During this time he took VW to SEMA and produced the RGT/RGTI series. "Only about 5% of what we do bubbles to the surface, most of our work is never seen by the public," Derek admitted, but 100% of his work influences future VW products.
Other cars in the Jenkins stable have included a BMW 535i while in Germany. He also owned motoring icons like the Lotus Esprit S2 and Citron 2CV. "I always wanted a Countach as well, but ended up buying a Lambo Espada. It was cool for a V12 2+2 but was difficult to own, so I finally got the 911 everybody predicted I would eventually buy. The Porsche was easy to own but I wanted the original body, so bought a 993 C2S because it had the air-cooled engine, Turbo flares but no whaletail. It was another icon and the quintessential 911," Derek conceded.
Then suddenly the 911 was gone and a GTI stood on the driveway. "Everybody thought I was crazy," he admitted, "but when the studio moved from Simi Valley to Santa Monica, my commute changed as well. It was less canyons and more city driving. Everybody within VW was saying how good the new GTI was going to be, so I bought one as soon as it came out. I was blown away by how much fun it was. I'll definitely get another 911 one day, but right now I don't miss it because the GTI is so much fun."
Tech spec2006 VW GTI
Owner: Derek Jenkins
Location: Santa Monica, CA
Occupation: VWOA Chief Designer
Engine: two liter 16v turbocharged with APR 91-/93-octane software and stainless steel turbo-back exhaust, APR/Carbonio carbon intake snorkel and filter element, OSIR carbon engine cover
Drivetrain: stock DSG six-speed
Suspension: H&R Street coilovers, lowered 2"
Brakes: APR/Brembo 328mm two-piece slotted front rotors with four-piston calipers, braided steel lines and pads
Wheels & Tires: 19x8" front and 19x9" rear Porsche 997 Carrera S wheels with red graphics, 15mm H&R adapters, rear wheels custom widened, 225/35-19 and 265/30-19 Goodyear Eagle F1 tires
Exterior: VW Votex skirts and rear valance, OSIR chin spoiler, grille surround, rear wing and mirrors, DTM Karbon hood, European R32 tail lights, tinted windows