VW Trends April 1999

T
he act of melding the throttle to
the floor resulted in an inadvertent meltdown that emitted a
cloud of smoke so thick even a pair of
infrared goggles wouldn't help.
Hyperbole? Perhaps. However, with a
five-cylinder engine exhibiting 165 hp,
this modified fourth-generation Rabbit is
certainly hot to trot.
While the U.S. market will see the
Golf IV utilizing a variety of power
plants, including the 90-hp TDI, the
115-hp 2.0-liter and the 17 4-hp VR6,
the unique 150-horse V5 is only available in Europe and Asia. Driven to be
different, Neuspeed imported the only
known V5 Golf in the States and
For optimum travel and traction, the Golf uses
giant 18-inch Volk Racing wheels, wrapped
with Michelin Pilot (225145) tires. Neuspeed's
T304 all stainless steel exhaust system emits
spent fumes via polished dual tips. Although
entirely stock, the matching cloth upholstered
interior is pleasing. A Kamei Sport Grill and
front wing accent the Golf's exterior lines.
administered a healthy dosage of aftermarket excitement.
Suited best for low- to mid-range performance with plenty of torque, the 2.3liter, fuel-injected engine is profoundly
stout while retaining its stock reliability.
Irs estimated 15-horse increase is primarily attributed to a Neuspeed P-Chip,
which provides more power through
exact air/fuel ratios, a precise ummg
curve and higher rev limits. Other engine
mods include bright yellow Neuspeed
8mm spark plug wires and a Neuspeed
T304 all-stainless steel exhaust system
with polished dual tips.
To better handle the tight mountain
roads, which are just a hop from
Neuspeed's Camarillo, Cali£ headquarters,
the stock suspension was tossed for a stiffer
package. In addition ~o a set of Neuspeed
Sport Lowering Springs and Koni shocks,
the chassis is equipped with an upper strut
tower bar as well as the company's anti-roll
bars at the front and rear. For traction and
optimum travel, the Golf uses giant 18inch Yolk Racing wheels, wrapped with
Michelin Pilot tires measuring 225x45.
Swift and positive shifting is handled with
a Neuspeed Short Shifter, while effective
braking and firm pedal pressure is ensured
through Neuspeed's Teflon-encased stainless steel brake lines.
Aesthetically, the Golf's Jazz blue panels are decidedly bold, yet refreshing. Its
new, more aerodynamic styling is further
accented with a Kamei Sport Grill, as
well as front and rear winged Kamei
ground effects. European plates are remnants of the Golf's origin, as is the dash
and instrumentation, which exhibits
speed increments by kilometer. Other
items within the cockpit include the factory-equipped Recaro bucket seats,
which feature blue cloth inserts for both
the front and rear.
In short, Neuspeed's unique Golf N
GTI is fast on its feet and handles
beyond compare-a feat attributed not
only to the refined design and operation
of the car itself, but also to its injection of
hearty aftermarket performance. wf•
Price/Parts Breakdown:
Neuspeed P-Chip
Neuspeed T304 Exhaust
Neuspeed 8mm Spark Plug Wires
Neuspeed Short shifter
Neuspeed front strut bar
Neuspeed Sport Lowering Springs
Koni shocks
Yolk Racing 18" forged Wheels
Michelin 225/ 45/ZR 18 Tires
Kamei Sport Grill
Kamei Lower Front Wing
Kamei Lower Rear Wing
Neuspeed Windshield Banner Sticker
$99.
$599.
$99.
$69.
$1 04.
$224.
$732.
$2116.
$1 050.
N/ A
N/ A
N/ A
$7.
Source:
APSINeuspeed
3300 Corte Malpaso, Dept WIT
Csmarillo, CA 93012
805/388-7171
WASSERWAGENS