STaSIS Revo Group decided to have some fun with a VW T5 van, and set about breaking Top Gear’s Nurburgring lap record in a commercial vehicle, set y Sabine Schmitz a few years ago. Sabine used a Ford Transit Van for her attempt, but Revo went for a T5. It’s not like there is a big difference between the two. They are both fairly box-shaped, and they have 2.0 liter diesel engines.

Revo technicians fitted the engine with bespoke ECU remap, Milltek ‘turbo-back’ exhaust system and a Forge intercooler/oil cooler. The result was 220bhp. Then they got busy with the chassis, installing BILSTEIN’s B14 coilover kit, a set of lightweight Team Dynamics wheels and four sticky Dunlop tires. So yes, Revo’s van has big advantages over Sabine’s stock Transit.

Maximizing the chances of the T5, Revo got Nordschleife veteran Dale Lomas to drive the car. The challenge was to break’s Schmitz’ ‘Bridge to Gantry’ time of 10 minutes and 8 seconds. Dale managed to do it in 9 minutes 57.36 seconds. It is faster than Sabine’s record, but we still think her time is more impressive, given the situation.

Dale commented: ‘I have been asked to drive many vehicles around the Ring, but I have to say, Revo’s request to pedal their van was one of the more leftfield and exciting. The thing is an absolute hoot, and surprisingly nimble and compliant. It’s all a bit of fun really, but I’m delighted that we managed a full lap of the Nordschleife in under 10 minutes. I’d love to see what we could do on a clear track!’