THE Volkswagen Driving Experience allowed owners of the Volkswagen Golf GTI to discover “for themselves the performance, handling and ride capabilities” of their cars in a “safe, secure, international-standard raceway,” Volkswagen Philippines said.
Held on July 15 at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga, the event also gave customers the chance to test-drive a Golf GTI, as well as a unit fitted with an Oettinger kit and an ABT power-up module.
Volkswagen said its “ultimate sportsman” showed event participants the performance of the Golf GTI’s 2.0-liter turbocharged, 217hp, 350Nm engine, which is mated to a six-speed, dual-clutch transmission. It added also demonstrated during the racetrack activity were the car’s sport-tuned suspension, electronic stability program, anti-slip regulation, electronic differential lock (with XDS plus), and engine drag torque control systems.
The Golf GTI sold locally is equipped with 18-inch Austin alloy wheels, LED tail lamps, spoiler package, dual tailpipes, and Bi-Xenon head lamps with DRL and dynamic control. The Oettinger kit adds a two-piece front spoiler with a splitter, side skirts and a rear apron insert with diffuser. The ABT power-up module increases horsepower by 32%, or to 286hp, and torque by 20%, or to 420Nm. This leads to a standstill-to-100kph sprint time of 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 254kph for the car.
Volkswagen said it displayed during the event a Golf GTI with ABT package, which was fitted with head lamp covers; special grille, front spoiler and side skirts; FR20-Sport alloy wheels with 235/30 tires; a rear skirt set (with a diffuser); and quad tail pipes. The company added it also offered test drives of the Volkswagen Beetle Club Edition, Passat, Tiguan, Touran, Jetta and the Golf GTS.
