Pedigree:

• 1997 Volkswagen GTI VR6
• Purchased new in Denver Colorado

V-Radical power:

• 2.8L VR-6
• 12 Valve
• 172hp/175ft-lbs torque
• 5 Speed

Modifications:

• New Dimensions Exhaust (Dual Borla)
• K&N Air Filter
• Removed Snorkel
• Garrett Lim v.10 chip from Todd at Air and Water enterprises
• 35% Tint
• Virtual World Parts and Accessories Euro-Light Switch

Innards:

• Power Windows / Sun & Moon Roof / Locks / Mirrors
• Anti-Lock Brakes
• Black Leather Interior
• 6 Disk CD Changer

Porsche says "Own one, and you'll understand". The little GTI, once driven, need not say a word. You can't drive this pocket rocket without it putting a smile on your face

Ian Frachette said it best:

It's a simple formula. Take a small two door hatch-back with room inside to seat four full sized adults, and throw a 172hp/175ft-lbs narrow angle V6 under the hood, and what you have is a one hell of a sleeper. This is the 2 door VW Golf with a performance bent.

If not for the VR6 badge on the grill, you would never see this one coming. It does 0-60 in a mere 7 seconds. It has enough torque to pull convincingly from a dead stop, starting in 2nd gear, all the way to 70mph where one has to shift to third. That thrill is only topped by the 55 to 85 passing rush in 3rd gear. Two more gears to go. Given that it's a German designed car with a sporty suspension and a real good feel for the road, this car feels absolutely rock solid at speeds double the double-nickel.

Some people like to advertise what they have got under the hood to the whole world, including the police. Still most want to know it's there when needed. Setting the cruise control at 65 in fifth gear at the bottom of a mountain road and watching it climb all the way up without losing any speed is so satisfying!

There are many aftermarket products to turn this car into a serious performance monster (though bone stock, it is still faster than many stock vehicles!). I have already gotten the engine management chip, a cat-back exhaust, and a K&N air filter.

There are those, of course, who look at a car like this and just don't "get it". I can only offer this suggestion; that you try a test-drive. If you still don't get it after that, forget it. Back to the rice burners or American iron for you, as there is no more that can be said.

Go Go Speed Racer!