#gti

The 235-hp GTI Edition 35 can be ordered now, and the 440-hp all-drive VW Motorsport Golf24 will compete in this year’s 24-hour race at the Nürburgring (23 to 26 June).

OK we just wanted another excuse to mention Volkswagen‘s Golf R in a post. And even though this isn’t even a Golf R, it packs the same punch under the hood. JE Design has come up with a nice little package for the Volkswagen Golf GTI to up the horsepower to 270-hp while adding its own take with more aggressive styling.

Taking the stock 2.0-liter turbocharged motor, JE Design pushes out another 60-hp from 210-hp to 270-hp. Torque goes from roughly 205 ft-lbs to a little over 270 ft-lbs. The 0-60 mph time is now a tick shy of 6.4 seconds. This all stems from an ECU retune for close to $2,000 and even includes a one year warranty on the motor, turbocharger, gearbox and drivetrain. Warranty extensions are offered for vehicles under two years old with less than 62,000 miles (100,000 km) for only a little over $250.

And to help enhance the aesthetics, JE Design offers a front spoiler with a carbon fiber splitter ($445), side skirts ($380) and a rear diffuser ($320). In the grand scheme of things, that’s a very affordable body kit for a stylish vehicle. They also offer an exhaust system for close to $1,150.

For those wanting to round off the package, 1.4-inch lowering springs are available for around $200 and a set of 19×8-inch wheels with 225/35/19 tires round it off at $3,730.

The total package price is a small chunk of change, but still makes it more affordable to turn your Golf GTI into one with R power and unique looks.

GALLERY: JE Design Volkswagen GTI

Official press release available after the break:

Magazines have a way of glorifying stories in ways we cannot even imagine (trust us, we know). But this story of Jeremy Freedman’s 1997 Volkswagen GTI is surely worth a read. It relates to everyone of us speed addicts with trials, tribulations and a dedication to a family member. Even though most people outside car culture would never understand how setting a mph record is a tribute to a father that has passed away; we see that it’s one of the finest honors one can do.

In summary, Freedman started off with a 1992 Volkswagen GTI and drag racing was in his blood. Going fast, saving up for new parts was routine for Freedman along with his passion to compete. After his father passed away, Freedman used the money his father left behind to purchase the 1997 GTI you’re staring at now. After years of pushing it to the limits at the drag strip, Freedman set his eyes on a new goal – setting a mph record.

Fast forward several years later and Freedman has eclipsed the 200 mph mark in his 13 year old Volkswagen GTI at the Texas Mile. And even though it only runs 10’s at the quarter mile, Freedman is quick to justify how much more of a thrill it is racing the standing mile and silencing all the critics out there. Sure it’s not a Supra, or a Lamborghini. But we’ll be damned if we can’t pay respect to a VW GTI that’s gone over 200 mph!

Check out the video after the break.

[Source: EuroTuner]

GALLERY: 208 mph World’s Fastest GTI

Volkswagen is recalling 16,000 GTI hatchbacks built between September 2008 and August 2009 over a faulty sensor in the gearbox. The sensor could cause the transmission to think that the oil temperature is too high, causing an abrupt shift into neutral. Obviously, this sort of error could cause a crash, and Volkswagen is looking to rectify the problem.

Press release after the jump

[ Source: Volkswagen via NHTSA]