VW GTI W12 0-60 in 3.7 sec.

[Champ]

So it's a glorified go-kart?

[ChrisV]

That's cool - did he just graft in the front end suspension and drivetrain to the rear frame? Using a FWD powertrain in the rear of a car wouldn't seem too bad if you knew welding...

In that Civic, he custom made new front and rear suspension using Corvette uprights, custom A arms, custom axles, etc. it was a lot more scienced out than simply moving a FWD drivetrain to the rear (which is how Toyota did it on teh MR2, for example)

[Laconian]

What downsides are there, if any, to Toyota's approach? The only thing I can think of is that in the first few MY they carried over the Corolla's dinky half-shafts in addition to everything else, which broke like twigs when the engine output increased beyond factory spec.

[Raghavan]

So that '72, all-CF body Honda has a side engine?

[heelntoe]

it looks like a motorcycle engine, so the driver's weight would balance it out.

[BimmerM3]

 

Is that a chick driving it? There's something incredibly attractive about a girl that can really drive. It also looks A LOT smaller when there's someone inside.

[Raza]

I was just about to say that the pictures reminded me of the Clio V6, and it was probably mid engined. 

I would love for them to do something like this, but with a slightly more sane engine.  Before, it was solely a French thing (I believe, there are others with a better grasp of history than I, and they should feel free to correct me) to take a normal, fun hatchback, rip out the engine, and stick it where the back seats should be.  The new Golf is definitely worthy of the same makeover.  Run the Passat's 3.6 through the rear wheels, and you all of a sudden have a car that kills 350Zs all day long.

[Galaxy]

Some more pictures:

[Raghavan]

The bodykit and interior are way too overdone and the fact that it's an automatic saddens me.
Who puts an auto into a sports car???

[Champ]

Is it not a DSG?

[Raghavan]

Don't see any paddles.

[Raza]

I don't think the DSG can handle that kind of power.  It's not even in the R8.

[Raghavan]

I'd rather see the V10 from the Gallardo or R8 with 500 hp and a 6 speed manual in there.

[Raza]

I'd rather see the V10 from the Gallardo or R8 with 500 hp and a 6 speed manual in there.

I'd rather see a production version with a 3.6L V6, 280bhp and the option of a 6 speed or DSG. 

[nickdrinkwater]

I'd rather see a production version with a 3.6L V6, 280bhp and the option of a 6 speed or DSG. 

That would be awesome, and would fill the gap left by the Clio V6.

[Raghavan]

I'd rather see a production version with a 3.6L V6, 280bhp and the option of a 6 speed or DSG.?

I would too, but it would be fun to see what a V10 GTI could do.

[Raza]

That would be awesome, and would fill the gap left by the Clio V6.

I've been saying they need to do this since I first laid eyes on the new Golf.  Hell, I even said it earlier in this thread.

[ChrisV]

The bodykit and interior are way too overdone and the fact that it's an automatic saddens me.
Who puts an auto into a sports car???

I put a built automatic in my V8 RX7 autocross car. Posted it running the slalom many times. Instant shifts up or down, anytime, plus full auto mode when stuck in traffic. Loved it, and would do it again.

[Raghavan]

I put a built automatic in my V8 RX7 autocross car. Posted it running the slalom many times. Instant shifts up or down, anytime, plus full auto mode when stuck in traffic. Loved it, and would do it again.

I'd like a 3rd pedal, thanks.
People who like automatics are old grandpas, much like yourself, Chris.

[S204STi]

That is one of my favorite cars of all time!

[S204STi]

I'd like a 3rd pedal, thanks.
People who like automatics are old grandpas, much like yourself, Chris.

Did you know that the clutch in the Ferrari Enzo is good for only three full-bore launches?

Notice that the SLR McClaren doesn't have that problem?

Yes, I'll be taking an automatic with that much power.

[heelntoe]

Did you know that the clutch in the Ferrari Enzo is good for only three full-bore launches?

Notice that the SLR McClaren doesn't have that problem?

Yes, I'll be taking an automatic with that much power.

+1
a well programmed automatic is better for cars with insane ammounts of power and torque.

[ChrisV]

I'd like a 3rd pedal, thanks.
People who like automatics are old grandpas, much like yourself, Chris.

I built modded automatics when I was in my '20s, as they simply work better in musclecars and high torque autocross cars. You simply don't have enough experience to make that call yet.

Does this LOOK like an old man car? I was 34 in this video, and had already been autocrossing for 18 years.

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/adesso/rex3.wmv

[heelntoe]

yeah, it's not always that  you get a perfect shift. in timed races and such, a misshift can mess up your time.