the 110 bhp version in the GTI. The second generation of the

Scirocco followed in 1981. Over 291,000 units of this version were also produced by Karmann until 1992. Unlike the Scirocco I, the successor was created at the Wolfsburg Design Center and was slightly more powerful, with over ten engine variants ranging from the 60 bhp, 1.3-liter model to the 16V, 139 bhp version.

The Volkswagen brand stand at TechnoClassica is showcasing five different Scirocco models. The three from the first generation are:

Scirocco (1973): 1974 model year, vehicle identification number 1, 1.5-liter gasoline engine with 51 kW/70 bhp, 3-gear automatic transmission, diamond silver metallic

Scirocco GTI (1976): 1.6-liter gasoline engine with 81 kW/110 bhp, 4-gear manual transmission, ancona metallic

Scirocco GT (1978): 1.5-liter gasoline engine with 51 kW/70 bhp, 4-gear manual transmission, viper green metallic

while the two second generation models on display are:

Scirocco “White Cat” (1985): 1.8-liter gasoline engine with 66 kW/90 PS, 4+E gearbox, alpine white

Scirocco GTX 16V (1986): 1.8-liter gasoline engine with 95 kW/129 bhp, 5-gear manual transmission, Mars red.

By choosing the Scirocco as the star of its presentation, the Volkswagen brand is demonstrating that sporty dynamics and attractive styling are not inconsistent with the everyday suitability of a sport coupé. The sportiness of the Scirocco is derived from its unique combination of driving pleasure and day-to-day use – typical Volkswagen.

AmD Essex / uk-mkivs.net R32 Takes Championship Lead

Tabs — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:08:00 GMT

The dire Easter weather tried but failed to dampen the excitement of the opening rounds of the Volkswagen Racing Cup today (Monday) at Oulton Park, with spectators enjoying two enthralling battles against the elements by a quality field.

There were surprises galore - including two podium finishes for the entertaining Caddy TDI, its best-ever results - a tactically brilliant race win for Steve Wood and his Hankook-shod Golf GTI, and a dominant second-race victory in the snow for Paul Taylor's AmD Technik Golf R32.

"An improved exhaust system from Milltek and a matching AmD Technik remap really gave the R32 a new lease of life. The car was just perfect and with further improvements from AmD Essex in the pipeline we are looking strong for the championship", said Taylor.

Oulton Park was also notable for the world racing debut of the Jetta TSI Sport. The 1.4-litre turbocharged and supercharged saloon was raced by evo editor Jethro Bovingdon, who scored an excellent 10th-place finish despite a spin in race one and then stole through to fifth in race two.

A steady downpour of sleet was the pre-race one welcome for drivers and the unseasonable weather gave many a tyre-choice dilemma. Alex Dziurzynski, whose Corrado upset the formbook in Saturday's qualifying to nab pole position by eight-hundredths of a second, opted to start the race on slick Hankooks, as did Taylor, alongside him on the front row in his Golf R32. Among those opting for wet-weather rubber were Wood, who figured that starting from seventh on the grid he had little to lose by gambling.

It proved to be a brilliant choice by Wood, whose Travis Perkins-backed Golf GTI overhauled five cars on the opening lap and then deposed the fast-starting Taylor from the lead the next time around. Paul had an advantage with his car's four-wheel drive but nonetheless found the going tricky, and Dziurzynski was managing literally to keep a loose grip on third.

A two-lap safety car period, brought about when John Quartermaine crashed his Golf into the Old Hall Corner tyre wall, gave Wood another lucky break. With the track drying rapidly his grooved Hankooks were beginning to suffer; the reduced pace of the safety car laps were just what he needed to preserve them.

At the restart Wood blasted away once more from his pursuers and on to a 4.9-second win over Taylor. It was his first race victory since 2006 and was due entirely to tyre choice, he said: 'I made a late choice to switch to wets and thankfully it was the right call. They lasted really well.' Taylor reckoned that if the race had been a couple of laps longer there might have been a different result: 'As the track dried my car was getting quicker and quicker, but I just ran out of laps'

The Easter weather was even more unkind in race two, with bright pre-event sunshine lulling all on to slick tyres. The heavens opened after only three laps and the sleet flurries not only made the track treacherously slippy but also reduced visibility dramatically. The red flags were flown to halt the race after just five laps, before a serious accident spoiled proceedings.

It was AmDs' Taylor who made the best start and whose four-wheel-drive Taylor Heating-backed Golf was best suited to the conditions. Paul sliced through to the front from row three of the grid well before reaching the first corner, Old Hall, and sped effortlessly into the middle distance.

This leaves Taylor, who has uk-mkivs support this year, with a 12 point championship lead and the next round will be on the 26th May at Rockingham, Northants.

1 Paul Taylor 88
2 Joe Fulbrook 76
3 James Walker 76
4 Steve Wood 70
5 Steve Chaplin 68
6 Mike Kurton 64

Links:
AmD Technik
Volkswagen Racing Cup
Discuss this article in our Forums

March COTM Winner - Jakewalsh

Pauls1820VTGolf — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 08:46:00 GMT

A few words from this months winner:

I would just like to say thank you to the organisers for the prize, and to everyone who voted for the car, it shows me how much people appreciate the hard work i put in to getting it to where it is now

Exterior:

R32 rep bumper + cupra r splitter

Debadged grille in black

Debaged bonnet

Carbon fibre mirrors

Carbon fibre door pillars

Rear door handles shaved

Rear hatch handle centralised and smoothed in + r32 spoiler

R32 skirts

Rear bumper shaved + anniversary splitter

Windows tinted

Sparco race filler cap, with carbon fibre ring

Interior:

Red suede roof,pillars retrim,

Boost gauge + volt gauge in twin pod

Wood dash painted black

I.C.E.:

Boot install, jbl 12" sub

Alpine indash tv + ps2

Sony head unit

x-ile front components

Engine:

Golf IV GTI 1.8T 20v AUM 150PS - 217 bhp with 280 ft/lbs of torque

Upsolute remap + mbc

CAI kit

FMIC

Uprated hoses

Metal adt tip

3" down pipe and decat + lamdba space

Straight through pipe + anniversary tip

Painted engine cover

Chassis:

Jamex adjustable coilovers

Drilled and grooved front disks + mintex pads

Wheels 18" Audi rs4 reps

Custom white pearl respray

More images can be found in the COTM gallery here: http://uk-mkivs.net/photos/uk-mkivs_cotm/category2168.aspx

The New Volkswagen Scirocco

Tabs — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 13:10:00 GMT

By Gary Cundliffe.

The New Scirocco has finally been launched at the 2008 Geneva Motorshow. 34 years after it was first introduced to the public, also at Geneva, we can finally see what is billed to be Volkswagens affordable sports coupe.

The UK market is an important theatre for Volkswagen when it comes to selling sports cars, and pricing will be in some ways key to its sucess. No official prices have been launched, but expect a model priced very close to the Golf GTi. Introduced to the German dealers by late summer, and hopefully to the uk by the autumn. The rest of the world can expect deliveries by early 2009.

Active suspension, similar to the Audi TT and a panoramic glass roof top the options list of a fairly impressive standard car.

Not only have they designed and introduced an attractive car, Volkswagen intend to introduce this with attractive pricing too. At a similar size to the Golf GTi, is the market leader about to be overtaken by a long-lost relation who has just returned to the family?

More Photos

Discuss this in our Forums

February COTM Winner - DaveMK

Pauls1820VTGolf — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 12:24:00 GMT

A few words from this months winner:

What can I say? Thanks to everyone that voted for me as February’s Car Of The Month – it’s an honour.

A little bit of info - the car is a non-modded GT TDi 110. She was first registered in February 1999 to a local VW dealership. I’ve owned the car since May 1999 (time flies!) and she’s now on 112k miles.

Well, the specification of the car shouldn’t take too long as she’s completely standard except for a few factory fitted options!

Engine

AHF 110bhp / 81kW TDi – totally standard

Exterior

Canyon red (pearlescent)
Avus 15” alloys
Headlight washers
Heated washer jets

Interior

Sports seats in black / red interwoven velour
Heated front seats
Climatronic A/C
Original Gamma stereo
6 disc CD player

Future Plans

I’m still resisting the increasing temptations to modify the car due to insurance purposes (it’s on a business insurance). However, I’m being increasingly enticed by larger alloys, coilovers and a remap but I’m also considering an upgrade to an A3 / new Golf so who knows what the future may hold!!

More images can be found in the COTM gallery here: http://uk-mkivs.net/photos/uk-mkivs_cotm/default.aspx

January COTM Winner - b19ctr

Pauls1820VTGolf — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 12:28:00 GMT

A few words from this month's winner

Just like to say im over the moon at winning car of the month massive thanks to everyone who voted for me! Looking forward to this years shows and seeing some very special cars!

Full Car spec:

Engine:

Jetex Filter
Colour coded engine bay

Chassis:

Eibach Sport Springs

Outside:

19" RS6 Reps with 235/35/19 rubber
Full Votex Body Kit
Debaged Rear
Wolfsberg Edition plate surrounds
Wolfsberg Edition badge
German metal plates
Private registration mark
R32 Rear Lights
InPro Smoked side repeaters
Stub Aerial (thanks Zeke)
Philips Power 2 Night GT-150 Bulbs
Philips Silver Indicators front and rear

Inside:

Full Heated Leather
Kenwood Double Din Stereo with Ipod adaptor
US Golf Ball GTI Gear Knob
GTI Steering Wheel
Wolfsburg Edition Mats

Future plans

Looking for some new wheels this year before i look at getting a new motor.

More images can be found in the COTM gallery here: http://uk-mkivs.net/photos/uk-mkivs_cotm/default.aspx

Bi-Turbo Golf R36, anyone?

Tabs — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 15:33:00 GMT

Tuning industry moguls, HGP Turbo are at it again. This time working on shoe horning the Touareg R36 engine into the MK5 Golf chassis. Creating not only the first R36 application to be fitted into the MK5, but also adding two turbos which raise output to a mind blowing 600PS.

Performance, of course, is also equally astounding. At a recent AutoBild / Nardo High speed event the R36 equipped Golf MK5 managed to hit 0-62 in just 3.8 seconds, then going on to hit 204 MPH. This has surely to be a record for any hatchback based Golf and certainly puts the R36 well into super car territory.

No details of pricing for the engine conversion to the MK5 as of yet, or even if the upgrade will ever be available. However, turbo conversions for both the Passat and Touareg R36 are available so if you have some money burning a whole in your pocket it could be worth a trip to Germany. Both models are available in the UK and Europe so it will only be a matter of time before we someone bite the (£20,000+) tuning bullet.