Lecture Notes: Review of the Volkswagen GTI 2010

Introduction

• Location: Adams Motorsports Park
• Presenter: Matt Farah
• Car Focus: 2010 Volkswagen GTI, most requested car for review in 2010

Car Details

• Engine:

  • 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
  • 210 horsepower, 207 lb-ft of torque
  • Power directed to front wheels with an electronic differential

• Transmission:

  • Optional dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters
  • Quick shift times (0.1 seconds) and satisfying engine sound

Comparison with Competitors

• Competing cars: Subaru WRX, Lancer Ralliart, Mazda Speed 3, John Cooper Works Mini
• GTI offers more luxury feel with high-quality interior materials
• Price Consideration:
  • Base model starts at $23,500
  • Test model (Dan's car) priced at $31,500

Luxury and Design Aspects

• Interior:

  • High-quality seats, comparable to Recaros
  • Leather and soft rubber materials
  • Spacious and functional trunk with thoughtful storage solutions

• Exterior:

  • Redesigned front fascia with a horizontal grille
  • Quad headlamp design similar to the first-gen GTI

Practical Concerns

• Navigation System:

  • Slow in finding points of interest

• E-Diff System:

  • Uses anti-lock braking, leading to fast brake pad wear

Driving Experience

• Not lightweight (3,100 lbs with DSG) but feels light
• Enjoyable engine revving and sound
• Elegant storage solutions, e.g., door pocket bottle holders and trunk cargo net

Track Performance

• Participated in $25 time attack event
• Comparison with Mazda Speed 3:
  • GTI lap time: 50.6 seconds
  • Mazda Speed 3 lap time: 50.8 seconds
• Dan's session affected by track conditions

Conclusion

• Pros:

  • Fun and luxury as a road car
  • Better performance and feel compared to similar priced competitors

• Cons:

  • Navigation system inefficiency
  • Potential frequent brake pad replacement due to e-diff

Additional Event

• Announcement of participation in 2010 Bull Run Live Rally (New York to Las Vegas) with Shelby GT500 Convertible

• Opportunity for audience engagement through Black Magic Shine's design contest

• Call to Action:

  • Design a racing livery to win a trip to the kickoff party

Closing Remarks

• Closing thoughts on the day and the review
• Encouragement to watch upcoming videos