Volkswagen is not exactly a “hip” car maker, but they have prepared some interesting cars for this year’s SEMA show. They are bringing two custom Jettas, and a European-tuned Golf. They are tuned in a dignified German way, not the crazy sort Americans like. The Jetta models, featuring the new 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter turbocharged EA888 engines, include Helios Special Edition Jetta GLI, and Jetta Racer’s Dream.
The 2.0 liter Jetta Racer’s Dream is tuned by FMS Automotive, who has really put the performance potential of this engine into perspective with 400 and 425 horsepower kits. To achieve this, the engine is equipped with APR rods, wristpins, and performance pistons. To help it breathe, an APR carbon fiber cold air intake system with intercooler was installed. Despite the massive increase in power, the performance Jetta still runs on 93 octane pump fuel.
Complementing the performance upgrade is a chassis tuning kit with H&R Street coil-over suspension system coupled with H&R Sport anti-roll bars, silver 19-inch TSW Jerez wheels with chrome lips and wrapped in Nitto NT-05 Z-rated tires, and of course, Brembo brakes. Visually, the car inherits some of Golf R’s styling cues such as the bumpers.
As for the Helios Special Edition Jetta, this one gets a blue-and-black paint scheme of the late ‘80s original, with rear spoiler and side mirrors painted to match the Helios blue/black paint design. It has the 1.8 liter engine with a custom exhaust, and features Golf R brake calipers custom painted with the “Helios” logo replace the stock pieces and 19-inch Volkswagen Motorsports wheels coated in ceramic gunmetal gray and wrapped with Nitto Invo 235/35 ZR-rated.
Inside, Recaro Specialist seats were reupholstered in Helios-inspired blue, black and gray striped inserts. The back seats, steering wheel, handbrake, and shifter were reupholstered to match the Helios theme throughout the car while Corinthian custom textile floormats and a trunk liner with embroidered light blue “Helios” logo were installed.
As mentioned, there is also a Golf VII model, tuned by H&R, featuring the brand’s Street Performance Tuner Coil Over suspension system and H&R 26mm Sway Bars front and rear. It also gets a set of 19-inch NA-style, forged three-piece concave Rotiform wheels with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.
