World Premier of APR SEMA Project Car
As SEMA 2006 begins and automotive and performance enthusiasts from across the U.S. inundate the Las Vegas area, APR is proud to unveil their award-winning, special edition VW GTI. It is a one of a kind show stopper.
APR is a world leader in aftermarket performance engineering for VAG (Volkswagen/Audi Group) vehicles. Work began on the SEMA show car in early June of 2006 and APR has improved every aspect of this already noteworthy VW. Stripping it down to the basics, APR immediately began with engine and drive train improvements. Fully developed, the APR 2.0T Stage III kit, produces 380bhp and 340lb-ft of torque. This kit includes a new APR inconel exhaust manifold designed for the 2.0T, APR/Garrett Ball-Bearing Turbocharger, proprietary APR FSI fueling components, APR cast intake and exhaust plumbing, APR silicon hoses, and a custom APR 3” dual-tipped exhaust system. The APR team continued the upgrades by incorporating a new, massive APR high flow intercooler kit with cast intakes that fits in the stock intercooler location. Volkswagen's R GTI Concept car that was also unveiled at the SEMA show uses this same, APR-supplied drivetrain.
Realizing power must be coupled with control, APR added several items to ensure the car maintains its composure in any scenario. In order to help put the power of the new Stage III kit to the ground, a Quaife limited slip differential and an upgraded clutch has been installed. The APR GTI’s suspension now features an APR coilover kit including rear sway bar. To stop the car in a timely fashion with the additional power, the brakes have been upgraded with 4-piston Alcon calipers and 14 inch floating front rotors.
The exterior of the SEMA show car features a one of a kind custom APR paint design, which highlights the new Oettinger MkV body kit. A set of one-off, custom made 19” BBS RS-GT wheels with matching paint are used with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 235/35R-19 tires.
Moving to the interior of the car, APR left no detail unfinished. The team installed MkV European R32 seats with matching alcantera leather seat inserts, front and rear and an alcantera leather headliner. Custom painted door trim ads to the overall pleasing appearance of the interior and creates a custom look that labels this GTI a true APR one of a kind. APR went above and beyond by installing the StreetDeck internet connected infotainment system. The StreetDeck package enhances the driving experience with internet radio, internet-enhanced navigation, digital media playback, iPod integration, voice activation, XM radio, and a backup camera. The gesture controlled interface is powered by an Intel Core Duo Mac mini running BootCamp with Windows XP.
As a final judgment of the overall concept and design, the GTI project cars competed in an all out “shootout” that was sponsored by Volkswagen. The APR car competed against four other cars in a comprehensive test judged by three magazine editors and Volkswagen. The shootout included several facets including drivability, road course, acceleration 0-60mph, braking 60-0mph, and a dynamometer test. The APR car won the Volkswagen manufacture’s vote and the votes of two of the three magazine editors as well.
APR unveils its unique SEMA show car that not only excels in its sleek interior and exterior looks, street performance, and user features, but also out performs the competition in everyday use and top-notch performance at weekend track events. This is a unique APR experience; so make sure to catch the debut at this years SEMA car show.
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