Thirty-six years ago, several movements started shaping the Euro scene into what it is today. The combined launch of the sport compact, hatchback and watercooled Volkswagen scenes were initiated when the Mk1 VW Rabbit was born. From bolt-on engine parts to software, suspension tuning and more, our lives and passion changed forever.
Six generations later, we're proud to witness the introduction of the sixth-gen VW GTI. Equipped with a 2.0 liter TSI turbo, the hatch is a near-perfect mixture of sporty styling and performance in one compact and affordable package.
Like the previous generations, the Mk6 is expected to be another favorite among enthusiasts and tuners. With its official US release only a couple of months ago, we'd like to introduce one of the first modified examples in North America by Futrell Autowerks.
Long-time readers will recognize the Futrell name from its '76 Rabbit cover car in et 3/04 issue. The 1.8T-transformed Bunny was perhaps the only Mk1 to grace our front page. It represented the essence of VW tuning, retaining a near-factory body yet implementing sophisticated customization such as a repaint, motor swap, polished OE wheels and a re-trimmed interior.
Futrell's '10 VW GTI is no different. It preserves the same philosophy and demonstrates that simplicity never gets old. It takes an experienced eye to construct a car like this in such a short time, considering this Mk6 was built in a weekend!
"Around June '09, VW released photos of the Mk6 GTI in white," explained Dean Futrell, founder of Futrell Autowerks. "The moment I saw the car, the wheels literally started turning."
The Mk6 GTI had a sexy facelift over the Mk5, plus new technology making it more fun. This is thanks to an XDS electronic differential lock that restores traction during hard cornering and reduces understeer. It also has the latest 2.0T TSI engine, which is similar to the previous FSI and both versions were found in the Mk5 GTI; however the TSI had a list of updates including new fuel management, drive chain, lower compression, balanced cams, new downpipe and intake.
"We wanted to go through the car top to bottom," Dean told us. "I wanted to show people what could be done with the Mk6 because I was disappointed when the Mk5s were first sold in the US and there wasn't crap available - no sway bars, high-pressure fuel pumps, etc."
Dean had attempted a Mk5 project after the car's introduction in '06 but ran into roadblocks when locating parts. In fact, the car was eventually sold before its completion. But the Mk6 would be a different story. "Every vendor stepped up to make this project possible," he told us. "H&R overnighted us suspension from Italy while Peloquin worked late nights to finish the diff."
For his weekend build, Friday was teardown, Saturday involved the engine and tranny build, while Sunday saw the chassis and exterior tightened up. "Everything was done with only 77 miles on the car," he laughed.
Like a true gearhead, Dean strived to squeeze as much as power from the stock motor and, being an APR distributor, he was the first to receive its stage 3 kit for the Mk6.
"The build quality is OE standard. I wouldn't think twice about putting my overnight bag in the car and driving it to Waterfest. Nothing was compromised in the usual way a significant upgrade like this tends to be," he explained.
For the TSI, the factory fuel injectors and pumps were able to cope with APR's kit, so the major components included a modified Garrett GT28 turbo, inconnel cast exhaust manifold and 3" downpipe. For good measure, Dean also installed APR's front-mount intercooler.
"The front-mount for the Mk5 required the core support to be trimmed slightly, but the Mk6 is totally bolt-on. It's completely concealed in the stock location," he revealed.