A South African shop with deep Volkswagen experience has built what might be the ultimate MK7 Golf showcar, in barely three months. Starting as the shell of a TSI diesel-powered Golf, the crew at Team Nerdo descended on the hatchback and rapidly built it into something that would drop the jaw of just about any VW enjoyer. From the flame-throwing Porsche-sourced VR6 to the custom sunroof, this machine takes VW show cars beyond just having wood decking in the trunk.
Volkswagen
Founded
28 May 1937
Founder
German Labour Front
Headquarters
Wolfsburg, Germany
Current CEO
Oliver Blume
Total Vehicles Sold In 2022
8.26 Million Vehicles Sold Globally
Revenue In 2022
Recorded Revenues Of $293.83 Billion In 2022
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Nothing Stock On This VW “R32”
This isn’t a big-power build, or a sleeper. It’s entirely meant to show off the capabilities of the people who built it, from the glorious warble of the VR6 to the shocking visual of the powered convertible top. There’s dramatically more going on here than an engine swap, but we’ll start there. The VR6 is from a Porsche Cayenne, which certainly has a much easier time getting the compact hatchback Golf moving. With a special ECU tune it throws flames while bouncing off the limiter like any good show car should. But beyond crowd-pleasing, the VR6 has the same character as the earlier Golf R32 cars, with their similar naturally aspirated VR6 engines. Modern Golf Rs traded the six cylinder for a turbo four, which didn’t hurt power output, but doesn’t have the same supercar sound and smooth power delivery of the older and larger powerplant.
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Many Parts, Single Vision
Cars.co.za via YouTube
This MK7 thus has the best of what the old R32s brought to the table, all in a more modern platform. In addition to the engine swap, there is the custom roof from a Mercedes, G80 M3 seats, air ride suspension, and a body drop to enable the car to get even lower than just the air ride would allow. Losing the rear seats isn’t exactly practical, but it’s a showcar, practicality isn’t the point. It’s job is to astound, and it certainly does that even before you realize the full extent of the modifications.
Stock MK7 Volkswagen Golf R Specs
Engine
2.0L turbocharged I4
Transmission
6-speed manual, 7-speed automatic
Horsepower
296
Torque
280 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,300 lbs
