VWvortex: 2006 SEMA - APR SEMA GTI

[jamie@vwvortex]

Short Version: A 400hp monster that you can drive to work or the track everyday.

Our Take: Leading into SEMA this year, Volkswagen put together a GTI Tuner Challenge and enlisted four aftermarket companies - APR, ABD, WRD and H&R - to build out GTI's to compete on the track, on the dyno and on build quality and detail (you'll be able to read all about the tuner challenge itself in EuroTuner, European Car and Sport Compact car in a few months). In the end Volkswagen chose APR's car below as the winner of the competition. APR's car put close to 385hp to the wheels (more than 400 crank horsepower) with a new forthcoming "big turbo" kit utilizing an APR-specific Garrett GT series turbo. We had a chance to drive APR's car just before it left for Las Vegas and can tell you that it is very, very quick yet drives and feels much like a factory tuned car - power is fantastic.

Full Story...

[edubA2seattle]

crazy paint. c r a z y

[TRANX]

now if i can only afford something like that
btw i'm liking the wheels!

[Corrado RS]

Panda power!

[lynx8489]

anyone have a link or pic of the WRD car? They are from my town and run the local sac water car club..

[a2gtinut]

[dub_IN]

not really diggin the paint here...I do like the two tones that people have been doing and i think that would have been a better option..but 400HP..damn. I guess this is what SEMA is about though...outrageous paint schemes and body kits.

[XM_Rocks]

I bet the 400HP is fun with FWD...

Anyone want Popeye forearms?

[michaelmark5]

I love APRs car .I can't wait to get my Oettinger kit.I was torn between ABTs kit and the Oettinger kit,but not anymore
HELL YA APR

[shark]

Paintwork looks like HOTWHEELS

[grayfox3478]

Its the only way to draw the attention of the SEMA crowd. I like it.

[nicoli]

I like it also. I've actually liked all the GTI project cars I've seen.

[riggz_racing]

the paint job looks awfull

[Voowoo]

I LOVE THE PAINT

[arcem]

the paint is an acquired taste, but how did they get those seats

[VR6 NRG]

very sweet looking car, love the paint, wheels, interior and power of the car

GO APR

[CruiseVW]

hahahaah APR is great at forced induction, they suck at style though.

[chois]

I am digging the wheels. Makes me feel cool when I drive my race car

[ylwGTI]

I think it looks good, the only thing I would do different, I would go with dark headlights instead of silver. Still looks good and original.
At least I am glad they don't have a staggered wheels that so many people like here but doesn't make any sense in a front wheel drive VW.

[tasslehawf]

Quote, originally posted by TRANX »

now if i can only afford something like that btw i'm liking the wheels!

Much better than the R GTI.

[VW-rally]

Quote, originally posted by chois »

I am digging the wheels. Makes me feel cool when I drive my race car

Sweet~ wheels!

[celty]

power is nice but useable?

Paint looks like something from a fast and the furious movie. Seats are HOT!

[vdubdoug]

Where is the BARF smiley when you need it

[CruiseVW]

Quote, originally posted by vdubdoug »

Where is the BARF smiley when you need it

[turbo20v18]

Quote, originally posted by arcem »

the paint is an acquired taste, but how did they get those seats

I sat in those seats today at the show. Believe what you want, they are NOT comfortable. I, for one, am glad they won't be coming to the US.

They are way too narrow. I'm 6'1", 220. Big, but not huge. The MKIV R32 seats fit like a glove. Snug but comfortable. These MKV recaros just dug into my butt and kidneys. No thanks.

the sport seats in my old 06 GLI were MUCH better!

[Jurgy]

It's a demonstration car: it doesn't have to look pretty, just get attention. It showcases their products (turbo kit, brakes), that's it.

to APR.

[RashGTIVR6]

APR GTI Exterior is ugly Interior is very nice

[actng]

[mister_g60]

ugh - downhill slide ... cosmetically speaking.

[boxster]

Geez, people, what part of "it's a SHOW car" do you not understand?

Every time one of these things is showcased, a hundred people stomp their feet and whine about the paint scheme or the wheels or the interior.

The point is to attract attention, not represent a street car. Relax, it won't be showing up in a VW showroom near you anytime soon.

[unleashedd]

its fugly ugly

[XM_Rocks]

Quote, originally posted by actng »

X 2

[mister_g60]

Quote, originally posted by boxster »

Geez, people, what part of "it's a SHOW car" do you not understand? Every time one of these things is showcased, a hundred people stomp their feet and whine about the paint scheme or the wheels or the interior. The point is to attract attention, not represent a street car. Relax, it won't be showing up in a VW showroom near you anytime soon.

positive attraction or negative attraction? 'cause it's getting lots of one of those.

[cej]

Looks like a shoe - stinks

[LittleBen@APR]

turbo20v18: I'm 6'1 and 200lbs and had no problem with the seats... granted I didn't want to leave my wallet in my back pocket.

celty: The power is actually 100% usable, the drivability and power delivery of the car is perfect for daily driving. It feels/drives like a factory setup imho.