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 To create sufficient wheel clearance for the 19×11 Vossen Forged VPS-317 wheels that we originally made for the car, a lot of open wounds were made, some opening up to the cabin of the car, and it was of paramount importance to me that those openings be properly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.

The introduction of the Vossen Forged 3-piece Program is right at home on any widebody or fender-flared car, and at this point in aftermarket automotive history there’s no flares or widebody more noteworthy than that of RWB. Akira Nakai, the modest and insanely-hardworking craftsman behind each and every RWB Porsche in existence, ensures his quality by controlling nearly all the variables, all the way down to installation. Circling the globe several times a year, Nakai visits garages, homes and events installing his kit on any variety of 964 or 993 Porsche 911, but only now, due to Vossen’s introduction to the forged 3-piece wheel market, have we been able to take part in Nakai’s vision.

Our premier Pacific Northwest dealer, 503 Motoring (@503motoring), led by Tim Walbridge (@503tim), was first in line for a set of Vossen Forged 3-piece wheels, as he was anticipating Nakai’s visit to transform his Porsche 993 Targa. The wheel of choice for this Sazuka Grey creation? The Vossen Forged ERA-3, measuring 18×10.5 in the front and 18×13 in the rear. Wrapped in Nitto Tires (@nittotire), the wheels are manufactured in Vossen’s Miami-based forged wheel factory and finished in a Stealth Grey/Space Grey combo with chrome ARP hardware, and perfect match to the fresh Sazuka Grey paint on the 993.

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

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ABT Sportsline, a longstanding VW and Audi tuning firm from Kempten, Germany, has teamed up with Vossen to produce a limited-edition Audi Q7 program for the European and Stateside markets.

Fitted with a vast ensemble of aerodynamic components, most notably the wider fender flares and aggressive front facia, the Vossen x ABT Audi Q7 Widebody is a limited edition luxury SUV, produced in a limited run of 10 for each region. Carbon trim details accent the widened body and a larger rear wing and new rear bumper and exhaust treatment make the Q7 stand apart.

Inside the Vossen x ABT Audi Q7 widebody is a totally unique experience, from custom-trimmed alcantara branding on the front seatbacks to the “1 of 10” badges on dash and door sills. Carbon fiber panels replace nearly everything the eye can see, from seat bases to dash trim, continuing the carbon flow from the exterior aesthetics.

The Vossen Forged AVX wheel is a split five spoke pattern, designed and engineered specifically for the Audi Q7 and ABT’s widebody Audi Q7 aero kit. Measuring 22×11, the AVX forged wheel is exclusively finished in Stealth Grey for the complete Q7 packages (1 of 10). The AVX forged wheel will also be openly available to all Audi Q7 owners, regardless of ABT aero components on the car, however Stealth Grey will be exclusive to the 1 of 10 cars.

Complemented by ABT’s Level Control module, that utilizes the OEM Audi air suspension components but expands adjustment to a lowest setting of -0.8″ lower than stock, the AVX wheel is a perfect style and fit for the new Audi Q7.

Please visit www.abt-america.com for more info about the 1 of 10 Vossen x ABT Audi Q7 Widebody offering.

The post Vossen x ABT Audi Q7 Widebody on Vossen Forged Wheels appeared first on Vossen Wheels.

I’ve gotten to know Danny a bit since my move to Miami a few years ago. Immediately it was clearly apparent how well respected he is down here. As the owner of “Slammered INC” (@slammered on IG) he’s created some truly amazing builds.  From the east coast to the west, Danny has a list of various award winning completed projects. In addition his built Infiniti G35 is one of the most well known in the community!

Slammered‘s G35 has a few obvious features its modified. I think the biggest one is the Porsche “Signal Green” paint. It wasn’t as easy as just buying paint and just spraying but Danny is one hell of a problem solver when it comes to modifying cars!

Note all the wide fenders front and rear. Fabricated by Danny himself, they completely alter the stance of this Accuair bagged G35. Everything fits absolutely perfect and the paint matches like it was OEM!

The all new Vossen x Work wheels were custom built to Danny’s specifications. With an Anodized Bronze Lip with a Matte Gunmetal Center they contrast with the Signal Green paint.

Fitment is on the money and the overall look is spectacular. Sizes are 20×10 in the front and 20×12 in the rear with negative offsets.

Under the hood you have a custom engine setup with upgraded turbos. Danny’s G35 now makes around 670hp! Note how clean the engine bay is!

Inside no stone was left unturned as he completely gutted out the interior to make it as light as possible A full rollcage with Bride Seats hint greatly at the intent of this G35.

Out back a custom APR Carbon Fiber wing was added to help with downforce. It also looks quite the part on this widebody G35! It was great to be able to spend some time learning more about Danny, his shop Slammered and his G35. The “Green Goblin” was one of my favorite vehicles to feature in 2016!

Modification List

2004 Infiniti G35 coupe

“GreenGoblin”

Wheels:

20″ Vossen vws-1 20×10 / 20×12

Susupension:

Accuair elevel

Bc Er shocks

Uas bags

Custom trunk with hardlines and three tanks

Body:

Modifed Apr Widebody

Matt Hotch gas cap

Apr wing 

Chargspeed lip

Carbon splitter

Interior:

8pt cage gusset to body

Bride seats

Personal Steering wheel

Motor:

Built motor

Modified Greddy twin turbo

Cosworth intake manifold

Dual intercooler

3″ downpipes / Custom ss exhaust

Haltech Standalone

The post Slammered’s “Green Goblin” Widebody Turbo G35 appeared first on Vossen Wheels.

As the resident VW guy here at Vossen, nothing has excited me more than the opportunity to shepherd Vossen into the sect of the automotive aftermarket that I hold most dearly. Now don’t get me wrong, I love all cars and everything that I have the pleasure of working on, photographing, and documenting for Vossen keeps my blood flowing, but when I first caught word that our friends at Hamana Japan had purchased a VW Golf R of the latest Mk7 variety (so similar to my own GTI) as one of their next project cars, I could hardly contain myself. In all its glory, this is the Hamana Japan VW Mk7 Golf R on Vossen Forged LC-105T wheels.

Following suit with the rest of Hamana’s 2016 fleet, wearing white paint and a transparent powder coat on the wheels, the Mk7 Golf R is now around four inches wider up front and five in the rear. Although flaring arches is nothing groundbreaking in the VW community, it’s never on a car with next to no miles on the clocks, which makes Hamana’s Golf R that much more special.

A little more obvious than their Mercedes-AMG GT S, Hamana’s Golf R’s new hips still suit the car wonderfully, enveloping the new Vossen Forged LC Series wheels handsomely. Executed with such precision that the VW factories might even be a little bit envious of, Hamana’s widening of the Mk7 isn’t limited to just the arches, it extends through the front and rear bumpers as well.

Named “LC” Series to pay homage to their roots as a “lip concept” line, the LC-105T forged wheels shown here measure 20×9.5″ up front and 20×11″ in the rear. Manufactured in our Miami-based, TUV Verified forged wheel factory, these wheels are fully polished with a gloss clear powder coat, sealing in and protecting the polishing from the damage and destruction it would see if left raw.

Behind the LCs hide upgraded brakes, part of an array of tuning goods provided by Racingline Performance. An intake, exhaust system, and tune round out the performance modifications, making this Golf R a true complete package, uniquely styled and supremely executed.

Words & Photos: Sam Dobbins (@sdobbins_vossen) ///// Video: Anthony Delapaz (@dela_vossen)

The post Hamana Japan VW Mk7 Golf R on Vossen Forged LC-105T Wheels appeared first on Vossen Wheels.

PRIOR-DESIGN contines a product onslaught of amazing bodykits and wide body kits for someone to add a more personal statement to their car. Their latest wide-body kit was this Mercedes-Benz AMG GT-S which debuted at SEMA, and the team at Vossen fell in love when we first saw it.

The graceful lines of the GT-S now had a much more aggressive and purposeful look without subtracting from the car. We now are toying with adding this kit to the Vossen AMG GT-S (you can read more about our car here and here)!

Personally, I find the AMG GT-S one of the best driving cars on the planet today (you can read my review here) with styling paying homage to the SLS and Gullwing. Did I mention the interior is out of this world?

Made right here in our TUV Verified Vossen Forged Factory in Miami, the VPS-307 wheels that are fully polished with a light clear coat complete the look.

Wide, fast and low with a sick set of Vossen Forged Wheels. One of our favorite cars has gotten even more amazing courtesy of our friends at PRIOR-DESIGN!

Words: Mike Forsythe (@mike_vossen) ///// Photos:  PRIOR-DESIGN

Click here for Hi-Rez Photos

The post Widebody AMG GTS by PRIOR-DESIGN on Vossen Forged appeared first on Vossen Wheels.

When we first arrived, the A180 was parked up in the front of the Hamana’s main building, poking it’s nose out as cars passed in the background. We worked our way around the facilities, and eventually produced our first Dealer Spotlight Feature, showcasing the awesome work that Hamana does. To find that feature, click here.

When we finished up with the filming of the Dealer Spotlight, we walked outside and saw the A180 freshly cleaned, in the detailing bay of the lot, just waiting to be photographed. I initially thought it was too dark out, but the light inside the detailing bay made for a really great, quick shoot, and we hammered it out before embarking on our journey back to the hotel.

It wasn’t until we returned home, though, that I started working my way through the photoshoots we had done, and I realized just how much I loved the look of this one in black & white. And while it’s not traditionally what I would expect to see of a wheel company, I thought it was a nice change of pace to our typical style. So here it is, a mini shoot of the Hamana Mercedes A180 Widebody on Vossen VFS-2 in black & white!

Words / Photos: Sam Dobbins (@sdobbins_vossen)

The post Hamana Mercedes A180 Widebody on Vossen VFS-2 appeared first on Vossen Wheels.

Hamana really knows how to bring their A-game. When I first caught a glimpse of their RS6 at Tokyo Auto Salon I knew they would be one to watch out for, but I really didn’t expect to find such an amazing collection of cars and craftsmanship. While the RS6 was somewhat conservative in the modification department (and rightly so, considering it’s a brand new, highly-coveted car), our Japanese ambassador, Yuki (of Mondera Japan) told us stories of their other builds.

We caught a quick peek of the Mercedes at the Mondera Japan Owners Meet, with Mt. Fuji glowing red in background, and the anticipation grew even stronger to see where the widebody Hamana magic happens.

As soon as we walked in we were bombarded with white Mercedes. From the A45 AMG parked out front on silver VFS2s to the CLA on darkened CVTs (and VLE-1s, note the swap mid-shoot!), it was Mercedes everywhere. All the while the new C-Class was getting the full widebody treatment as well, which will result in an unbeatable trio of white, widebody, Mercedes’ all on dark Vossen wheels—it really can’t get any better!

Hiding in one of the corners we also found an old Skyline, making a perfect contrast of new-to-old and JDM-to-German in one atmospheric scene—but more impressively demonstrating just how much is going on at each of the three Hamana factories on any given day.

After spending some time mesmerized by the skills that the Hamana team employs with each widebody Mercedes build, we made our way around to the other factories to see the happenings elsewhere.

We hoped to catch a sight of Hamana’s famous Audi R8 somewhere along our journey, and just so happened to stumble upon the initial test fit of the new Vossen Forged: Precision Series wheels. Changing it up from the original VPS-304, the Audi R8 will now be sporting the split five-spoke VPS-302. The only question left is what color..

Stay tuned to find out what color Hamana decided to have Mondera finish their new Vossen Forged wheels, and in the meantime take a look at the behind-the-scenes video by clicking here!

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