Looking back on it, it’s really difficult to sum up the GTI RS build in anything other than “an experience”. The MK7 GTI RS was my first major car build, after spending the past decade traveling worldwide and photographing hundreds of other amazing cars. Countless details were picked up and stored into the archives of my brain along the way, and when the time came to bring my Mk7 VW GTI to the next level, it was a pure cranial chaos trying to create a vision.

Once the Pandem/Rocket Bunny Widebody kit was en route to Miami, back in early 2016, it was time to find a fabricator to help with the installation. The most important aspect of the car was by far going to be execution, given the haphazard and subpar installations of various widebody kits and flares that have plagued the aftermarket scene in recent years. There were to be no corners cut and no expenses spared, and I called up an old friend from New York, Swoops, to handle the fabrication.

A full metal widebody was added to the original GTI panels, following the inner contour of the Rocket Bunny flares. To create sufficient wheel clearance for the 19×11 Vossen Forged VPS-317 wheels that we originally made for the car, a lot of open wounds were made, some opening up to the cabin of the car, and it was of paramount importance to me that those openings be properly sealed. In addition to resealing the factory body, these metal flares also created a rigid, metal contact point for a tire to rub against when cornering, an inevitable circumstance for the car’s eventual track day use.

A maiden voyage to Waterfest in Englishtown, New Jersey revealed the in-progress GTI RS project, in a drivable state but still very raw, and despite a little bit of rain we had a great time sharing the little details with everyone. Once finished, however, the clock to H2O International was ticking and a mountain of details left to complete. With the body mocked up and functioning, AP Racing Brake Kit stopping things, the roll bar welded in and finalized, and bespoke diffuser and exhaust fitted, it was time to tackle the look and feel of things.

The brown wrap was removed, revealing the original Pure White paint and the flares were sent out to be color matched. The rear vents were shaved, gaskets scrapped and fasteners replaced with fancy stainless bits, and the focus was on the interior. With the roll bar complete and Status Racing seats on order, it was time to focus on my favorite aspect of the car—the interior.

With Swoops’ fabrication shop at our disposal, the opportunity to make custom components wherever we could was paramount, and seat brackets, floor pans, rear seat delete and a false floor with tool storage compartment came together. Dimple dies started with the roll bar and quickly flooded any other exposed alloy panel we could stamped them on. Our friends at Black Forest Industries, Status Racing, Rennline, and Renown came together to create an ensemble of flowing pieces, following the track-inspired look and feel but providing full functionality as well.

Under the hood saw some new changes too, including bespoke bottles and intake by Swoops, Forge Motorsport intercooler and silicon piping, Southbend Clutch Kit, Wavetrac limited slip differential, Leyo catch can, BFI motor mounts and the AWE Tuning downpipe and exhaust remained. At the time I was considering an E85 tune for the car, though the hardware wasn’t quite developed or proven yet, and APR’s Stage 1 tune remained, putting down an unbelievable amount of power for just a tune and bolt-ons, and more than enough to get in a lot of trouble and have a ton of fun on the track—even though it was just for the initial cover shoot for Performance VW Magazine!

After spending 2017 on the road with Volkswagen of America, as part of their enthusiast fleet and traveling to a wide variety of events around the USA, the GTI RS made its way to SEMA 2017 and represented our friends at Thule with their new Motion Alpine cargo box and Vossen Forged ML-R1 wheels before the second annual cross-country trek back to Miami.

Click here to visit WWW.GTI-RS.COM and learn more!

WIDEBODY ///// Pandem Rocket Bunny • @pancrossllc • @rocketbunnyusa
WHEELS ///// Vossen Forged LC-106 (19×11 F+R) • @vossen
TIRES ///// Nitto INVO 285-30-19 (F+R) • @nittotire
BRAKES ///// AP Racing Radical by Stillen • @ap_racing_by_stillen • @stillen
SUSPENSION ///// BC Racing Coilovers • @bcracingna
SEATS ///// Statüs Racing ICON GTX Carbon Seats • @thestatusracing
STEERING WHEEL ///// Renown USA Motorsports 100 Rosso Wheel • @renownusa
ROOF RACK ///// Thule Aeroblades and Motion XT Box • @thule
CHASSIS ///// Tyrolsport Deadset Kits F+R • @tyrolsport1
ENGINE ACC ///// Forge Motorsports Intercooler & Silicon Hoses • @forgemotorsport
MOTOR MOUNTS ///// Black Forest Industries • @blackforestindustries
CLUTCH ///// Sound Bend Clutch Stage 3 Daily • @southbendclutchkits
DIFFERENTIAL ///// Wavetrac Limited Slip • @wavetrac_differentials
EXHAUST ///// AWE Tuning Touring Suite with Downpipe •  @awetuningofficial
PAINT ///// PPG Refinish • @ppgrefinish
PAINT PROTECTION ///// XPEL Paint Protection Film • @xpeltech & @detailingdynamics
ACCESSORIES ///// Rennline Quick Release Hub, Fire Extinguisher & Tow Hooks • @rennline
GRAPHICS ///// Sign Factory • @signfactory • @signfactoryadam
FABRICATION ///// SwoopsBUILT • @theswoops

The post The VW Mk7 GTI RS Rocket Bunny Widebody Build Process appeared first on Vossen Wheels.

Fitted with Vossen Forged LC Series wheels to fill out the new, wider lines of the Rocket Bunny Mk7 GTI Widebody kit, the pair of hot hatches soaked up the afternoon sun while we shot around in the eerily lonesome motorsports park. With the sounds of the Optima racing event in the background, on the road course, we snapped away while the two GTIs sat still for a moment.

These two Rocket Bunny Mk7 GTI Widebody builds might share some key features, such as matching fender flares and Vossen Forged LC Series wheels, but the ethos behind each car couldn’t differ more. From suspension to interior, livery to roof accessories, the pair of GTIs provide a good blend of track and show inspiration, demonstrating the best of both worlds.

Autrey’s Rocket Bunny Mk7 GTI Widebody is outfitted with staggered 20-inch Vossen Forged LC-109T wheels finished in Imperial Gold. The 20×10.5 and 20×12 forged wheels fill out the widened arches entirely, while Air Lift Performance’s air suspension kit brings the body closer to the pavement on command. Forge Motorsport’s bolt-on offering fills out the engine bay, including a carbon intake, silicon hoses and Twintercooler, while Sony’s latest and greatest car audio components decorate the boot.

An Autoflex Coating on the body replicates a glossy paint surface whilst being easily removable, allowing Autrey to change the color of the car much more effortlessly than traditional paint.

Across the lot was the track-focused Rocket Bunny Mk7 GTI Widebody, dubbed the GTI RS. With a 4-point custom roll bar, fixed back seats carbon seats from Status Racing, and a wide array of performance-oriented bits, the GTI RS looked right at home with the stands of Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the background.

Fitted with Vossen Forged LC-106 wheels measuring 19×11 per corner and wrapped with 285-30-19 Nitto INVO tires, the GTI RS was ready to make the 2400-mile trek from Vegas back to Daytona, Florida, for Simply Clean the following weekend.

The Porsche RS-inspired livery of the GTI RS is indeed reversed on the right side of the car—a result of both subtle obsessive tendencies and to pay homage to the flare kit’s Japanese roots.

While there are still only two Rocket Bunny Mk7 GTI Widebody cars in the USA, it will only be a matter of time before another pops up or they cross paths once again, but in the meantime we leave you with this short feature video and photoshoot of the duo while we begin planning our return to Las Vegas next November.

Words & Photos: Sam Dobbins (@sdobbins_vossen) ///// Video: Anthony De La Paz (@dela_vossen)

OWNER ///// Autrey McVicker (@dwsparts)

WIDEBODY ///// Pandem Rocket Bunny • @pancrossllc • @rocketbunnyusa
WHEELS ///// Vossen Forged LC-109T (20×10.5/20×12) @vossen
BRAKES ///// Audi TT RS Front Brakes
AUDIO ///// Sony • @sony
SEATS ///// Sparco R333 • @sparcofficial
SUSPENSION ///// Air Lift Performance w/ 3H Mgmt • @air_lift_performance
TURBO ///// CTS Turbo FMIC, BOV, Short Shift Kit, Downpipe • @ctsturbo
EXHAUST ///// Kustomz Unlimited • @kustomzunltd
TUNE ///// Unitronic Stage 2 • @unitronic
ENGINE ACC ///// Forge Motorsports Carbon Intake & Silicon Hoses • @forgemotorsport
PAINT ///// AutoFlex Coatings • @autoflexcoatings

OWNER ///// Sam Dobbins (@sdobbins_vossen)

WIDEBODY ///// Pandem Rocket Bunny • @pancrossllc • @rocketbunnyusa
FABRICATION ///// SwoopsBUILT • @theswoops
WHEELS ///// Vossen Forged LC-106 (19×11 F+R) @vossen
TIRES ///// Nitto INVO 285-30-19 (F+R) • @nittotire
BRAKES ///// AP Racing Radical by Stillen • @ap_racing_by_stillen • @stillen
SUSPENSION ///// H&R Coilovers • @hrspringslp
SEATS ///// Statüs Racing ICON GTX Carbon Seats • @thestatusracing
STEERING WHEEL ///// Renown USA Motorsports 100 Rosso Wheel @renownusa
ROOF RACK ///// Thule Aeroblades and Sonic M Box • @thule
TUNE ///// United Motorsports E85 Flex Fuel @united_motorsport
CHASSIS ///// Tyrolsport Deadset Kits F+R @tyrolsport1
ENGINE ACC ///// Forge Motorsports Intercooler & Silicon Hoses • @forgemotorsport
MOTOR MOUNTS ///// Black Forest Industries • @blackforestindustries
CLUTCH ///// Sound Bend Clutch Stage 3 Daily • @southbendclutchkits
DIFFERENTIAL ///// Wavetrac Limited Slip Differential @wavetrac_differentials
EXHAUST ///// AWE Tuning Touring Exhaust Suite & Downpipe @awetuningofficial
PAINT ///// PPG Refinish • @ppgrefinish
PAINT PROTECTION ///// XPEL Paint Protection Film • @xpeltech & @detailingdynamics
ACCESSORIES ///// Rennline Quick Release Hub & Tow Hooks • @rennline
GRAPHICS ///// Sign Factory • @signfactory • @signfactoryadam

The post Rocket Bunny Mk7 GTI Widebody Duo appeared first on Vossen Wheels.

Vossen VFS-6 ///// 20×8.5 F / 20×8.5 R
Custom Gold Candy Finish

The post VW Mk7 GTI on Vossen VFS-6 Wheels appeared first on Vossen Wheels.

“How did you get a Toffee Brown Mk7?” and “Is that paint?” are easily the two most common questions I’ve been asked over the past year, and for the record, it’s not paint—it’s a wrap. My Mk7 GTI has been through hell and back since I bought it (proof) but I am proud to report that it’s been smooth sailing since overall.

Since my last check-in just before trekking up to H2O International, I swapped out the VLE-1s for Vossen’s CV4 in Matte Graphite, which was a look that I really loved. The Bavarian styling of the CV4 was a great blend on the new hot-hatch, and the graphite shade flowed with the original color palette that I established with the VLE-1s. Measuring 20×9 with Pirelli 235-30-20 tires, the CV4s were a great fit, creating a bit of an optical illusion in the ride height department too!

For a couple months all was well, I loved the CV4s and the new look, and then SEMA happened. At SEMA, hidden away in the Vossen Sky Lounge, we debuted the LC Series. Nicknamed the “Lip Concept” series, the LC lineup began as simple exercise in the capabilities of our monoblock forgings, and how the general aesthetic of a modular wheel could be achieved without the headache of 3 pieces and 30+ screws. It was love at first sight, and just in time for Wekfest we popped ten sets of prototypes out for the show.

As soon as I saw the directional designs in the LC lineup I was hooked, and it was just a matter of choosing between the two. After some deliberation amongst the team, we landed on the LC-106T.

Manufactured in our Miami-based, TUV Verified forged wheel facility, the LC-106Ts were practically made right before my eyes. Brushing the entire wheel and polishing just the windows seemed to be the perfect approach to the LC Series in general, and the contrast against the brown wrap of my car was undeniable. A fresh look from the graphite CV4s and VLE-1s, the LC-106T were directional as I wished, and completely transformed the look of the car.

With the addition of some new Thule hardware on the roof and Vossen’s new State Bicycle collab (coming soon!!), the car pleased my eye and served all of the utility it could, even housing all of our camping gear for the Rolex 24 of Daytona, as captured on our way home by Greg Keysar (@keysarphoto) before the car got dirty!

After a long, dirty ride home from Rolex, it was time to give the GTI a bath, and I couldn’t help but capture it on film. I couldn’t be happier with the final outcome of my Mk7 on the Vossen Forged LC-106T, and can’t wait to see what happens next!

SOFTWARE ///// APR (@aprllc)
ROOF RACK ///// Thule (@thule)
SUSPENSION ///// H&R Coilovers (@hrspringslp)
VINYL WRAP ///// RODWRAPS (@rodwraps)
EURO LED WIRING HARNESS ///// Deutsche Auto Parts (@deutscheauto)
INTAKE/DOWNPIPE/EXHAUST ///// AWE Tuning (@awetuningofficial)

Words, Photos & Video: Sam Dobbins (@sdobbins_vossen) ///// Video Edit: Anthony De La Paz (@dela_vossen)

IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT

THE MORNING AFTER

The post Mk7 VW GTI on Vossen Forged LC-106T Wheels appeared first on Vossen Wheels.

What better way to break in a brand new car than with a bang, right? Wrong. When I bought the 2015 VW Golf GTI that you see here back in March of this year, the last thing I anticipated was spending the majority of the summer battling it out with insurance companies. You see, on one fateful day in the middle of May, the day before I planned to make the trek up to Helen, Georgia for Southern Worthersee, my plans of debuting my VW Golf GTI Mk7 on Vossen VLE-1 wheels came to a crashing halt—literally.

While stopped at an intersection waiting for the light to turn green, a Toyota Tacoma attempted to change the fate of my GTI by rear-ending me. Freshly wrapped in metallic brown by our friends at RODWRAPS and straight off the dyno just minutes earlier at USP Motorsports where we were checking APR Tuning’s Stage 1 tune numbers, and with a trunk full of intake and exhaust goodies from AWE Tuning, it all fell apart.

A quick fix en route, consisting of some plexi, rivets, silicon, and Vossen packing tape (and a bit of blood and sweat), kept us on-track and we made it all the way up to Helen for the event, despite the Tacoma’s best efforts! Little did I know, however, that I’d spend the next several months battling it out with insurance companies to get everything resolved, putting more miles on the car whilst wrecked than I did pre-wreck.

My good friend, Clay (DeCaudella’s Custom Paint and Body), worked his magic on the repair and with the addition of some Golf R LED tails from USP and a bit of metal work removing the rear badge, everything was back on the road—only 3 months later, ha!

For nearly a decade I’ve found myself immersed in the VW/Audi community, beginning with a handful of older watercooled VWs. From a Mk2 Jetta Coupe that I built a 16v for to my beloved Passat wagon, a car that I’ve driven through over 40 of the 50 states, I’ve always had a love for VW’s style and, more importantly, enthusiast community. So when the opportunity presented itself to purchase a new car for the first time in my life, it was a no brainer—then I drove the new Mk7 GTI, and it was really a no brainer.

Within days of taking delivery of the car, my H&R Coilovers (@hrspringslp) arrived, and with the help of Danny at Slammered, the GTI was dropped closer to the ground, over Vossen’s limited-edition VLE-1 wheels.

After being neighbors with AWE Tuning at Cult Classic (a VW show organized by Nothing Leaves Stock in Pennsylvania) for a couple years with my other company, More Than More, I knew AWE was the place to go for top-quality intake and exhaust components. I’ve never been a fan of loud exhaust systems, but I wanted to eventually take the car up to APR’s Stage 2 software, the kind gents at AWE Tuning suggested their S-FLO Carbon Intake along with their Performance downpipe and Touring Edition Exhaust. Keep an eye out in the coming months for a more comprehensive review of APR’s Stage 1 and Stage 2 software, along with AWE Tuning’s intake and exhaust systems.

It’s easy to get carried away with the performance of the new Mk7 GTI, especially because the exterior of the car isn’t in your face whilst driving. But outside the car lies my favorite part of this little build so far: the wrap. Since the moment I saw Toffee Brown on a Mk6 Jetta, I was in love. In fact, years ago, before I moved from Washington to the east coast, I hoped to wrap my Passat in this color, but the samples never arrived in time. And because Toffee Brown has never been offered on the Golf/GTI line, I figured there was no better thing to do than finally make my dream come true. Enrique and his team at RODWRAPS made it happen, doing such an exceptional job that nearly as many people asked about the “paint” on my car at SOWO as asked about the wreck!

I couldn’t be happier with the outcome of my GTI, despite the headache that the process has been. And while this summer has been tied up with the cosmetics of the car (thanks again, Clay and Decaudella’s!), I can’t wait to dig deeper and get the car on the track. But above all, I can’t thank the people that have helped along the way enough for the support, so please take a look at what they offer and stay tuned for a more comprehensive look into the various changes I’ve made to this Mk7 Golf GTI!

VINYL WRAP ///// RODWRAPS (@rodwraps)
SUSPENSION ///// H&R Coilovers (@hrspringslp)
SUSPENSION INSTALL ///// Slammered (@slammered)
SOFTWARE ///// APR (@aprllc)
INTAKE/DOWNPIPE/EXHAUST ///// AWE Tuning (@awetuningofficial)
DYNO ///// USP Motorsports (@uspmotorsports)
BODY & PAINT ///// DeCaudella’s (@decaudellas)

Words & Photos: Sam Dobbins (@sdobbins_vossen) ///// Video: Anthony De La Paz (@dela_vossen)
Rolling Photos: Jordan Krate (@jordan_vossen) ///// Music: Grant Eadie / Manatee Commune (@manateecommune)

The post VW Golf GTI Mk7 on Vossen VLE-1 appeared first on Vossen Wheels.