MOTOR Hot Tuner Challenge

[Guy_H]

I have not got my copy of the magazine yet, so have not seen the results (should get it today).

DSG would have been an easy second quicker in the 0-100 & 1/4 mile - we new that from the outset - the DSG S3 kicked our bum in that stuff.

We also had both our cars setup for the track, both were running 3 degrees front camber, so straight line drag take off was compromised by tyre contact patch.

One other comment from a test driver was the Golf R struggled to get third gear in the acceleration runs. Then it was pointed out that the car had 1500km's on it from new & the gearbox was really tight.

Anyway, hopefully we will get it today & see how we fared!

P.S. - That Elise was a weapon. Mind you it was a big handful in the wet.

[Banzai]

IMHO the manual GTI really needs a short shift. The length of the throw is huge. Side-to-side is good. I assume the R has the same sort of shift.

[hooba]

IMHO the manual GTI really needs a short shift. The length of the throw is huge. Side-to-side is good. I assume the R has the same sort of shift.

I found the feel of the manual box in both the R and the GTI to be identical.

[Beena]

I have not got my copy of the magazine yet, so have not seen the results (should get it today).

DSG would have been an easy second quicker in the 0-100 & 1/4 mile - we new that from the outset - the DSG S3 kicked our bum in that stuff.

We also had both our cars setup for the track, both were running 3 degrees front camber, so straight line drag take off was compromised by tyre contact patch.

One other comment from a test driver was the Golf R struggled to get third gear in the acceleration runs. Then it was pointed out that the car had 1500km's on it from new & the gearbox was really tight.

Anyway, hopefully we will get it today & see how we fared!

P.S. - That Elise was a weapon. Mind you it was a big handful in the wet.

Well it seems regardless of the acceleration runs, the Golf R kicked arse round the track!

It'll be interesting to see how it fares against the big boys - the 75k+ cars. Unfortunately we have to wait for the next issue to see that one.

I'm keen to see how the Elise fared too - I'm looking forward to a back to back! I'm sure my turbo DSG Golf will be quicker in a straight line, but in the corners...

[Beena]

Fortunately mine started life with a Rover motor but it now has a Honda K20A Engine. VTEC Yo! Both engines sound better than the Toyota motors but I have heard quite a few Toyota-powered cars with good intake and exhaust noise. Factory standard is bland to meet ADRs but I don't think anyone with an Elise keeps factory exhaust for more than a few months after purchase.

True, the standard exhaust is a bit boring... but with a good exhaust crackling behind your head it's fantastic!

I do love the Elise, but the need to carry bikes, ski's and more people means I need something bigger and roomier. The ute does a reasonable job, but is a bit boring and still carries just 2.

Banzai - do you happen to go by the same name on the LotusTalk forums?

[Banzai]

Banzai - do you happen to go by the same name on the LotusTalk forums?

If you mean the American-based forum, no. Someone else got it before me. I do use that name on various Australian and British forums.

[REXman]

Gotta say guys, $34,000 for mods to a stock R, a 13 sec car, that turns it into a high 12s is just ridiculous IMHO. Sorry but blew me away how overpriced that is. You buy a GTR or wrx or 200sx, or SS even and for 10K you really get moving.

is this what all modern tuners charge?

[MACCAA]

Gotta say guys, $34,000 for mods to a stock R, a 13 sec car, that turns it into a high 12s is just ridiculous IMHO. Sorry but blew me away how overpriced that is. You buy a GTR or wrx or 200sx, or SS even and for 10K you really get moving.

is this what all modern tuners charge?

Standing start acceleration figures are a bit like Dyno numbers-different by the day.
The grip at the Drag Strip at Eastern Creek is such that it's almost impossible to launch a 4wd car without destroying it.
The APR Golf R is a seriously quick piece of kit-I've done more miles in it than anyone and it's mega.
Check out it's speed on the straight compared to the big KW cars.....
Seriously,it's so much faster than a stock R that it's not funny.
In the real world ther's nothing under $100k that could touch it.
Last year the modified R35 GTR in the Tuner Challenge did 11.75 for the 400metres.
I've been in a stock one that did 11.9 at Oran Park.
Unfortunately the Drag Strip at Eastern Creek is like a dyno-only good for comparing cars on the day.
Also you have to remember that the cars are set up for the circuit and most are on semis.
They're not allowed to be changed during the event.
This certainly inhibits their performance on the Drag Strip.
The fact that the Golf R was the fastest car of all on the track says it all for it's combination of modifications.

[Corey_R]

I haven't seen the article yet, but do they break down the mods REXman? If not, I'd be having a think about the bigger picture before having a go at someone. The "Stage III" kit for the R is only $11,250 with the only other expense REQUIRED for that kit being a divorced downpipe for $2495.

However, with that much of a power and torque increase (315kW / 515Nm), you'd probably want (and possibly even required by law in various states and territories) to also upgrade the suspension and brakes, which itself will add another $9k+ depending on the type used (I believe it was Alcon brakes and Cross Suspension, which means just over $9k for them).

I wouldn't be able to tell you the break-down of the other $11,155, but I know from the pictures around the place that there was also:
Cat back exhaust (attached to the divorced downpipe already discussed above)
APR Intercooler
Sachs Racing Clutch
Sachs Racing Flywheel
New Sway bays front and rear
New wheels + Tyres
Labour
Probably other things which I haven't picked up from the pictures....

In addition, not everything is about going in a straight line. In fact, going in a straight line wasn't even a consideration based on the car being setup for the track at the compromise of straight line tests. There was also the obvious "manual" vs DSG issue which is also a detriment to straight line times, yet many still prefer for the track.

So anyway - just look a bit deeper before making negative blanket statements about "all modern tuners"


Edit: Ooh, MACCAA was typing his post whilst I was typing mine.
WOW - the R was the fastest on the track? Is that just in its category, or of all of them? Either way, that's way impressive

[Guy_H]

REXman, Quote from Motor Magazine about the Golf R:

"It Simply wiped the floor with everything else that turned up on the day"

P.S - the cost of the cars total in the Euro category:

Rennenhaus TSi - Least expensive:
APR GTI next
APR R next
Peak S3 next
Evolve 135i next
Scirocco R most expensive.

Hell, even in our category, we were not even in the top 3 most expensive - I would call that pretty good bang for your buck personally!