Take, for example, the 2005 VW Jetta R GT. This compact four-door sedan, a competitor to the humdrum Corolla and slightly more enticing
 |
| The hyper-tuned VW Jetta R GT V6 provides an additional 375-horsepowerover the stock 150-horsepower, 2.5-litre inline-five, plus atwin-clutch six-speed DSG sequential manual gearbox for extremeperformance. (Photo: HPA Motorsports) |
Civic, has been modified akin to that of a track-ready touring car. This transformation was similar to that of a true racecar, with its stock driveline components consisting of a 150-horsepower, 2.5-litre inline-five making 170 lb-ft torque, replaced by the hyper-tuned V6 which provides an additional 375-horsepower. Mechanically speaking, the car is far more advanced than its production sibling, featuring the twin-clutch six-speed DSG sequential manual in place of the conventional five-speed manual or six-speed automatic, while power is transferred through VW's Haldex-based 4Motion all-wheel drive system, rather than the front wheels.
With the goal in mind of producing a vehicle that's as capable on the track as
 |
| The R GT Jetta gets its safety seal of approval for track use from an integrated roll cage, Recaro race buckets trimmed in black leather with orange stitching, and Schroth racing harnesses as well as a race-grade fuel cell. (Photo: HPA Motorsports) |
it is on the street, HPA has given this everyday Jetta a complete racer makeover. The R GT Jetta gets its safety seal of approval for track use from an integrated roll cage, Recaro race buckets trimmed in black leather with orange stitching, and Schroth racing harnesses as well as a race-grade fuel cell.
Visually, the Jetta was enhanced by a functional HPA wide body kit, and can be equipped with two sets of tires - 19-inch street alloy rims or forged single-nut 18-inch monoblock race-spec wheels. The car's brakes have also been upgraded to WRC-spec Brembos, while the stock springs and dampers have been replaced by FIA GT-grade KW 3-way coilovers.
