SEMA 2019: Volkswagen R GTI Concept
LAS VEGAS 鈥?Thirty years ago Volkswagen launched the GTI, the 鈥渉ot hatch鈥?that would revolutionize the concept of affordable and accessible high-performance motoring. Jenkins approached the R GTI with the motorsport-inspired goal of 鈥渟peed through lightness.鈥?That is, reducing the car鈥檚 weight is as critical to improved performance as amplifying the engine鈥檚 output. In collaboration with the firm OSIR Design, hand-laid carbon fiber component experts, Jenkins replaced the stock GTI鈥檚 front fenders, hood, side rockers, and hatch door with carbon-fiber panels developed by both OSIR and Jenkins鈥?in-house team. In addition to providing a weight advantage, the carbon fiber鈥檚 black weave creates a dazzling visual complement to the lustrous black paint scheme, which itself was adorned with hexagonal 鈥渟tealth鈥?graphics that echo the grille of the original GTI. Additional carbon-fiber components are the lower front spoiler, front grille surround, rear rooftop spoiler and Jenkins-restyled rearview mirror housings, all in carbon fiber.
Reference to the GTI鈥檚 trademark hexagonal grille pattern is also seen in the R GTI鈥檚 specially constructed 19脳9-inch aluminum alloy wheels, with lightness as a crucial contributor to reduced unsprung weight, and improved ride quality and cornering. The chief contributor to the R GTI鈥檚 impressive performance is the turbocharged engine developed in conjunction with APR, one of the country鈥檚 leading aftermarket Volkswagen tuners. APR develops and sells high performance, and high performance only, leaving others to peddle air fresheners and floor mats. APR鈥檚 engineers and product developers are passionate about Volkswagen technology, and it shows in the quality and results of their contribution to the powertrain. It all starts with Volkswagen鈥檚 2.0-liter FSI turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant, an award-winner for its unique combination of direct injection and turbocharging. APR also replaced the turbocharger with a larger Garrett ball-bearing unit with twice the flow capacity and pumped up the boost to 21 pounds per square inch. All of the pressure-side plumbing was strengthened with silicon hose. A large-diameter cast-aluminum, black powder-coated intake pipe feeds the big turbo the cool air it needs from the larger, front-mounted intercooler, delivering twice the stock air flow.
An Inconel exhaust manifold and an APR stainless steel exhaust system ensure efficient flow-through. It鈥檚 a tidy, factory-like transformation, and the result is a whopping 375 horsepower, on 93 octane pump gas. If 100-octane race fuel is used, output rises to some 400 horsepower. Harnessing that kind of power is as important as unleashing it, of course, and Jenkins was determined to retain the stock GTI鈥檚 driver-friendly demeanor. The clutch was upgraded to handle the increased torque, and a Quaife limited slip differential was installed to make the engine鈥檚 power flow more efficiently through the tires. To bring deceleration into line with the improved acceleration, Jenkins selected Brembo brake components. Fitted at the front corners are Brembo鈥檚 four-piston aluminum alloy calipers, which squeeze Brembo two-piece floating cross-drilled discs with billet aluminum hats. The radial-mount design features a lightweight two-piece aluminum alloy body, quick-release pad system and sequentially sized pistons. The front calipers have even been painted with the colors of the German flag. Inside the rear wheels are disc brakes fitted with drilled rotors. The exciting visual impact of the R GTI exterior is reflected in the interior, which is swathed in black leather complemented by red stitching. This theme runs throughout the cockpit, from the upholstery that covers the front Recaro Pole Position sports seats and rear custom-designed racing buckets, to the door panels and steering wheel, which also sports an R GTI logo. The effect is a blend of understated luxury and purposeful technology, underscored by the use of OSIR black carbon-fiber interior trim on the dash panel and in the doors. Just aft of the front bucket seats is a clever safety belt system that was developed in the design studio.
The all new Altima is also expected to offer an appealing balance of comfort and performance. The interior cabin is more spacious and well finished. With features like secure handling and spirited acceleration, this new Nissan Altima is going to make your driving more pleasurable. Volkswagen Polo GTI- Car lovers in the month of April are going to witness the launch of the fifth-generation Polo as well. This brand new car model will be available in three-door and five-door hatch body styles. Adding to this, the model will also be available with three engines including a 77kw/175Nm 1.2 litre turbo petrol engine. Adding to this, the new model is also going to have a very sleek exterior featuring body coloured bumper and dashing front grille. Moreover, you may even get amazed after having a look at its interiors that includes some of the most prominent features such as dual tone dashboard, leather covered steering wheel & gear knob along with relaxed and sporty seats. Apart from all these, this new model is also going to score high on safety features as it includes ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution) along with Hill Hold Control that may further enhance the stability while driving.
They鈥檙e a tool. They鈥檙e a means to an end,鈥?he observes. 鈥淚n a sense, it feels like cars now serve as a kind of housing for new technology, whether that鈥檚 driverless aids or automatic parallel parking or whatever. It鈥檚 not really about design. In the 1970s, technology wasn鈥檛 playing the main role in the car鈥檚 form. Curious about how trends have shaped the classic car business, I reach out to Alex Manos, a co-owner of the Beverly Hills Car Club, which specializes in buying and selling classic and rare collectible vehicles. It鈥檚 a pretty easy question for Manos to address, and he immediately notes that the last decade has been a transformational one for car culture. 鈥淭he market has changed so drastically. People weren鈥檛 looking at 1980s cars, really. They definitely weren鈥檛 looking at 1990s cars. And now everyone is out for those models,鈥?he tells me. Younger buyers may not be showing the same interest in classic muscle cars and Euro sportsters, but Manos says there鈥檚 still a realization that a classic car, kept in sharp condition, can be an investment worth hanging onto.
