The action takes place in 1994. The goal is for Volkswagen to return to the World Rally Championship with the ambition to win the Monte Carlo Rally. The German company Schmidt Motorsport, based near the city of Fürth (Bavaria), is preparing a racing car for the Wolfsburg giant according to the requirements of the regulation. The secret Golf Plan from 1992 in Schmidt Motorsport received the designation A59 – from Auftragsnnummer 59 (“order number 59”). But Volkswagen does not allow this “order to appear” on the tracks.

An entirely new aluminum engine has been developed for the A59. It has a displacement of 2 liters, 4 valves per cylinder and electronically controlled fuel injection system. The “gentle” modification of the A59 develops a maximum power of 275 hp. at 6000 rpm and maximum torque of 367 Nm at 3500 rpm. All this is thanks to the KKK turbocharger. Schmidt does not reveal exactly how much power the racing machine had – but in any case, significantly higher than the “road” version. Currently, the moving prototype of the A59 can be seen in the VW Museum in Wolfsburg. Of course, there are enthusiasts who give their mk3 only the vision of the A59.

Anyone behind the wheel of the A59 should know what to do. The “runner” has a 6-speed transmission, 4×4 drive and three electronically controlled locks – the central, front and rear differential. They intelligently distribute traction between the four wheels. However, the 4-cylinder engine “pours” its power so spontaneously that inexperienced drivers will be unpleasantly surprised. And this is no accident: after all, the A59 is designed to accelerate as quickly as possible when exiting a corner and, in the event of a mistake, to move “with the doors forward”. Rally legend Walter Röhrl is involved in the development of the super-powerful Golf and personally participates in the tests of the Nurburgring’s car. On the tuning stage of Golf 3, the kits for A59 are in great demand.

7 minutes and 34 seconds: for anyone familiar with the Nürburgring, this achievement is truly impressive for a 30-year-old car.

With similar lap times, manufacturers such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes advertise modern high-power sports cars such as the RS Q8, M3 CS or AMG GT 63 S. The “oldtimer” is the pride of the British Nigel Pinder. According to the Nigel, seven minutes and 34 seconds are the best time he has achieved with the so-called “Pinderwagen” on the Ring – and because of the traffic on the track, the time could have been even better!

Nigel has made all the improvements to the car alone.

Naturally, Pinder’s Golf is far from a standard modification. The project is based on a fully standard Volkswagen Golf 2 CL without a sunroof. The engine comes from the Volkswagen Golf 3. It is a 2.0 16V with a “grafted” turbocharger Garrett, designed for the British Championship for touring cars. At a pressure of 0.6 bar, the engine develops 290 hp.

Serious modifications to the engine and suspension

As Pinder shifts gears, it can increase turbo pressure little by little and eventually reach 360 hp. If that’s not enough to overtake on the track, there’s a steering wheel button for Extra Boost. When Nigel pushes it, the turbo pressure rises to 1.6 bar – and so it already has 440 hp! 😮‍💨

In order to adequately transfer this power to the asphalt, the normal suspension has been replaced with a new one from KW. The Clubsport track set is designed for the track and not only brings the Golf closer to the ground, but also improves traction and stability.

However, this is not enough. The Volkswagen fan optimizes the carriers as the driving behavior begins to match his style. The brakes are AP Racing Pro 5000. The gearbox is from Volkswagen. You’re probably expecting a sequential transmission – but in reality, the Volkswagen Golf 4’s 6-speed transmission works here along with the differential.

Pinder-Golf with aerodynamic modifications

The Pinderwagen is homologated for the public road network and can be used to go to the nearby fruit and vegetable grocery store. The Briton made his Golf in a garage, improving his car constantly. In addition to power, aerodynamics are also “upgraded”. We can’t miss the splitter in front. It turns out to be so solid that you can step on it. You can see it in the “Porsche Eater” video by Nurburgring blogger Misha Sharuddin: