HGP motorsport is one of the few companies in the
world that can do a bi-turbo V6 swap for the Golf. However, nearly every
project until now has been based on the Golf R MK6 because it's based on the PQ35
platform and thus compatible with the old Passat's V6 engine.
But HGP has recently stuffed a Golf R MK7 with the
3.6-liter V6, and the result is bewildering. Nobody would ever know from
looking at the exterior, but this 740+ horsepower, 925 Nm car could outrun most
Ferraris.
The project isn't 100% complete, but it the Golf R36
can already go from 0 to 100 km/h in 3 seconds and reach 200 km/h in 8.9
seconds. Top speed? 330 km/h, limited by the durability of the drivetrain. As
is usually the case, the bi-turbo V6 requires an Audi RS3 gearbox with
strengthened clutch pack because the one in the Golf R can only handle about
400 Nm of torque.
This one also
needs complex wiring to be done, as the Golf 7 is a much newer car with
different electronics. And because the MQB platform was never designed for this
engine (except for the Atlas), none of the mounts match.
And in case you're wondering, HGP never makes engine
swaps that need constant maintenance. It's reliable, silent when not thrashed
and complies with all the German laws and regulations. You could hold a regular
conversation with your significant other and when she starts nagging silence
her with a mouthful of acceleration.
The only thing we don't get is why they went with
dual exhaust tips. It gives it away as a custom car and might scare off a few
supercar owners in the know. So without further ado, let's check out the world
premier test drive of the first Golf MK7 ever fitted with a 3.6-liter V6.
