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

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With all the Camaros at the 2009 SEMA Show, the number of Japanese cars were few and the number of European cars almost non-existent. H&R Springs was one of the few booths with a strong Euro presence with this 2010 Golf TDI being one of our favorites. With a Volkswagen Accessories complete aero kit, it just looks too cool to be a diesel. And yet thats exactly what it is.

The car sits low on a set of H&R Ultra Performance Coilovers, while a set of sway bars help keep it planted in the corners. Also helping in the handling department are some wheel spacers, which make room for the big 20-inch OZ Superleggera HLT wheels.

Additional highlights include the Volkswagen Accessories aluminum pedals and TDI floor mats, Custom Race Tuner exhaust tips, as well as the stylish German flag graphics provided by Sticky Jewel Graphics.

GALLERY: H&R Springs Golf TDI

American VW tuner APR has worked out a deal with Volkswagen of Singapore, which will sell the Alabama-based company’s performance parts as official “Volkswagen Performance” parts, starting with a new 246hp version of the fifth-generation Golf called the GTI V50.

Volkswagen will even back-up the parts with a 3 year/100,000 km (62,000 mile) warranty.

APR contributes it’s Stage 1 ECU tuning system, as well as a performance exhaust and carbon fiber airbox to bump horsepower of the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine to 246hp and 282 ft-lbs of torque. This is enough to achieve a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds!

Also included in the V50 kit are a set of 18-inch Pirelli rims with 255/40/18 Pirelli P Zero rubber as well as a more powerful brake setup – the same found on the legendary R32.

The final Volkswagen Performance modification is a new aero kit.

The GTI V50 is available on in Singapore, however, the performance modifications are available world-wide through APR.

GALLERY: Volkswagen Golf GTI V50

[Source: GoAPR.com]

Full Golf GTI V50 specifications after the jump: